In just a couple of weeks Don has gone from being unsteady using the walker to total immobility, not able to lift a spoon. There is no awareness of his surroundings or people, including me. He lies in bed with his eyes barely open and totally unresponsive, although when I hold his hand he holds on tightly. We're meeting with hospice later in the week, if indeed he lasts that long. The decline has been so very rapid that there are huge changes just from day to day. He was placed 22 months ago and until recently it seemed like there were probably several more years to go. He's almost 87 years old and was always in perfect health. This has happened so suddenly that I'm just numb.
pris so sorry to hear of Dons sudden decline. it happens at times like this, we are seeing it many times here on the boards among our friends. keeping you and him in prayers, please call hospice tomorrow and say he needs them -they should be able to change their schedules and accomodate you. divvi
Pris-it can seem like a train coming down the track straight at you. We know it's coming and there's nothing we can do to stop it. We are here with you.
The nurse at Arden Courts is contacting hospice after the doctor gives the order. I'm so glad we moved him to AC from the other facility six weeks ago, as the care is gentle and loving. His first placement was 22 months ago. There's always been the uncertainty about how long the journey would last. To think that just a few weeks ago we thought there were probably a couple more years. He was just beginning to use the walker.
Prayers are with you. The departure for us happened rapidly, too. In some ways it's better not to have to endure years of immobility and inability to do even "minor" activities.
His ALF is bringing in hospice now, as he cannot swallow at all or even hold his head up. I visited today and he looked very peaceful. I know the end is coming soon. As I look back at the last 3-1/2 years when I knew he had to be diagnosed it seems as if it's been forever. So many bumps in the road on this painful journey, but relief for him is in sight.
Oh Pris, How I feel for you. I hope and pray you will have the time with husband that I didn't have with mine. No matter what it is a heartbreaker. God Bless.
Pris, I always look at our loved one's physical death from AD as a blessing. They are beating the disease by not letting it continue to ravage their brain and body for years and years. My prayers continue for you.
I too see the physical death as a blessing. Hospice is now onboard and the end if very near. He looks so peaceful now and that sure is better than the years of agitation and fright that he went through. And I look forward to my own escape from Alzheimers Hell.
PrisR, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry you have to experience this but I am so happy your dh is at peace. I so want my dh to get to this place but then I know I will be as unprepared as we all are at that time. I am praying for peace and comfort for both of you. I know he will be home soon and smiling down on you for all your loving care....... hugs to you.
PrisR, I am new here and this is my first post. It is heartbreaking reading your post and I just want to say that I am thinking about you and keeping you in my prayers. You have shown great strength in caring for your husband - I know how very difficult and frightening it can be - but you can make it through to the end of your journey. I don't know you, but I feel your pain and I send my locing thoughts. God bless!
Thanks everyone. The ALF called in hospice last week and they brought him a hospital bed. He cannot swallow and it's been 9 days since he ate any food. A few sips of water the only liquid. He sleeps most of the time, but when his eyes are open there is no recognition of anything. He can't speak, but when I speak to him sometimes his lips move a little, so I smile and nod my head just in case it gets through. The Parkinsons shaking is so severe most of the time and has caused him to fall out of bed twice. Soft, spongy pads were placed on the floor next to his bed in case it happens again, but we're also waiting for the delivery of a different type of bed hospice is providing, sort of a scooped out mattress arrangement that he can't roll out of. It's been one frightening crisis after another for the past two years, so his daughter and I have gotten good at accepting them and dealing as best we can. I hope to report soon that he has finally been freed from Alzheimers Hell.
Oh such such sad sad words you speak...how your DH has suffered and you and his daughter right along with him. Thankfully I sounds like the two of you have a great relationship and this just has to help each of you through these last hard hours...We are all thinking of you and your family and holding you fast in our prayers for your loved one's journey and peace for all of you.
Don is still so very near the end. When his eyes are open nothing registers. Breathing pauses up to 40 seconds. No food in 12 days. Every morning I expect to get the phone call that he's passed. Cannot even move his lips, so of course no talking
Thinking of you an your LO,the real shock for me was when LO finally passed,you know what the outcome will be but can't prepare enough,I wish you both peace