Jane is so right - we are all here for you and you won't have to walk this horrible road alone. Thinking of you both.

I have actually been connected to this website fora couple years. My wife is probably late stage 6 but has stopped eating several weeks ago and only drinks sips of water a few times a day. I don't post very often but I do review the board daily. she was diagnosed in 05 and this has been a typical A journey for us both. The sad part of this whole thing is that when she wakes up she is quite aware of everything. Then after a period of time she just fades out. It may minutes or hours but she just drifts off. She can no longer go potty or get out of bed without help and after sitting up for just a few minutes she has to lie down. I usually have to lift her into bed cause she can't get in by herself. In May we had hospice come and evaluate her but they said she did not fit their criteria. Now we really don't need them cause all she does is sleep and if I sit or lay by her she will rest quietly. I have talked to the pcp and he said he will help out any way he can but other than pronounce her when she goes there is not really anything anyone can do. She no longer takes any meds so it is really not costing anything but prayers are welcome and they don't require a lot of effort or time. Thanks for your concerns and i hope this clarifies things for you.
while we travel this road together each has his/her own cross to carry and the burden of caregiving is sometimes quite a heavy load. may God be with us all.
bruce

we are both 70 years young but some day it seems much older.

Prayers for you and dw, this is a horrible disease. You will find comfort here, nellie

Dear Bruce,
My heart goes out to you. I lost my Mom a year and a half ago and she had the same symptoms of not eating anything at all and then couldn't even swallow water. I never knew something like that would happen. I was totally unprepared for her to suffer from lack of water and food. Her dr. finally explained that the muscles in her throat were no longer functioning. So even though she wanted the water desperately, she would have to spit it out I was an only child and very close to my Mom so I do know how difficult this is for you to sit by and feel so helpless. The only thing I could do was make sure they kept her as painfree as possible. Please know I will be praying for you both. Gina

Bruce, I am sorry, I did not realize you had been on the board for so long, I have not been on regular lately and when Jang and I and I saw your post to Frank we immediately thought we had failed to recognize your journey and wanted you to know we are here. Each person is important. I don't post much at all when someone passes because I am not on the boards often and am always afraid that if I do, others will feel that I did not care when they experienced their loss.

Even though you did not qualify for Hospice earlier be sure to call them again now Bruce, they will help more than you realize and each bit of help is a blessing as the disease progresses

Bruce, I agree with Jane & divvi...even though she didn't qualify the first time, I am almost certain she would now. My husband didn't qualify the first time Hospice came for an evaluation, however, when he could no longer walk alone, he did. They have been wonderful.

bruce, that you for letting us know a little bit about your situation. This disease is very difficult to go through and we need each other, I wish that none of us were going through this but we are and I will have you and your DW in my thoughts and I hope you come back and let us know how things are going. My DH doesn't quit qualify for hospice either but they have him on a contact list and call me every 30 days to see how things are going. My DH is losing his appetite and has been for a while now.

Bruce, praying for you both..Ruth

Sending up prayers for your dear wife and yourself Bruce ,God Bless you both

What a wonderful caregiver you are Bruce. You and your dear wife will continue to be in my prayers. Arms around, S*

My DW was accepted into hospice yesterday. We welcome any and all help they may provide. Only time will tell if it was the right choice but at least it is a start.

((BRUCE)) they will be of great help.

So glad for the update. Any decision we make as a caregiver is made from the heart. Praying for good results with Hospice and for peace and comfort.

not really much happening. DW is definitely going downhill but still hanging on. I guess God is not quite ready for her yet. Yesterday she did drink more water than usual but today it is back to just small amounts and no food at all. She has been pretty much in a fog today and nothing she says makes much sense. She keeps asking me where she is and truth is she is in her own bed at home. She is so worried about her dog and keeps looking for him even though he is next to her in the bed. If she don't see him she can't find him. She is too weak to get up even when I help her so I started her on pullups friday. That is much easier on the back cause I don't have to lift her to put them on. The soiled ones I just cut loose with the scissors and take them off like a baby diaper and pull the clean ones up and on. Hospice did bring out a commode but can't use it now cause she cannot help me get her in and out of bed. So the journey continues. All prayers welcome. Mammie Thanks for asking.
bruce

I see my DH getting closer to where you are at. Has been in Depends for a couple of years so am used to that and he is eating less and less. Prayers go with you.

Bruce, my heart goes out to you. Some days all I can get Lynn to eat is ice cream, other days he eats his whole meal. Just no rhyme or reason! His eating has been my biggest concern for 3 years now. It is all so difficult and my prayers are with you and your dear wife. ((hugs))

Bruce, you and your dear wife remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Bruce, hold on real tight. You are in my prayers.