Dark circles under Dad's eyes. Aides said this is also known as the "death mask." What should I do?

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tigerdaughter1 Asked July 2015

Dark circles under Dad's eyes. Aides said this is also known as the "death mask." What should I do?

I Skyped with Dad yesterday and saw how dark the circles were under his eyes and understood, what the Aides were trying to explain to me. I had him go to the doctor and the doc said that for 95, he was in the top 1% of people with regards to health. Dad does have an open head wound, which even the surgeon said not to close with an operation (I agree) as that could still not close the wound (opened due to old radiation from skin cancer - tests cancer free).
The wound is infected and he's now being treated with antibiotics - he does get it dressed every other day, and visits a wound care center every other week.

I've read that the infection may cause dark circles under the eyes, but after one week of antibiotics the circles have not dissipated. Any thoughts or suggestions?

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score 0 · Answer 1

Nobody knows when their time will come, so leave it up to the Good Lord and don't listen to silly comments unless he is truly feeling ill, and then act accordingly. My experience with seeing both my parents die, is that they get very cold from their extremities inward, and very pale as their organs are shutting down, then their hearts slowly start slowing and skipping until they just stop. But of course at 90+ every day is a gift, so God bless him, and may he enjoy each and every day!

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score 0 · Answer 2

Yeah, your dad sounds like he's in great condition for his age. My mom is also 95 and every time she showers and sees herself in the mirror, she says she looks like a skeleton. But she's doing well and living on her own (with a lot of help from me). So like Veronica said, enjoy your time with him and ignore the comments from his "old wives tales" caregivers.

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score 0 · Answer 3

Thanks so much! The label scared the living daylights out of me! Being a long distance is tough and your comments helped a great deal. Thank you. :)

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score 4 · Answer 4

Tigerdaughter aides are minimally trained medically and when they have been at this work for a long time often get some funny ideas into their heads which they readily pass along. It sounds from the Dr's visit that Dad is in excellent health for his age and his wound is being properly cared for. I have never heard of the "death mask" althought there anre many other signs of approaching death of which from your posting he has non and can still get out and about with help and is co-operative with his care givers. He is 95 which is a wonderful age but like the rest of us could pass away at any time. So enjoy the time you have left with hims and don't worry about what amounts to an old wives tale.

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score 0 · Answer 5

I did explain the dark circles to the Doctor. I also faxed and send with a family friend, who went with him to the Doctor, a long note with a full description of what I and the Aides were concerned about.

Doc said he was in excellent health. He does not take any meds (other than antibiotic for infection) a baby aspirin/daily and some multi vitamins.

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score 0 · Answer 6

Did you ask the doctor specifically sbout the dark circles? Perhaps you should call the doctor and see what s/he has to say. Then you can explain it to the aides.

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Dark circles under Dad's eyes. Aides said this is also known as the "death mask." What should I do?

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