Archive for September, 2008

Well, I do get excited early, don’t I? We have been invited to a family Halloween bonfire and weenie roast – obviously, I don’t get out enough to be mentioning it today:)

Costumes optional. In past years we both used to decorate like crazy and dress up. Thank goodness I’m a pack rat and saved my box of goodies. Now, what to be?

Anyway, it’s great to have something to look forward to and also a fun night – most guests will have little ones and my man loves children.

Hope everyone had a terrific Wednesday.

The seminar was good for early diagnosis situation – I had forgotten the initial devastation til I listened to spouses recount the recoiling horror of being told Mr. or Mrs. does have AD.

Anyway, for anyone going to meetings or speaking with health care providers, do try to get the point across which you really mean to make – if that makes sense! Today an elderly gentleman (86) was kind of going in circles with his questions and therefore the answers he received.

I’m no genius but could see the speaker was misunderstanding his questions/points. After the seminar, I saw him on the street and introduced myself. It turns out he needs home care, there was a home visit by the RN but either he fell thru the cracks or she misunderstood him.

He wants home care for his 82 year old wife. So I told him to call the nurse again and explain he needs help and I’m sure it will be set up. He was relieved. It broke my heart because as we said goodbye, he told me she “has good legs”, mine aren’t so good anymore.She can walk way faster and further than I.” Oh, mercy, man.

Seconds later, he called her name – he had left her home alone and here she was, outside our meeting place looking for him. Scary, scary.

Our MD had his receptionist call me about an AD seminar – S&R had planned to keep my guy but our schedules got crazy and I have a friend helping out. He will meet us at the seminar.

Usually I don’t go to these things being I have to ask for help – I ask for so much now that it’s crazy – and always the same groups of people.

Had my physical yesterday and leaned on S&R once again to keep him. Then they will relieve the aides on a day soon as I have a long standing appt. which I can’t change – and wouldn’t get home in time.

Anyway, if I learn something earth shattering, I’ll post it later.

I can live with the “day to day” but my biggest gripe is: when, when will I be on my own, if ever. When will he need more care than I can manage? When will my stomach stop hurting? When will the MD’s stop his AD meds? When will a cure be found? Enough of these whens.

Ran down to the pantry for some stuff, arrived back up at the kitchen to see him lacing his runners up.

“Uh, what’s happening, Hon?”

“I’m going for a walk.”

Eight years ago, this would have been delightful, today, down right scary. I have only myself to blame as I requested “the only duty of the aides” – take my man for a walk in the neighborhood.

Tonight I went with him, grateful to have caught him before he got out on me. It was 6:40pm and I knew we could make it back before dark – but a terrible fear grips me – if I lose him at night, in a shirt, in the orchards – - -

So, tomorrow off to the security shop to try to find something to hide in his jeans.

Maybe this is why my stomach is aching tonight.

We are going thru a very difficult period – small things that are making life tough. The last week or so, I haven’t felt free to share this info and yet it’s mighty on our journey. Maybe what I’ll do is write the posts and that will be the start point of a new blog.
I’m wondering if anyone can give me advice and protocol as am considering going private or changing the name of the blog. If I do that, will post a notice so you can email me if you want the new name. This is just being tossed about in my head for now.

One blogger I follow went private. It’s really too bad. She puts out good info as she deals with her situation – not Alzheimer’s but a journey nevertheless, a very touching one.

Now for a name – - – easier to let it be, right?