Archive for September, 2009
I walked up to his private room just as he and his nurse were coming out. We ran to each other and hugged.
Advancing from our right side, a male patient approached, speaking either a language I did not understand or was deep into his disease.
At first only monosyllables, then “sentences”. He was angry.
Started punching Wayne in the left arm, shoulder and his back. We were still holding one another.
Wayne said, “Hey, hey, hey!” By this time, a male nurse and 2 others were calling to him to stop and come to them.
I yelled at him to stop hitting Wayne and he threw 3 upper punches to my right jaw. It happened so quickly I just stood there frozen, didn’t even try to move.
By now the nurses were helping. Wayne was furious he hit me and took off after the guy. I was able to hold him and steer him to his room. Locked bedroom door and bath door.
(The admin called and said this patient has been sent to the acute care hospital for psychiatric examination.)
My concern is for Wayne as he doesn’t feel pain as before. The fellow who went after us was not all that tall but very stocky and strong. Will go to a walk in clinic today, I think, as jaw, temple, left and right sides of neck sore. Can’t open mouth too wide and sore to chew, even softer food.
So we ate out at the golf club tonight, early. He ate very little of his meal so I took it home – about 2 hours later, heated it in the toaster oven and he ate it all.
It’s been challenging the past bit to get him to eat “a meal” so I offer something every hour or so. Years ago he wouldn’t eat green grapes – tonight he ate at least a cup of them. The home care nurse said to do this – long as he gets good nutrition just spread it over the day.
He really enjoyed watching the golfers tee off. I was pleased to see many were in there early 20′s – they are getting a great start and exercise, too.
Anyway, busy days coming up. All is well, don’t worry if I’m not posting. Hope everyone is having as wild a Saturday night as we are – munching grapes!
It must be awful to be confused all day, at least I feel terribly for him. He goes from pillar to post, wondering what he was doing/getting, etc.
Before dinner tonight, I suggested he wash his hands – it still amazes me – difficult to find the hall, then the correct light switch, although if I say “the second one” it helps. Touch his left rear pant pocket to guide him into the bedroom, keep moving to the ensuite, show him the soap, towel and start the water. He thanks me.
I go back to the kitchen, where is Wayne? Listen, water running. Go check, he is standing there. When he sees me he asks, “What was I to be doing?”
AD as such doesn’t wear me out, it is the absolutely constant “guiding’ that literally tires me out. By 10pm I’m bushed.
Yesterday we visited our family Doc – usually Wayne runs the opposite direction but for some reason he was happy to go in, shake Doc’s hand and visit. After Wayne left, Doc said to me, “It’s a crime. He’s just such a pleasant fellow.”
Amen to that, Doc.
Wayne always hangs around with me, if I empty the DW, he sits at the table.etc.
Last night he was very alert and wanted to help – offered to dry some dishes, take the garbage out and recycling. (“Who are you?”)
I kind of sighed thinking this is how retirement should be, working together, each doing a chore and going on to other things. Not really whining but until this happens occasionally, one doesn’t realize the loss so much.
