JOAN’S BLOG – MON/TUE, NOVEMBER 15/16, 2010 – IT’S ALWAYS SOMETHING

I had planned a different blog for today, but “stuff happens”, and this morning’s “stuff” is taking precedent over any plans made. The first thought that came into my mind this morning, after hearing the results of Sid’s MRI was -It’s always something. It never ends. He now has a fractured left knee . This comes after it took 4 months for his broken right foot to heel. He has been complaining of knee pain since he got back to walking without a walker and “boot”. Through a month of physical therapy to strengthen his legs, following the inactivity from the broken foot, he complained of knee pain, which the PT’s and doctor attributed to inactivity and arthritis.

Today’s MRI debunked those theories. I do not know which is failing faster – his brain from Alzheimer’s Disease or his body from diabetes. His brain has recently taken a steep dip, but his body seems to be deteriorating just as quickly.

Six years ago, my husband was walking in regular shoes and sneakers. He could walk the outdoor track faster than me  ( His legs are much longer than mine); he was lifting heavy suitcases, and walking the length of the airport terminal. He was working, standing on his feet for 12 -14 hours a day, as he had for 35 years. With every foot/leg/knee problem that occurred, he lost a bit of mobility and agility that he never recovered, to where we are now. He is in custom made diabetic shoes, and even when the bones are not broken, cannot walk more than a few yards without pain.

I knew, with this most recent foot break, that he was not going to return to his previous mobility, no matter how limited that was. I never told him any such thing, as I did not want to discourage him. Now, with the knee fracture, I doubt that he will ever walk unaided again. I have no intention of voicing that opinion to him either. It will devastate him.

We have an appointment with the orthopedic tomorrow morning. I am wondering what contraption Sid will be forced to wear for another interminable number of months. Waiting on him hand and foot (no pun intended) wore me to a frazzle. He was just returning to getting his own drinks and whatever else he needed in the kitchen. I may have to look into an electric wheelchair this time. If he is going to be disabled, he is going to have to learn to be somewhat independent.

Although if his brain function declines again during his knee convalescence, I wonder if an electric wheelchair is a good idea. At least if he cannot walk, he cannot wander, if he gets to that point in his AD.

He still has enough brain power to understand the extent of his physical disability, and it is extremely depressing for him. I feel sad and helpless. The one thing I can do is to make sure he is able enjoy life to the extent of his capabilies. No matter what, we WILL take that planned vacation in Orlando in January. Between wheelchairs and electric carts, he should not miss much.

Feedback to joan@thealzheimerspouse.com
©Copyright 2010 Joan Gershman 
The Alzheimer Spouse LLC
2010 All Rights Reserved
Under penalty of copyright laws, this information cannot be copied or posted on any website, media, or print outlet, without referencing the author and website from which it was taken.

The material included on this website contains general information intended as information only. This site is not intended to provide personal, professional, medical, or psychological advice, and should not be relied upon to govern behavior in any certain or particular circumstances. The opinions in the blogs are solely those of the owner of the website. The opinions on the message boards are not necessarily endorsed by the owner of this website, and are the opinions of those persons writing the messages. All material on this web site is for demonstration and informational purposes only.           

The Alzheimer Spouse LLC 2010 All Rights Reserved