Seems as though a few of us are going through the placement process. .Close to a month ago, DW started exhibiting behaviors unaccustomed to the norm. .Spells of delirium, hallucinations. . .She had experienced a myoclonic seizure a few days prior to that which lasted almost 20 minutes. The delirium became too difficult to handle, so a quick trip to local ER determined a dreaded UTI. .Received meds for that, but delirium continued. Checked into ER of large Mpls hospital and she was admitted immediately. .UTI, delirium, seizures. . Was wired for mobile EEG for 3 days and continued to have mild-moderate seizures. Meds- Depacote plus Seroquel for anxiety had some postive effects. .Determined that going home was not going to be our reality, so we transitioned into memory care facility (which, thank God I had been in contact with for about a month) Has lost 15 lbs in last month and was not doing very well at all. Determined she was over-medicated, so I think we have that under control. Is slowly returning to a baseline, which is close to where we were prior to hospitalization. Going through some guilt of placing, but know it is best and she is in good hands. Have started process of attempting to file for some assistance, but age 55 makes it rather difficult. Doing the private pay for now, but know that will dry up soon enough, so hopefully, will be able to qualify for assistance other that her Social Security Disability. Seizures are all but gone. .myoclonic tremors and jerks continue, but are not thought to be worrisome. .Have any of you experienced seizures with early onset. Heard that it was not that uncommon. . Has been a month to the day, and still having a hard time getting used to the quiet. .
Oh Sundown, so sorry to hear that you had to place your DW. I am one of the group who has recently placed my DH (2 weeks ago). It is an adjustment. It sounds like you had an idea that placement was near. I, coincidentally had submitted all the paperwork to the Veterans Home so that I could place him there for a few days of respite. I ended up placing him there after he had 2 violent episodes. I also know that I did what was best for both of us, but that doesn't mean that I don't second guess my decision. He never had a seizure, but others here might be able to give you information on that. Good luck in applying for financial assistance. I go this week to fill out the paper work for Medicaid.
Jeff has not had seizures, but the myoclonic jerking has been an ongoing problem since he began his downward spiral early this year. I will say it doesn't surprise me though, because you can imagine what a turbulent effect these rapid changes in cognitive function must have on the wiring. We see (as you have) delirium, uncharacteristic aggression, jerking, and all kinds of lost capabilities, so why not seizures?
Welcome to the stages of "getting used to it." Yeah, there's the quiet, and later wondering about the rest of your life.
Yeah, the rest of your life. .Seems like we have been given ample time to prepare for the eventual transition and expected "home alone" status, but until you go through it, you can't adequately anticipate the uniqueness factor that each individual situation presents. We were seemingly always in some sort of "crisis" mode and I have to say that I appreciate the serenity of calm upon returning from work or other event. . Always trying to fit in things during naps, rest times, etc. .Occasionally, my wife will wonder aloud when she is going to go home. . When I press her, she really can't remember where home is. .I think to her, it means that "place" in her mind where things were normal, more care-free, independent. . In a high school play, she had the lead of Dorothy in Wizard of Oz. . I found her pair of ruby slippers in a box and they are sitting on her chest of drawers in her new room. . She will notice them from time to time and I know she is thinking, if I could just click them 3 times and say "I want to go home. ."
I am so sorry to hear this. I have not gone through this, so can only imagine what it would be like. DH was in rehab facility for almost three weeks last year, following a week in the hospital ... so I know the feeling of calm at home.
Sundown: So sorry for your major problems. Just wondering if you have considered calling Hospice in for an evaluation. They be able to help you with some home care if you really want to take your spouse home a little longer and/or they maybe able to give you other options as well as help you in placement where they will continue on with the hospice care if needed and the cost would be less to or even free.
My dh also had seizures off and on for months before he passed, but they were not as severe as your wife seems to have. He also had a few TIAs and hospice thought they might be the cause of the seizures that seemed to increase after the TIAs. Both of these conditions can be a problem to the brain wiring.
I know this is so difficult for you....sending Hugs and more hugs.