Thank you Charlotte, that was very thoughtful of you. (To tell you the truth I had decided not to mention it -- who needs 68?)
Now aren't you up awfully early -- or late?
Yes I'm expecting son and two baby daughters and I got up early (DH is still sawing them off) because I realized that the "big girl" will want to explore in the yard and try out all the paths, and lots of them need trimming. She thinks it's very exciting to go into my "deep dark woods" (not so very deep or dark but she's only two) so I had to make sure there were no brambles or stinging nettles sticking out across those paths. Her dad spends most of his time here capturing spiders and examining them through the lens of his camera. (We seem to have different spiders from at his house an hour's drive away. maybe because we have different trees and plants. Wierd hobby.).
Another anniversary -- I see that I have been on here for a year. It's amazing to me that it's been ONLY a year. Can't imagine how I coped before.
Good Morning, I have been up since 5.00am aaaaaaaargh! Of course DH is still asleep and I won't be waking him up to go to church. I don't think he can follow the service anymore so it is better if he sleeps until he is ready to get up. Tomorrow I will be taking some things from my sewing room to the Salvation Army store. I don't know where all this stuff came from. VBG. Then I will be going to furniture stores to check on bedroom sets. I am hoping to find something I like because from what I have seen in the newspaper ads it won't be easy. I don't like the platform beds and I sure don't like the dark colours. I may have to settle for less! I hope everyone has a good day even with the full moon.
I'm sure up too early but nice to see typing from others. I'm 68..its not too bad IF one doesn't mind crepe. Dadgummit whats goin on with all that skin? How much water does one need to drink? I mean where is that skin coming from anyway? Enough of that.. today is the last day of my 'vacation'. AKA 'respite', in current terms. Our daughter came and spent the week with DH while I made arrangements and did some shopping in preparation for his move to the assisted living place. So I'm up too early..woke up at 3..that dreadful hour..with head swirling of things I didn't get done and won't have another opportunity..and the dread of going back. Which is awful to say but its said. In a few hours I'll be back into the routine.
Judy, I hope the move for your husband goes smoothly and he adjusts well and fast. My DH is not close to being placed but I imagine that will be coming up sometime. I keep thinking of things I have to do before we move to the townhome and don't know if I will get it all done! Hang in there I am sure we will make it, we've come this far so we can go a little further.
Thanks Jean21..I keep thinking we aren't 'that close' either..and that its probably 'not time'..After being away for a few days..its easy to think that way but even if I'm second guessing myself, we have three out of four childen who are insisting that indeed it is time. The fourth is just wishing with all his might that his dad could stay at home and be the dad he's always known. I think he understands with his head whats going on but has hoped to have nothing really CHANGE all that much. We'll be moving about 45 or 50 minutes away from home. I'll find an apt. near the assisted living place and the children can visit when time permits. This is a life changing time.. You are so right we'll hang in there and we'll make it. Just look at the champions who are marching along here ahead of us!!!
Jeanette, happy birthday. You're a mere child. I'm almost 75 and it still shocks me when someone sees me as old (as in, here, let me do that for you dear, from various service people)
I'm always shocked -- but grateful -- when younger people offer us their seats in the metro. It's happening more often nowadays. Especially on the way home, I think we must look really tired!
Had a lovely but tiring day with lots of company, and son & family staying for spaghetti dinner. It was in the low 80s, hottest day we have here but fortunately lots of shade in the garden. The two-year old chattered away to everyone all day long and was the life of the party. She looked like a little angel in a new white dress and her long blond hair. She and Opa spent almost an hour watering all our big potted plants outside with a small (indoor) waterer. They were happily puttering and nobody minded the splashing. Then she got Opa to fish our plastic alligator head out of the pond so we could wash it. I gave her a bowl of sudsy water and she took to the alligator -- repeatedly assuring Opa that is was not a real one, only plastic -- with a dishwashing brush while Opa looked on and offered his comments. No problems with Opa and the kids today, thank heavens.
In the middle of it DH retired to the bedroom and sat at my vanity reading a magazine for a long time. I couldn't figure out whether he was scared of the company (his brothers and their wives and DH & family) or just needed some quiet time so I let him sit and checked on him regularly, brought him a drink. WHen I told him I was serving some snacks that he liked he finally came out.
Very hot and humid here in southwest PA. Didn't do too much. Went to nursing home at lunch time and fed Charlie. Stopped at Family Dollar on the way home and saw the son of neighbors of ours from many years ago. Hadn't seen him in about 10 years. He said "you havn't aged a bit." I said "You have, you eye sight is aready gone."
Oh what a crazy day! Got up, had our coffee in bed as usual. We usually go to breakfast at Bob Evans with a small group from church each Sunday. Well, DH said he was "queasy" and didn't want to go, but for me to go ahead. I usually won't do that, but I decided I would, so I did. He fixed his cereal and was eating when I left. Got back home and he asked me if I wanted to go to Bob Evans for breakfast! I asked how his tummy felt and he said fine. Told him I had just been to B.E for breakfast. He asked why he didn't get to go! It's like ' who's on first'.......Round and round! I finally diverted him and he started playing on his computer. At noon, he put his computer away and came and got me and said he was ready to go to B.E. for breakfast..... I won't relay the rest of day but it didn't get any better. I think I'm calling the Dr. tomorrow and take him off the Exelon patch..it's been like this ever since he went on it.
Otherwise,it's been hot and humid, but we did get a little rain-storm this afternoon. Hope you all will have PEACEFUL week - and me too!
Will be taking Eric to the new Care Facility this morning. Have tried to prepare him for it, but have had to settle for, "We're going over in the morning to Louis Brier Hospital [and it is] to have them check out your wounds. It's been two weeks now, and they're not healing." Once we're in there, I'll have to say something like, "They want you to stay for a few days, while they heal." I think that once he's in and settled, that in a couple of weeks he won't remember the former place. I'm taking a friend that he gets along with well; she's Newfie and the two of them kid back and forth (or have). They share the same kind of humour.
good luck mary on the move! dont despair sooner rather than later the old place will be forgotten with good riddance! haha. lets hope this new place will give you the care you are deserving. divvi
Mary - good luck with the move. It always surprised me how well my husband adjusted to new places and changes. I had read horror stories about how some of them reacted to changes and even heard a few. He always adjusted a lot faster than I did. Of course, my job as advocate was to make him a person to those dealing with him in all the places he has been (3 facilities and a couple of hospital stays). As I was always the shyer of the two of us, this has been real work for me.
It has definitely been the 3 H's this weekend (Hazy, Hot, Humid). In spite of that, I planted 8 sun flowers and 12 petunias yesterday. The rain last night did a good job of watering them. I also transplanted a tomato plant to a bigger planter yesterday along with transplanting four of house plants - I got my hands dirty playing in the dirt and it was fun!
I am reading a fun series of fantasy books right now by Naomi Novik. It takes place during the Napoleonic wars. The difference is that in this war there are aviators flying about and fighting on dragons along with the sea battles and land battles. What makes this fun is the obvious twist of adding dragons to the mix but also how the author works with the people's behaviors of the times. The dragons are sentient and make some very interesting observations on human behavior.
I have been wondering how my DH will be when we move to the new townhome and thinking he won't be able to find anything. The next thought was "he can't find anything here so what the h**l. lol.
Heavy rain this morning, now just cloudy and foggy. DW had her routine appointment with her PCP this afternoon. No real problems, but we did decide to try stopping the Exelon patch. She (the PCP) is also considering stopping, or at least reducing her meds for diabetes and high blood pressure. DW has developed a sore on her hand which may have to be removed by her dematologist. We'll give it another week or so. PCP said she thinks medicare may cover her Depends. She wrote a prescription for some. Has anyone had any experience with this?
I love Naomi Novik's books too. I read them on the Kindle app (the first one is free so you get hooked.) Pure escapism, and who doesn't love that these days.
had a good appt with the neuro today. Hb is so happy cause he did good on the MMSE - went from 21/30 in January to 22/30 but she didn't have him do the clock. In January she said next time she would change his prozac to Zoloft. Today she wants to see if he even needs it so we are weaning off it and see how he does.The neuro in Vegas just put him on it automatically, not that he needed it. He is so excited he did so well and didn't go down. I always order a copy of the visit so will be interested to see what all she wrote. With the family history of AD she too would be interested in having genetic testing to see if he carries the PS1 gene. She was very surprised at how long his dad had lived with the disease - really peaked her interest when I told her about his sister being diagnosed at 55 and now his brother at 61 is having some memory problems.
Picked plums today with my neighbors from my trees. Tomorrow, going to make some chutney or preserves with walnuts. Yum. Remembering old days with a real mate and family. We're making pork bbq, too. A cross between N.C. and Midwestern style. Greatgranny's recipe. Taking my mind off things. My neighbors love me like my family. Plans to make Tequila lime pie, too, for Fourth of July party here. Wish some of you could come......white linen on tables under the trees? Sitting on blankets eating ribs and fried chicken, catfish??? Cattle lowing, horses nickering, a walk in the creek?
I had a very strange, but an interesting day. As I was in Target's parking lot, I turned around to hit my key to lock my car doors, a lady approached me, with a smile on her face, she ask if she could ask me a question...I said, Yes, She said, I looked so confident & happy, that she thought I had great life...I must be a better actress than I thought, I almost laughed, little did she know. She said, she was going through a divorce...and was really looking to find a way to feel good about herself. I told her a little about my husband & his dementia, and we were going though somewhat of the same thing, even though it was different. I also, really don't know who I am. Anyway, to make a long conversation short, I really felt comfortable with this complete stranger, we exchanged names, telephone numbers & e-mails...thought maybe we could have lunch or movie. I have received an e-mail for her thanking me for talking to her. This might sound strange, but it was like God placed her there at that time. My friends are all married, so I really would like someone to have lunch, dinner or a movie. What do you think? Is this strange?
Kadee, I think it's wonderful! What a bright note. Hope it works out well. My news for today is that Eric is now in new facility and seems to be settling in okay - a bit difficult this morning. This evening, he seems better. I'm wiped out. Need a warm bath with a handful of old-fashioned Epsom Salts to take out the soreness from the muscles. Divvi, you have a knack for always saying the right thing. Best to all.
Kadee,I truly believe God puts us in the right place at the right time.Tuesday evening I had just entered th NH I volunteer at.Just as I got in the hallway an awful clap of thunder sounded.In the hall was a woman I oftenvisit with,she has dementia from her husband trying to strangle her,left her for dead.She is only in her 60's.The lights went out and all the doors to the hall slammed shut,she was petrified,shaking all over .I quick grabbed her and hugged her so she coudn't run,kept talking to her, told her my Mom said how thunder is only GOD rolling beer barrells,got her llaughing,the generator kicked on and I got her back to her room and informed the nurse about her. Anytime she gets hysterical she is committed to the Mental ward at the hospital for two weeks and revaluated thank God I had prevented that from happening. When I feel everything is against me I think of her and feel lucky. There is always someone worse off than you. Incidentally,her sister called me and thanked me.Can't wait for July.
It's going to be another long day, I have been up since 4.30am!!!! It is also going to be another hot and humid day but starting tomorrow we are supposed to get back in the 80's with less humidity. I am going around in circles in my sewing room trying to get rid of stuff and deciding what I want to keep. I will NEVER again buy stuff I don't normally use. I have some things I will be taking to Goodwill and there are larger items I will donate to Habitat for Humanity once I see where I am going in this room. lol. I hope you all have a good day.
Marsh, in response to your question, Hospice supplies Depends, Super Absorbent Pads for the bed, rubber gloves, etc., as well as a gerri chair, or walker, or wheelchair....The Hospice nurse and case worker will order them for you. Just ask them about it.
Mary75, I am so glad you were able to get your husband moved without much difficulty! I sincerely hope that the care there is of the highest quality after all he/you have been through!
Kadee, we never know when we are going to meet a new good friend!
Someone asked in another discussion what motivates us to do what we do...even to get out of bed in the morning. If I didn't want to get out of bed, I would head to my doctor for medication. Even today, of all days, I thank God for giving me another day on Earth. I have a lot of trials and troubles as you all are aware, but I am filled with love for my husband, family, friends, and I have a wonderful job to boot. I am grateful for the good in my life, and know that bad is there as well. Sometimes worse, but it will pass. I still want to go and see and explore this wonderful world, though I am limited by funds and time. My husband and I were going to do it together. AFTER, I will do as much as I can for both of us. I am happy I am healthy enough to care for my husband at home right now. We never know for how long. We don't know how much longer he has. Or we have, for that matter.
Today my children are all coming home. We want to be together today. It is important to us. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by love.
I did ask about Depends and pads, and Hospice in RI does NOT supply them. No supplies, basically, though I think they do give plastic gloves. I'm going to check about the geri chair.
Today L. was sitting on the edge of the bed when i went in, between the rails on the side and the foot of the bed. The other side was barricaded so he quietly got positioned sitting up on THAT side. So I got him up and gave him a sponge bath and cleaned the bed up and cancelled the CNA from Hospice due to come today; I'd done all that he does. It was the first time in a couple of weeks I'd dealt with my husband alone! And I realized how lucky I've been to be able to get the help on a daily basis.. both in cost and in availability. L. himself was in a good mood and no trouble to get up, unlike before I started getting A. in all the transfer times.
Everything is going much smoother than I had hoped for. He ate more at lunch today than he has the last 2 months (he's dropped 12 lbs.). He obviously likes Kosher and many of the foods are easier for him; for example, today we had hot dogs for lunch. He picked it up to eat sideways, but as long as he's enjoying it. Many details such as change cable TV, etc. but I'm sure now that I did the right thing when I see how rested he looks and that he enjoyed lunch. Wounds are healing, too.
mary i agree that your uplifting attitude serves as a great encouragement to us all. my thoughts are with you and yours as you remember the loss again of your beloved Diane today. hugs
mary75 so glad to hear the transitio has been better than expected. as you see sometimes making hard decisions pay off in a short time rather than a long one. its good hes eating well!
It's good to hear some folks are enjoying positive outcomes from changes!
Today's weather has been lovely, and tonight, too; I think I should be working in the yard--but I don't feel like it; so I won't. tsk tsk.
Have decided to take hb to two different groups in a city 45' south of us because his first visit to each was good. He smiled, laughed, and people talked with him! He was happy. I wasn't sure he'd like it. Tues. is a "Brainbuilders Men's Group" from 10:00 - 11:30. "The purpose is to maximize thinking, memory, and communication in a social setting....by capitalizing on preserved cognitive and language abilities." Each man works w/one or two grad speech pathology students. They all socialize, do memory enhancing activities, build a memory book (photo album), and do an art project. Caregivers meet at the same time in a different room. This was my first in-person support group gathering. I was comfy because it was like sitting down with you folks. Then on Thursdays from 10:00-12:30 is the Circle of Art & Lunch program. I leave him with the group (mostly same guys on Tuesday), and do whatever I want. Hb says everyone smiles and is nice. He feels acceptance and is willing to do whatever is going on. Of course, it's like toddlers enjoying each other when they don't understand what each is saying, but they still play together.
Finally a beautiful day in Kentucky! Took DH off Exelon patch because of side effects and doctor said to go back on Aricept. Well....I'm going to wait a few days. He's been on Aricept for 7 years - don't think it's doing anything anyway. Will see how Dh does over the next few days.
He got bitten by either wasps or bees a couple hours ago on his right hand. I know it hurt but he was worse than a kid! Put peroxide on it, ice pack, baking soda and water paste, then aloe vera and gave him two tylenol. Hand is swollen, but doesn't look bad. Will see how it is in the morning. Hope he will sleep tonight.
Zibby, the groups sound so very nice for both of you! Sweet dreams, all.
Vickie, will be interesting to see if there is a change - it should show up within a few days. Do not see any reason to give them something if they are not the % it works for. If we had to pay the big prices that most of you do for the drugs, there is no way we could afford them. with the VA it is $8 per month per prescription
Nice day here - cooler 71. But no rain and that is what I like.
Decided not to take the groundskeeping job. I was afraid the larger tractor/lawnmower would be too much to remember for him. Plus, and more important, I want to take some time and just travel around the NW. So, we will wait until after the holiday and leave next week - at least that is my goal.
Husband continues to eat more and enjoy the food at new facility. Last night we had a white fish like no fish I've ever eaten before: it had a mixture of herbs (including finely-chopped dill), lemon juice and butter and had been baked. No fishy flavour and was so good. DH ate his two pieces, a little baked potato with sour cream and all of his fresh yellow beans, followed by a coconut pudding. What I see as the major factor here is the staff's attitude towards the patient. The work around him (the other place seemed to be run for the benefit of their staff). For example, they asked me when he likes to be ready for bed (he closes down by 7:00 p.m.), and then they fitted their schedule around him, even switching bath nights, so that he could be accommodated. It's been a busy week - a couple of times I actually felt dizzy - but well worth it. Update on road rage: I have an appt. with ICBC, our compulsory car insurance in B.C., to put the incident on record. They'll be able to open that police file, get the driver's license plate number, and take it from there. The bruises have almost faded, and I feel okay.
Vickie hoping the med changes work to your benefit.
mary75 what a relief to hear things are going so well. you should feel good about the changes made. sometimes llike you say the apparent luxury of beautiful surroundings mean nothing if the careis substandard. its a good sign DH is eating so well and enjoying his food again,
the rainbands from the approaching Alex hurricane are fast approaching and rain is off/on and cloudy and humid here. rain forecast for next week! i hope it spares the 4th of july festivities soo many look forward to, my tooth issues are resolved now and i had the dread root canal last week. much to my delight it went well and wasnt too painful. the relief was immediate thank goodness!
DH is doing ok and although losing lbs seems to enjoy his meals although much less than before. funny how in latter stages some meds are obsolete. per hospice nurse we cut his BP meds due to low bp now. he suffered extreme bp for 50yrs! the disease affects them in ways we cant imagine bodywise i guess.
squirrley and scooby are still begging for handouts daily. they have found a shortcut over my roof from trees to trees and can now maneuver various balconies faster and demand food at all of them now.. i have seen scooby enjoying the fruits across the street which stresses me out as cars are notorious for not stopping for these critters. i scream at him and believe it or not he comes scampering back thinking there is a goody for him...ok, usually there is to keep him enticed on this side of the greener pastures.. haha.
i had 4 baby wrens who took flight again yesterday and i am seeing them in the branches off the balcony as well. sooo tiny! and lovely singing. its always a good thing to stop your busy day and reap the rewards of natures bliss. have a good week all! divvi
Beautiful weather here in the Chicago area. I'm enjoying having my son back (at least for awhile) and he is so good with his dad. Celebrated my grandmother's 97th Birthday yesterday and we are having a BBQ on Saturday for my Dad's 75th Birthday. It's been a busy week so far getting things organized for the party on Saturday. We just hope the weather holds out.
I have to go out and pick up my dad's gift tomorrow--he wants a cordless trimmer/edger for his lawn.