Talking sense to my dad II

[gregpall603]

My dad (70) has significant wastage in his muscles (calfs, quads) and now increased trouble walking. Massive stomach, no history of ever training/exercise. Neck/arthritis issues from a box falling on his head in adolescence.

Doctors are trying to figure out if there’s an underlying problem re: wastage and doing a number of brain/neurological tests (incl. tests for ALS and Parkinson’s). They’ve been at this for months, meanwhile the walking is getting worse. And he didn’t do PT, which the doctors requested.

Finally this old, stubborn bull capitulated and joined my gym. That’s because he still loves his job and sees the writing on the wall with no walking. He agreed to train with me (or let me train him) 3x/week. We arbitrarily picked 24 sessions to complete then see how things are.

I have him doing leg press for now, which he likes, to give him leg movement below parallel. Maybe we can eventually get to real squat, IDK. So far he’s going, which is what matters most. And not making excuses or cutting out/quitting lifts. The walking speed looks to be getting better but still a long way to go. Maybe September/October.

Any suggestions would be helpful. If he makes good progress I’ll post before and after.

[Mark Rippetoe]

2x/week is better for him now.

[gregpall603]

2x/week is better for him now.

Thanks. Generally, can muscle mass return from serious wastage? Assuming no serious underlying condition.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Some of it, yes, but not all.

[docoftheworld]

My father, who is 69, has started training but refuses to follow a high-protein diet (just eats whatever my mother makes). He is not obese (thank goodness). His sleep is also disrupted. Despite trying melatonin and changing his mattress, he continues to wake up in the middle of the night and cannot get prolonged sleep. Though he remains committed to his training, he is quite deconditioned. I suppose it's better than nothing. We are all facing similar challenges.

[Kasper]

You’re a good son.

[eddieoak]

My dad passed at around that age, and I (along with his other 5 kids) were frustrated at every step of the way, wanting to fix things.

Doing anything of value with him (which yer doing) sounds pretty awesome. I recommend taking it easy and enjoying the time. Remember that you can hang with him 3+ times a week - but you don’t need to move the needle every session in terms of training…

Good luck.

[Jason Donaldson]

My dad passed at around that age, and I (along with his other 5 kids) were frustrated at every step of the way, wanting to fix things.

This is why it's so encouraging for me to hear stories like from Martin Sheffield in his thread about his mom (not to mention testimonial videos/posts here), where someone has someone dear to them who responds positively and reaps the benefits.

Seeing more and more loved ones go down that road as time goes on, it's increasingly moving hearing of someone who's actually saved from that ruin.

Keep up the good work, Greg, Doc, Martin, and everyone else in a position to do so - not only for them, but for those who are watching.

[gregpall603]

Hey Rip,

Little update here: the diagnosis is ALS. My dad has had it for 4-5 years apparently (shockingly). Pretty bummed about it but no sense in getting emotional and freaking out. Accordind to doctor it’s slow progressing.

We were doing leg press at gym and he responded well 2-3 days later, but immediately after would get wobbly legs. I walked him to car and followed him home. If we have to keep doing that, fine, but he’s worried that the wobble = some kinda irreversible issue (which seems more like fatigue).

Is there an immune response we should worry about or keep training best we can? Any advice would be helpful.

Thank you

[Mark Rippetoe]

I can't advise you on this, because his response has more to do with his mindset than ours. Give him the opportunity, and the support. If he finds value, he'll benefit. I hope he does.

Don't let him get too hot.