JOAN’S BLOG – WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY – DECEMBER 5/6, 2007 – WHEN YOUR AD SPOUSE’S PHYSICAL PROBLEMS SEND THEM TO THE HOSPITAL
I am about to enter unchartered territory today – leaving Sid in the hospital overnight. He needs a heart catheterization, which is usually a day procedure, but because of his diabetes, he needs to go in the day before to be monitored.

Although just about every person he has told about this procedure has said, “I’ve had one of those! It’s no big deal!”, he is still understandably nervous. When he is upset or nervous, he becomes more confused and forgetful than usual. So, I really have no idea what to expect.

Ordinarily when someone with Alzheimer’s Disease is admitted to the hospital, it is obvious to the staff that this person needs special help in understanding what is happening to them and why. The staff would not think of asking them to explain their medical condition or medications. However, in my husband’s case, because he does not always outwardly exhibit obvious Alzheimer signs, I am concerned that when I go home for the evening, they will consider any answers he gives them to their questions to be accurate.

Being the organized planner that I am, I have a list of all of his medications, doses, and what time of day they are to be taken. Considering the doctor’s office mixed up some of the meds.  and times when I spoke to them today, I am not taking any chances.

Oh, I neglected to mention that I am going to a Caregiver Conference today. I was supposed to go all day, but I will leave at noon, come home to pick up Sid, bring him to the hospital, and come home myself sometime later tonight. And back to the hospital early tomorrow morning. This explains why today’s blog is dated for two days. Hopefully, you will hear from me again on Friday with information from the conference and more holiday tips.

So here we go. Wish us luck.

In the meantime, keep writing on the boards – I’ll check in when I am able.

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