Alcoholism with limited mobility

[cracker_23]

Hello, I posted this question on the Back and Spine forum, but thought I would post it here to see if anyone has any thoughts.  Thanks so much...

Hello,

I'm trying to find some help for my 66 year old father whose health is degrading rapidly.  Here are his issues that I was able to collect.  He is very tired and seems to be ready to give up.  Any guidance would be appreciated.

- he has spinal stenosis.
- has major fluid retention in legs and feet.  
- no feeling in lower portions of feet (seems to be nerve issue and not circulation related)
- morbidly obese (6 feet tall and 350 lbs)
- extremely limited mobility.
- depressed, has had thoughts of suicide
- major alcoholic...drinks approx 12-15 drinks per day - been like this for 15 years.
- eats minimally
- double knee replacement ten years ago.
- all other internal functions seem to be normal per blood tests.
- has arthritis bad, especially in back
- bleeding ulcer 2 years ago that required hospitalization, also caused him to stop taking any kind
of anti-inflammatory med for arthritis.  here is a list of meds:

lasix 40mg   twice dialy
enalapril 20mg  twice daily
metoprolol 50mg xl twice daily
pantoprazole 40mg once daily
allopurinol 100mg  once daily
caduet 5/10   once daily

he takes acetaminophen for pain, almost around the clock
he doesn't like narcotic pain meds as he says they cause strange nightmares
he has tried tramadol for pain, made him vomit
tried gabapentin for nerve pain, up to 800mg three times daily with little or no pain relief

He has so many issues that my family is not even sure where to begin.  Should we have him checked into rehab for his alcoholism and then see if that improves his outlook?  Would a facility take him with his mobility issues?

Should he be checked into a physical rehab facility to try to lose weight and gain more mobility?  With his drinking, I doubt this would be feasible.  I feel if he was able to lose weight that many of his problems would decrease in severity.  

Thanks for any guidance.

[ImDONENoMore]

I also should have mentioned that you might want to try posting this on the alcoholism forum as well as they may have more insight to offer you there.  Just an idea! :)

[ImDONENoMore]

I reread your post (I'm sorry about my confusion) - obviously he's seen a Dr. to be on all those meds.  Therefore, I think that Dr. should be the one to lead him in the right direction.  He does need to stop drinking so that definitely needs to be addressed and as soon as possible.  Is the Dr. aware of his drinking?

[ImDONENoMore]

I commend you for coming here to help your father.  He's very lucky to have you.

Has he been checked for diabetes?  Some of those symptoms made me think this so not sure if he's been tested yet or not?

I strongly think in this case he needs to see a Dr. and soon.  You can start out with a general internal medicine Dr. who can lead him in the right direction.  I agree his drinking must stop, but with all of his health issues, I think it's a bit more complicated than just rehab.

But has he seen a Dr. yet?  I think you need to start there.  And again, I think it's so great that you want to help him.  The best of luck to you.