My stepson came up today and we planned to take M. out for lunch. Unfortunately, when I phoned Alice Court at 9 a.m. M. had just had a fall. His blood pressure had fallen again and it was not advisable to take him out.
Stepson came up anyway and we visited M. He thought he had a blood transfusion this morning and was most upset that I hadn't phoned him. As usual he thought I hadn't visited for months and we had all the usual stories of my affairs and overspending.
We stayed for about an hour and then went to the Town Basin for some lunch. It was a nice sunny day although the wind was quite chilly. Tomorrow the Parkinson group is going for a walk at Onerahi Airport so I hope the rain holds off.
You've obviously had a difficult week, Susan, so I'm glad you managed to go out for lunch today. I do hope you can go on the walk tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThe intense paranoia must be troubling, so I hope it eases with time, and soon if possible. My m-in-law has vascular dementia, not Alzheimers, and she isn't so prone to flinging out accusations at her nearest and dearest, but she has been very "privacy-conscious" when having a visit in the public areas ("speak up, she can't hear you over there" etc), however when we suggest going to her room to be alone she can't be bothered...LOL! Lose/lose situation.
DeleteHang on in there. It's early days. It will get better, and you will be able to use more of your free time to fulfil your own needs once a pattern has been established. How often do you visit, might I ask? Sometines it's kinder and less disruptive if it's less frequent...counter-intuitive, I know, but there we are.
Although the initial diagnosis was dementia, most likely Alzheimers, the latest is most likely Lewy Body Dementia. Apparently, this incorporates dementia with hallucinations, Parkinson's symptoms and varying quite quickly between symptoms.
DeleteI usually visit twice a week and he thinks it has been several months. (I am having trouble as my typing is not showing up as I type)
Lewy Body? Oh poor man, and poor you, and yes the sddition of hallucinations and rapid changes in mood and symptoms must be very taxing and distressing for all concerned. It is all the more understandable that you couldn't any longer cope, and needed your husband to be in residential care. You have made the right decision on so many levels, certainly not least your own health and wellbeing.
DeleteYes, I know in my heart that I have made the right decision but it doesn't make it any easier. I am very lucky in that four of us who went to the seminar run by Alzheimer's a couple of years ago have kept in touch and are a great source of support.
DeleteWe all say that when we heard about what would happen in the future we thought that was a long way off. Two of us have husbands in full time care, one put her husband into a weekend respite and he had a heart attack and died (just a year ago) and only one has her husband still at home.
Sue, I hope the rain holds off for tomorrow and you're able to enjoy your walk.
ReplyDeleteIt must be tough for you. Hang in there! I hope your walk works out, it's just dawned a lovely (but cold and frosty) morning here in Hawkes Bay. Perfect walking weather.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, Weather looks hopeful this morning - off for my walk shortly.
ReplyDelete