Wednesday, August 15, 2012
15 Aug 2012
The weekend was fun for us. We had a great time at our brother in laws birthday party. Chris did real well. He ate good and visited with everyone and had fun. He also flirted with all the women and has new girlfriends now. He's such a sweetie. Everyone was so kind and good to him. He got more hugs than the birthday boy lol. I figured he would sleep all the way home on our 2 hour drive but he was awake and talked the whole way. Today is another story. Chris has had a bad day today. It started this morning when I was changing him and putting his new pads on him. He said he was hurting and kept trying to sit down on the floor. I told him to sit on the bed and he then said he was so dizzy. I told him to lie down for a minute. His eyes looked crazy. He laid back and then his eyes were rolling back in his head. Scary. I stayed by him and kept talking to him and he came out of it and said he was fine. I think that maybe it was a small seizure. We went with Jim to his doctor appointment and I told the nurse what happened and she told the doctor. He said to watch him and if it happens again he wants to see him. It could have been just dizziness but you never know and alzheimers patients do have seizures so it is a concern. The rest of the day Chris was just in a daze. He was in a fog all day. Confused and tired. He fell asleep several times while we were out running errands and shopping. My poor baby brother. He kept forgetting who I was and then was asking me if Mom was coming home soon. I asked him coming home from where and he said she was at the store and would be home soon. I told him Mom was at her house and was going to get into explaining that she didn't drive anymore and wasn't at the store and etc...but caught myself and just said she was at home and okay. He frowned alot today and I have learned that when he frowns he is either concerned, confused or both. Hopefully tomorrow will be a much better day.
Friday, August 10, 2012
10 Aug 2012
Yesterday was a great day! It's so nice to be able to say that. I got alot done and enjoyed doing things for me (which was really needed). I read a mindless book, watched mindless TV, went through things deciding what I wanted to keep and what to get rid of and I actually felt pretty good; only had a small headache in the afternoon. Chris did good yesterday. He was sleepy and took 2 naps yesterday but that's okay. Today started with Chris very wet and the bed even wetter. He went into the bathroom and stood there with his pads and pants still up and peed. I asked him what he was doing and he said he didn't know. I'm afraid it's going to be one of those days. I guess you get a good day and then one not so good. I should really rephrase that; every day is good. It's just that some days it's alittle more stressful. I need to remember what the doctor said; Don't worry and stress about everything. Some things are beyond my control so I need to deal with what I can change and the other stuff will be okay. This sunday we are going to Jims sisters husbands 60th birthday party. They live 2 hours from us so alittle drive but not bad at all. Chris is excited to be going to a party. :) We haven't decided whether we are going to spend the night or not. I'm kind of hoping to come back home. I would rather Chris wet his own bed than someone elses. Ofcourse I will take plenty of pads but still I think it would be better to just come back home. Going on a longer trip is one thing but just staying the night after an evening party and then leave early the next morning is not worth all the hassle. I might have a different opinion about this after the party if we are all really tired; who knows lol.
Yesterday was a great day! It's so nice to be able to say that. I got alot done and enjoyed doing things for me (which was really needed). I read a mindless book, watched mindless TV, went through things deciding what I wanted to keep and what to get rid of and I actually felt pretty good; only had a small headache in the afternoon. Chris did good yesterday. He was sleepy and took 2 naps yesterday but that's okay. Today started with Chris very wet and the bed even wetter. He went into the bathroom and stood there with his pads and pants still up and peed. I asked him what he was doing and he said he didn't know. I'm afraid it's going to be one of those days. I guess you get a good day and then one not so good. I should really rephrase that; every day is good. It's just that some days it's alittle more stressful. I need to remember what the doctor said; Don't worry and stress about everything. Some things are beyond my control so I need to deal with what I can change and the other stuff will be okay. This sunday we are going to Jims sisters husbands 60th birthday party. They live 2 hours from us so alittle drive but not bad at all. Chris is excited to be going to a party. :) We haven't decided whether we are going to spend the night or not. I'm kind of hoping to come back home. I would rather Chris wet his own bed than someone elses. Ofcourse I will take plenty of pads but still I think it would be better to just come back home. Going on a longer trip is one thing but just staying the night after an evening party and then leave early the next morning is not worth all the hassle. I might have a different opinion about this after the party if we are all really tired; who knows lol.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
7 Aug 2012
Things are still going pretty good with our routine. Every morning I go wake Chris up and change him, change his bedding and get his breakfast. It dawned on me that it really is becoming like a mother taking care of her baby. Chris is so sweet and always feels bad that he has wet everything. I tell him no big deal, we will just get everything cleaned up. I have to really watch now that he doesn't get chaffed or his skin doesn't break out due to him being wet. Thank God for baby wipes and desitin. I am doing alot of house cleaning which is theraputic. I haven't felt well for several weeks now. I have a headache every day and stomach is somewhat upset. I can't get through the night without waking with my legs hurting so bad. I have sweats off and on and just basically don't feel well at all. I pray it is not the Lupus flaring up. I don't know but tomorrow when I take Mom to the doctor, I will see him as well and have him draw blood and see what's up. I can't afford to be sick. Who will take care of Mom and Chris? Jim has to work so he can't take off work to help. I'm praying that whatever is going on that the doctor can find out what it is and if need be, get on some medicine to help me get better. I'm really looking forward to out trip to WV the end of this month. Jim's Mom is going with us and I'm so happy that she is. We are going to have a great time. Chris is excited aand he loves Jims Mom, Mary, so that will be fun for him as well. I'm thankful that Chris is still able to travel. I don't know how long that will last but he loves to go places with us and we always have alot of fun. LOTS of pads will be taken. Hopefully, the bed won't get wet. Have to really plan ahead; extra pads of all kinds, extra clothes and whatever else Chris might need. He keeps asking me if he can take this or that and I tell him he can take whatever he wants as long as it fits in his bag or suitcase. He definitely wants to bring his little travel pillow with stars on it, his Elvis blanket and his stuffed cat that he keeps by his head on his pillow. Sounds good to me because I'm thinking that the more things like that he takes with him, the more relaxed and comfortable he will feel with his surroundings. I love my Chris!!!!!!!
Things are still going pretty good with our routine. Every morning I go wake Chris up and change him, change his bedding and get his breakfast. It dawned on me that it really is becoming like a mother taking care of her baby. Chris is so sweet and always feels bad that he has wet everything. I tell him no big deal, we will just get everything cleaned up. I have to really watch now that he doesn't get chaffed or his skin doesn't break out due to him being wet. Thank God for baby wipes and desitin. I am doing alot of house cleaning which is theraputic. I haven't felt well for several weeks now. I have a headache every day and stomach is somewhat upset. I can't get through the night without waking with my legs hurting so bad. I have sweats off and on and just basically don't feel well at all. I pray it is not the Lupus flaring up. I don't know but tomorrow when I take Mom to the doctor, I will see him as well and have him draw blood and see what's up. I can't afford to be sick. Who will take care of Mom and Chris? Jim has to work so he can't take off work to help. I'm praying that whatever is going on that the doctor can find out what it is and if need be, get on some medicine to help me get better. I'm really looking forward to out trip to WV the end of this month. Jim's Mom is going with us and I'm so happy that she is. We are going to have a great time. Chris is excited aand he loves Jims Mom, Mary, so that will be fun for him as well. I'm thankful that Chris is still able to travel. I don't know how long that will last but he loves to go places with us and we always have alot of fun. LOTS of pads will be taken. Hopefully, the bed won't get wet. Have to really plan ahead; extra pads of all kinds, extra clothes and whatever else Chris might need. He keeps asking me if he can take this or that and I tell him he can take whatever he wants as long as it fits in his bag or suitcase. He definitely wants to bring his little travel pillow with stars on it, his Elvis blanket and his stuffed cat that he keeps by his head on his pillow. Sounds good to me because I'm thinking that the more things like that he takes with him, the more relaxed and comfortable he will feel with his surroundings. I love my Chris!!!!!!!
Sunday, July 29, 2012
29 Jul 2012
It has been a few days since posting so thought I'd play catchup. Chris overall, has been doing very well. We continue to have the bladder and bowel control problem but I think, as of right now, I've got a handle on it. We have fallen into a routine with it and it works.....as of now. Today has been such a nice day. It started the same as it does every day; wake up Chris, got him cleaned up and changed, fix Chris breakfast, go out and water the garden, clean the garden up, fix Barneys food and change his water, then I put flea drops on him, Jim and I burnt the trash, and I made an awesome meal of stuffed shells, and spinach noodles with rosa sauce and feta cheese and spinach sausage. It was so good! Also made garlic cheese bread and had a delicious bottle of wine. It was a great meal! Jim said it was better than any Italian restaurant he's been to and trust me, Jim LOVES italian food! Chris' Risperdal that he takes makes him shake but other than that, all the medication is doing exactly what it is supose to do-Thank you God! Tomorrow is physical therapy with Mom and also Thurs and then it's done. Her shoulder is so much better now. The therapy has really helped her. Also, things have been going really good with Mom. We are getting along real well and not as much stress and tension between us. I think a big part of it is that I have distanced myself and look at her as an old woman that needs my help and I'm trying to not take things so personally anymore. This too seems to be working right now. Things change; they always do, but so far...all is well. Well as can be expected!
It has been a few days since posting so thought I'd play catchup. Chris overall, has been doing very well. We continue to have the bladder and bowel control problem but I think, as of right now, I've got a handle on it. We have fallen into a routine with it and it works.....as of now. Today has been such a nice day. It started the same as it does every day; wake up Chris, got him cleaned up and changed, fix Chris breakfast, go out and water the garden, clean the garden up, fix Barneys food and change his water, then I put flea drops on him, Jim and I burnt the trash, and I made an awesome meal of stuffed shells, and spinach noodles with rosa sauce and feta cheese and spinach sausage. It was so good! Also made garlic cheese bread and had a delicious bottle of wine. It was a great meal! Jim said it was better than any Italian restaurant he's been to and trust me, Jim LOVES italian food! Chris' Risperdal that he takes makes him shake but other than that, all the medication is doing exactly what it is supose to do-Thank you God! Tomorrow is physical therapy with Mom and also Thurs and then it's done. Her shoulder is so much better now. The therapy has really helped her. Also, things have been going really good with Mom. We are getting along real well and not as much stress and tension between us. I think a big part of it is that I have distanced myself and look at her as an old woman that needs my help and I'm trying to not take things so personally anymore. This too seems to be working right now. Things change; they always do, but so far...all is well. Well as can be expected!
Friday, July 20, 2012
21 Jul 2012
It is the early hours 12:27am and I just got done bathing Chris and getting him all cleaned up from yet another incredible is mess of poop everywhere. It was so bad this time that while I was trying to clean him up, I just wanted to sit down and quit. I really thought to myself "I can't do this!" Poor Chris, he can't clean himself and I pushed through it and got it done. Man, it was so hard this time. My back is worn out and I know that I am whining but I can't help it. I am exhausted and worn out and so down at the moment. The last few days Chris has been so vague about everything. He has good moments but there are alot of moments when he just sits there confused. I feel so bad for him. He is tired and so am I. I don't know; I just don't have the mental strength for this right now. I better go to bed and start fresh in the morning. After all, tomorrow is another day! Thank you Scarlet.
It is the early hours 12:27am and I just got done bathing Chris and getting him all cleaned up from yet another incredible is mess of poop everywhere. It was so bad this time that while I was trying to clean him up, I just wanted to sit down and quit. I really thought to myself "I can't do this!" Poor Chris, he can't clean himself and I pushed through it and got it done. Man, it was so hard this time. My back is worn out and I know that I am whining but I can't help it. I am exhausted and worn out and so down at the moment. The last few days Chris has been so vague about everything. He has good moments but there are alot of moments when he just sits there confused. I feel so bad for him. He is tired and so am I. I don't know; I just don't have the mental strength for this right now. I better go to bed and start fresh in the morning. After all, tomorrow is another day! Thank you Scarlet.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
14 Jul 2012
Things have been going pretty smooth lately. Mom's arm was still hurting her so she is now taking physical theray for it. Monday, wednesday, and friday each week. Talk about running all the time; plus Chris had a doctors appt too. The therapy seems to be helping Mom. We actually have been having nice times together with not too many upsets. Thank you God!!! Chris does get alittle confused that we are going over there every other day. He's so afraid that I will leave him there. I reassure him but he still asks me every time. His bladder control problem still is an issue. The doctor said that risperdal blocks the part of the brain that alerts him to when he needs to go. It also is causing him to shake some. However, the hallucinations have almost stopped. He still gets upset when he gets confused about things but I do believe that the medication is helping. He has been so happy and giggily lately. That makes me so happy when I hear him laugh. Our little cat, Orville, has been sleeping with Chris every night. Chris loves that. Chris and Orville are buddies and they play with a string and I can hear Chris talking to Orville. It is so funny. Chris just talks to him so seriously like he would to anyone else. The only bad thing is that Chris keeps forgeting who I am. He corrects himself pretty quickly but still it just grabs at my heart each time it happens. I wonder if that is normal for the alzheimers patient forgets the caregiver? I remember my Dad being so hard on my Mom and us when he was in the nursing home. He accused us of trying to kill him. They say that the patient is always the hardest on the one's closest to them. Maybe it is the same with alzheimers.
Things have been going pretty smooth lately. Mom's arm was still hurting her so she is now taking physical theray for it. Monday, wednesday, and friday each week. Talk about running all the time; plus Chris had a doctors appt too. The therapy seems to be helping Mom. We actually have been having nice times together with not too many upsets. Thank you God!!! Chris does get alittle confused that we are going over there every other day. He's so afraid that I will leave him there. I reassure him but he still asks me every time. His bladder control problem still is an issue. The doctor said that risperdal blocks the part of the brain that alerts him to when he needs to go. It also is causing him to shake some. However, the hallucinations have almost stopped. He still gets upset when he gets confused about things but I do believe that the medication is helping. He has been so happy and giggily lately. That makes me so happy when I hear him laugh. Our little cat, Orville, has been sleeping with Chris every night. Chris loves that. Chris and Orville are buddies and they play with a string and I can hear Chris talking to Orville. It is so funny. Chris just talks to him so seriously like he would to anyone else. The only bad thing is that Chris keeps forgeting who I am. He corrects himself pretty quickly but still it just grabs at my heart each time it happens. I wonder if that is normal for the alzheimers patient forgets the caregiver? I remember my Dad being so hard on my Mom and us when he was in the nursing home. He accused us of trying to kill him. They say that the patient is always the hardest on the one's closest to them. Maybe it is the same with alzheimers.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
8 Jul 2012
Back from a great trip to Georgia and North Carolina. Jim, Chris and I had so much fun. Jim had a great birthday on the 3rd. Chris did very good. He is having terrible problems now with his bladder so there has been lots of wet clothes and lots of changing pads. His confusion was not real bad during the trip but when we were coming home, he did get confused as to who I was. He then told me how sorry he was that he couldn't remember me. :( Those things really break my heart but I know that it will be happening more and more as time goes by. All and all it was a great trip except Jim got sick; a nasty cold and then I got it. So far Chris doesn't have it. I hope he doesn't get it because I don't know what he could take for it because of the Aricept, Risperdal, and Topamax that he is on. Chris got to see Andy and Barneys patrol car and we got pictures of him sitting in it and standing beside it. He was so excited!! He loves Andy Griffith Show so much and he thought that was really something seeing the car. We also got to spend the day with the guy that played the boy playing the banjo in the movie Deliverance. How cool is that? He was a real nice guy and we took him to lunch and went sightseeing with him. We got lots and lots of pictures. Tomorrow we are taking Mom to physical therapy for her arm. I hope that it helps her. She has been in so much pain. Hopefully I won't lose this blog as they keep talking about the big virus to hit computers Monday. Guess we will see.
Back from a great trip to Georgia and North Carolina. Jim, Chris and I had so much fun. Jim had a great birthday on the 3rd. Chris did very good. He is having terrible problems now with his bladder so there has been lots of wet clothes and lots of changing pads. His confusion was not real bad during the trip but when we were coming home, he did get confused as to who I was. He then told me how sorry he was that he couldn't remember me. :( Those things really break my heart but I know that it will be happening more and more as time goes by. All and all it was a great trip except Jim got sick; a nasty cold and then I got it. So far Chris doesn't have it. I hope he doesn't get it because I don't know what he could take for it because of the Aricept, Risperdal, and Topamax that he is on. Chris got to see Andy and Barneys patrol car and we got pictures of him sitting in it and standing beside it. He was so excited!! He loves Andy Griffith Show so much and he thought that was really something seeing the car. We also got to spend the day with the guy that played the boy playing the banjo in the movie Deliverance. How cool is that? He was a real nice guy and we took him to lunch and went sightseeing with him. We got lots and lots of pictures. Tomorrow we are taking Mom to physical therapy for her arm. I hope that it helps her. She has been in so much pain. Hopefully I won't lose this blog as they keep talking about the big virus to hit computers Monday. Guess we will see.
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