Archive for February, 2010

So, I had wondered how the nurses knew when Wayne got out of bed – there is a soft bell attached to his bed, if his weight is removed from the bed, it chimes at the nursing station.

This is especially useful in the night as he is prone to wandering a bit now.

Drugs which help for AD patients are available. Some folks can’t tolerate the meds, some can’t afford it and some (or their family) decide to “let nature takes it’s course”.

All prescribed drugs have a purpose and I have to say Aricept was a miracle drug for us. Within 2 weeks, Wayne had clarity and was morehis old self. His first Rx was written 01/04 and I still call it a miracle how he responded.

Not sure why it was so helpful for him, maybe because he rarely took anything, avoided even Aspirin. His biggest side effect was night mares for the first while – I don’t remember how long the nightmares lasted as it’s like a big, bad continuing dream anyway.

Aricept has very good AD general info in their site – I believe they also may help if one can’t afford the drug.

Initially, the drug was paid wholly by Wayne and I – it was expensive but one has to choose what is worth what in life. Happily, now our provincial government helps with the cost.

If you know someone rocking on the precipice of AD or has been diagnosed, please suggest they check with their specialist re: AD drugs. Our family MD did not prescribe it – his locum did during a routine visit – We are forever grateful to her.

Please bear with me – can’t write but I recall the little story of the engine, “I think I can, I think I can.”

Maybe later today the big black cloud will lift – the sun did just break through high overcast:)

“The brain sends signals to the adrenal gland, which secretes hormones such as adrenaline, epinephrine and norepinephrine. They flow through the blood and cause the heart to beat faster and stronger.” as per article on CNN.

Years ago, we’d meet after work for dinner. When he came into view, my heart would “skip a beat”. Now I know why:)

He was leaning over the pool, making sweeping motions – I was puzzled as he could no longer hook the vacuum up.

As I got closer, I saw his genius.

The heavy fireplace tongs were duct taped to the handle of the vacuum pole – plucking bricks out of the pool!

Sadly, the bricks had landed on pointed edge and ruined the liner in several places – as witnessed by the low water the next morn.

Two thousand and three marked the end of our swimming days – we had the pool removed in 09.