I don’t really know how to word this post – I’m lonely for him and worried for him. He sleeps most of the day and night, like from 10pm til 5pm – unless I wake him. Lately, life hasn’t held much for him and he “sits” – just sits. It bothers me, I worry he’s depressed, upset, scared or maybe just slowly fading away from us.
Could wake him after 12 hours, per our doctor – but, I feel if he’s sleeping, he’s not trying to think or function. Maybe angels watch over him and he sleeps in peace. Seems so.(The angels did fall asleep on the job last night, though!)
His disease is affecting him more lately – he no longer reads the paper, doesn’t watch his favorite/only show and is turned off by the news. Biggest thing I see, he no longer reads his books. He goes thru them and asks, “Is this yours or mine?” Even it is mine, I say it’s his. Then his classic, “You can never have too many books.”
Food is the least of his worries, although, he eats what I set before him – to a point. It can’t be too much – this after almost 24 hours without a real meal. Try to get something like a smoothie into him at bedtime but he’s not hungry.
Is this the body’s way of responding to misfired messages?
Any suggestions?
When he sleeps until 5pm, does he go back to sleep at 10pm? Does he sleep well in the night so you can sleep?
Just wondering…One of my dear friends mother was just diagnosed with AD. She had suspected it for while.
I wish I had some advice for you. I know it must be so devastating to see this decline. Hugs.
Yes, he does, Beverly. Most nights he sleeps well – the sirens upset him last night.Sorry to hear of your friend’s mother – a journey ahead, to be sure.
Hi Beverly, thanks for the hug.
One day at a time. Take care of yourself too. You are in my prayers.
I think of you often, and never know what to say. This has to be such a difficult time. Having you as a constant in his life, must be great comfort to him. Hopefully, he is unaware of his recent decline.
Jean, I am sorry. I keep you and W in my prayers, daily. I have no answers, and no first hand knowledge of AD. But if I ever do, I’ll know much more than I ever would have without your blog.
So many questions and so few answers. I suppose even if you were a part of a group that deals with caring for someone like this, there wouldn’t be any pat answers but maybe there would be some similarities that could ease your mind??? Is there a group like that online? I know that when I was trying to quit smoking there were groups on line to help (I used one and it was of great help to me).
I was thinking just like your last posters that perhaps there are others online who could help you.
Prayers to you both.
Bear((( )))
I don’t have a lot of experience with AD, but I do know they forget to eat, and how to eat. If you can get him to drink ensure, or one of your smoothies, it would be good. Ask your doctor for a referral for help at home, or a group for caregivers in your area. Just being able to talk to others going throught the same thing, and getting advice, and bouncing ideas off of one another is more helpful than you can imagine.
i’ll say a prayer for both of you tonight
I think about you often and I, too, hold you both in my prayers. Why you face this in an unknown but how you face it is well known. It takes lots of strength and love and you seem to have a lot of both.
My dear friend, Jean…
I am so sorry for what you are going through with him. It must be so scary for you and I agree, so lonely. I wish I had the words to comfort you today! Know that your friend in Michigan is praying for you both, especially today!
Love you,
Angie xoxo
Thinking of you both. It isn’t easy. Hugs.
Hi, Jean. I am so sorry that you are worried. It is so hard to know what is a progression of the disease, and what could be some other medical problem. I know you are rigorous about his medical care, but have you discussed this most recent decline with the doctor? Could there be an underlying infection or other issue? It might be worth a call, just to eliminate all possibilities.
I think often of how individual this disease is. My main problem with my Dad is keeping him busy. He likes to be out and about, and is always asking, “What are we doing next?” So far, he still sleeps well, about 10 hours a night. But you never know what’s coming next.
I am thinking of you and praying for you. I wish I knew something more helpful.
Love, Laura
I’m so sorry for this difficult journey for you.
You continue to be a woman of great strength, compassion, and love.
xoxo
I’m still praying for you!
Love,
Angie xoxo
I struggle with anything at all to add, except to say you are doing such a loving and good job taking such care of Wayne. You do what you can and rest if you can from uncertainty and doubt. There are no right answers, but you’re making loving ones. Praying for you this morning–Love Annette