We went to the Dr. this morning. After talking with him the Dr. and I are both convinced we are dealing with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (they call it DLB for short). He asked Cowboy if he "saw things" and he said yes. Then he asked him if it frightened him and he said no. That confirms the halucination issue.
I found an article on DLB that also said sometimes they have double vision. I had not thought about it but in September when he got new glasses he complained of seeing double. We went back to the opthamologist and they adjusted his prescription a bit but he continued to complain and then he stopped.
We will be seeing the Dr. every six weeks from now on to monitor his progress. I told him my research did not turn up a time frame for DLB and he said probably 4 years. We talked about getting some help later and nursing homes, etc.
I am going to try to get him to the gym in the morning to work on the machines suggested by the physical therapist.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Sunday, Feb 27
It has been a quiet and relaxing weekend. Cowboy watched two more old westerns and some golf. I did some laundry. Not much to report.
Today we went for a walk. I had to coax him and he refused to change into his walking shoes, left on his boots. It was a nice day and it was enjoyable.
I am trying to come up with things for him to eat that will help stop the weight loss. Am thinking if he likes it well enough that might help. I gave him goulash for lunch and he ate half. Tonight we had liver and onions and he did eat all of that but barely touched the vegetables. He turns down most in between meal things I offer him. Have tried cheese and crackers, popcorn. He did eat a banana today.
My daughter and grandsons were supposed to come down this weekend but she called Friday night and said it would be next weekend. It will be her birthday. Maybe I will make a cake.
Today we went for a walk. I had to coax him and he refused to change into his walking shoes, left on his boots. It was a nice day and it was enjoyable.
I am trying to come up with things for him to eat that will help stop the weight loss. Am thinking if he likes it well enough that might help. I gave him goulash for lunch and he ate half. Tonight we had liver and onions and he did eat all of that but barely touched the vegetables. He turns down most in between meal things I offer him. Have tried cheese and crackers, popcorn. He did eat a banana today.
My daughter and grandsons were supposed to come down this weekend but she called Friday night and said it would be next weekend. It will be her birthday. Maybe I will make a cake.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday, Feb 25
I took Cowboy to a show on Wednesday night. It was kind of a vaudeville show and he really enjoyed himself. I believe this type of activity is good for him even if some of the material I have been given suggests otherwise. It went well.
I made a big mistake. I scheduled an appointment yesterday morning for 7AM to have the dog groomed. My plan was to drop her off and take Cowboy for a haircut. The barber shop nearby opens at 7 and then we could pick up the dog and take her home and make his 9:30 speech therapy appointment. It would have worked back in the day when he moved at a normal clip. I had to really dog him to get ready and get our of the house in time to get there. But we did. He got right in and after he had his badly needed haircut I took him to IHOP for breakfast. (I am doing everything I can to get him to eat more. He is losing weight.)
Yesterday was his last speech therapy appointment. The feeling is that he is better but no more progress is likely due to his memory problems. I will continue to work with him at home.
Today we got to sleep a bit longer and then I made him eggs and sausage for breakfast. Still working on the weight thing. As of this morning he is down 18 pounds. Cowboy was slender to begin with so it troubles me.
Our physical therapy session went well and I am told he is making progress. Starting next week he will go to therapy once weekly and I am to take him to the gym once weekly plus as many walks as we can manage. This activity is important. Hope he will cooperate. Sometimes I ask him to go walk with me and he generally turns me down.
Talked to our handyman today and he is going to look into what we can do to install hand rails around the toilet and what would be involved in installing a taller toilet in the second bathroom. plus rails there as well. Definately need the rails in our master bath.
I have been reading a lot about the best way to handle some things and one thing that is repeated often is the need to keep the environment calm and have a routine. It isn't easy because we have different kinds of appointments and such most days. Cowboy seems to be dealing with things pretty well so am not overly concerned at this point.
I made a big mistake. I scheduled an appointment yesterday morning for 7AM to have the dog groomed. My plan was to drop her off and take Cowboy for a haircut. The barber shop nearby opens at 7 and then we could pick up the dog and take her home and make his 9:30 speech therapy appointment. It would have worked back in the day when he moved at a normal clip. I had to really dog him to get ready and get our of the house in time to get there. But we did. He got right in and after he had his badly needed haircut I took him to IHOP for breakfast. (I am doing everything I can to get him to eat more. He is losing weight.)
Yesterday was his last speech therapy appointment. The feeling is that he is better but no more progress is likely due to his memory problems. I will continue to work with him at home.
Today we got to sleep a bit longer and then I made him eggs and sausage for breakfast. Still working on the weight thing. As of this morning he is down 18 pounds. Cowboy was slender to begin with so it troubles me.
Our physical therapy session went well and I am told he is making progress. Starting next week he will go to therapy once weekly and I am to take him to the gym once weekly plus as many walks as we can manage. This activity is important. Hope he will cooperate. Sometimes I ask him to go walk with me and he generally turns me down.
Talked to our handyman today and he is going to look into what we can do to install hand rails around the toilet and what would be involved in installing a taller toilet in the second bathroom. plus rails there as well. Definately need the rails in our master bath.
I have been reading a lot about the best way to handle some things and one thing that is repeated often is the need to keep the environment calm and have a routine. It isn't easy because we have different kinds of appointments and such most days. Cowboy seems to be dealing with things pretty well so am not overly concerned at this point.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, Feb 23
The lady from Visiting Angels came today. Her name is Marsha. She seems very personalble and capable. I left about 10:30 after showing her around and had a pedicure, lunch and did some shopping. We have a new grandaughter coming in May so I bought a few things for her. Also found the telephone I was looking for and a medical bracelet. Now I will have to call the telephone company and get a line run.
Marsha changed the sheets and washed them, tidied the kitchen, fixed Cowboy lunch. She told me she tried to get him to do the therapy exercises but he just wouldn't do it. I talked to him about it tonight and hopefully he will try next time.
Yesterday had been really busy. Had speech therapy and then physical therapy and then some fellow musicians came over for a jam at 1:30. By the time we had dinner I was ready to watch TV and "veg" out. Cowboy actually seems a little more alert the last couple of days. However, when I ask him questions he still has trouble with what year it is, etc. I was drying him off yesterday morning and asked him our anniversay and he got that right. I told him that was the most important thing ! It is just so unpredictable from one day to the next what he will be able to remember and what he will try to do and what he just won't do.
We have a flagpole on our house and for many years Cowboy never missed a day putting the flag out. That changed a few months ago. Now he remembers it maybe one day out of 10. It is out today.
Marsha changed the sheets and washed them, tidied the kitchen, fixed Cowboy lunch. She told me she tried to get him to do the therapy exercises but he just wouldn't do it. I talked to him about it tonight and hopefully he will try next time.
Yesterday had been really busy. Had speech therapy and then physical therapy and then some fellow musicians came over for a jam at 1:30. By the time we had dinner I was ready to watch TV and "veg" out. Cowboy actually seems a little more alert the last couple of days. However, when I ask him questions he still has trouble with what year it is, etc. I was drying him off yesterday morning and asked him our anniversay and he got that right. I told him that was the most important thing ! It is just so unpredictable from one day to the next what he will be able to remember and what he will try to do and what he just won't do.
We have a flagpole on our house and for many years Cowboy never missed a day putting the flag out. That changed a few months ago. Now he remembers it maybe one day out of 10. It is out today.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, Feb 21
I managed to try to "peel" my thumb yesterday along with the potatoes. Not serious but it sure bled a long time. I just was thinking about other things. I seem to be doing that a lot. Am going to have to pay attention to what I am doing. About a month ago I was cleaning the china cabinet and broke two crystal goblets that I bought in Germany in 1978. It was a real bummer. What's the catchphrase these days? Mindfulness?
On Saturday Cowboy watched three movies from the old movie collection my friend brought over. Old black and white films from around 1950. I didn't even try to do therapy Saturday, just took a day off.
The various social activities that I have always been involved in have become problematic. I play fiddle with a group of dulcimer players. We also have a bass fiddle, some guitars and other instruments but I am the only fiddle. Then there is Bunco on Monday nights. I quit committee work and some other volunteer activities at the end of December but agreed to continue on a sub-committee. I still haven't figured out what I am and am not going to be able to do. I am working on it.
My post about the sticker for the car created a flurry. I had phone calls, emails etc and then yesterday a friend gave me a razor to remove the old sticker. I wasn't really asking for anything, just trying to express that there are new skills to master and that maybe I have been more than a little spoiled. I can't help but think of all the wonderful women I know that do not have husbands and deal with this stuff all the time and I just never had to. Cowboy was always ready and willing to take care of just about everything. He would even tell me how to arrange the cabinets if I would let him!!
It is just wonderful to know that people care.
On Saturday Cowboy watched three movies from the old movie collection my friend brought over. Old black and white films from around 1950. I didn't even try to do therapy Saturday, just took a day off.
The various social activities that I have always been involved in have become problematic. I play fiddle with a group of dulcimer players. We also have a bass fiddle, some guitars and other instruments but I am the only fiddle. Then there is Bunco on Monday nights. I quit committee work and some other volunteer activities at the end of December but agreed to continue on a sub-committee. I still haven't figured out what I am and am not going to be able to do. I am working on it.
My post about the sticker for the car created a flurry. I had phone calls, emails etc and then yesterday a friend gave me a razor to remove the old sticker. I wasn't really asking for anything, just trying to express that there are new skills to master and that maybe I have been more than a little spoiled. I can't help but think of all the wonderful women I know that do not have husbands and deal with this stuff all the time and I just never had to. Cowboy was always ready and willing to take care of just about everything. He would even tell me how to arrange the cabinets if I would let him!!
It is just wonderful to know that people care.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Friday, Feb 18
The way to reach the VA seems to be to get in que at 9AM sharp when they open. Now have an appt for late March. This should the process for us.
We have no appointments today. I did go across the street for coffee with some neighbor ladies for about 50 minutes this morning. Cowboy was watching "The Price is Right" which he really enjoys. When I got back we went to the grocery store for a few things and have been fortunate to just stay home and relax a bit the rest of the day. He seems to be in a pretty good place today. A friend brought him a bunch of western movie DVDs and I know there are some of them he is going to enjoy.
I am already planning my day out next Wednesday. I am going to get a much needed pedicure (not a luxury, it is painful for me to get down there to do them) and am going to look for a telephone that maybe he can use and an identification bracelet for him to wear. I might even do a little lady shopping.
One of our daughters was supposed to come down this weekend and bring two of her sons but just talked to her and it will be next weekend. That's OK but am looking forward to seeing them.
I was thinking today about the way so many things have change. I am not complaining and I know how to do these things but just never had to. Taking out the trash, changing a light bulb, making the coffee, fixing a loose screw and I have to figure out how to apply the tag on our windshield. I have no idea how to get the old one off.
We have no appointments today. I did go across the street for coffee with some neighbor ladies for about 50 minutes this morning. Cowboy was watching "The Price is Right" which he really enjoys. When I got back we went to the grocery store for a few things and have been fortunate to just stay home and relax a bit the rest of the day. He seems to be in a pretty good place today. A friend brought him a bunch of western movie DVDs and I know there are some of them he is going to enjoy.
I am already planning my day out next Wednesday. I am going to get a much needed pedicure (not a luxury, it is painful for me to get down there to do them) and am going to look for a telephone that maybe he can use and an identification bracelet for him to wear. I might even do a little lady shopping.
One of our daughters was supposed to come down this weekend and bring two of her sons but just talked to her and it will be next weekend. That's OK but am looking forward to seeing them.
I was thinking today about the way so many things have change. I am not complaining and I know how to do these things but just never had to. Taking out the trash, changing a light bulb, making the coffee, fixing a loose screw and I have to figure out how to apply the tag on our windshield. I have no idea how to get the old one off.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Thursday, Feb 17
Our day started at the lab for more bloodwork. Don't know what they are doing with all of this. Third time in a month. We then went to speech therapy. It is not progressing all that well. He can get it sometimes, maybe 50%, but then is just lost. Came home and had lunch and short rest and then back for physical therapy. Cowboy was pretty tired after that and fell asleep almost immediately after we got home about 3.
While I was waiting on him at therapy tried to call VA again. Decided to go ahead and get the Dr. appt since it is taking so long to talk to social worker. Got in que behind 23 callers and waited for 35 minutes. Then the call was answered and I was told to wait one moment. They never picked up, I was kicked back to the operator and she put me in que again behind 20 callers. Was getting very angry so hung up. Will try again tomorrow.
Took the dog for a long walk and enjoyed the sunshine. Now feel too tired to cook. Maybe will go down the road and grab a bite. There is a little restaurant that has really good catfish that Cowboy enjoys.
While I was waiting on him at therapy tried to call VA again. Decided to go ahead and get the Dr. appt since it is taking so long to talk to social worker. Got in que behind 23 callers and waited for 35 minutes. Then the call was answered and I was told to wait one moment. They never picked up, I was kicked back to the operator and she put me in que again behind 20 callers. Was getting very angry so hung up. Will try again tomorrow.
Took the dog for a long walk and enjoyed the sunshine. Now feel too tired to cook. Maybe will go down the road and grab a bite. There is a little restaurant that has really good catfish that Cowboy enjoys.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, Feb 16
Cowboy had a pretty good day today. We went to Ft Hood to pick up medicine and do some shopping. It was slow but we did some shopping at PX and the Commissary.
When we got back I tried again to reach the VA and had to leave a message again for a Social Worker. Also call our primary care doctor to report that Cowboy has lost 15 pounds and to confirm a lab request. The nurse suggested I call a company called Visiting Angels for someone to come in so I could have some relief. I should eventually be able to get some help through VA but that may take some time so I called them and arranged to have someone out for a few hours once a week.
I have had some offers from friends to come in but it is really hard for me to do that. Perhaps maybe occasionally may be doing that.
When we got back I tried again to reach the VA and had to leave a message again for a Social Worker. Also call our primary care doctor to report that Cowboy has lost 15 pounds and to confirm a lab request. The nurse suggested I call a company called Visiting Angels for someone to come in so I could have some relief. I should eventually be able to get some help through VA but that may take some time so I called them and arranged to have someone out for a few hours once a week.
I have had some offers from friends to come in but it is really hard for me to do that. Perhaps maybe occasionally may be doing that.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Tuesday, Feb 15
At 6:30 this morning, about half hour before we usually get up, Cowboy sat up straight in bed and then got on all fours and started trying to get over to my side of our bed. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was looking for the antelope. After a couple of minutes when he found it too hard to navigate the bedclothes, the dog and me he got off on his side and proceeded to dig around in the bedclothes for something. He eventually worked his way around to my side of the bed and started feeling my foot and then my leg. He then said hmmmmm.....and asked me if that was my leg. I told him yes and then asked him again what he was doing. He was "looking for the deer". The episode lasted about 10 minutes and then he got back in bed. After a couple more minutes he seemed to be OK. Seemed like a hallucination to me.
It took standing over him and helping him to get him dressed this morning. Had to dry him off, turn on his toothbrush and put the shaving cream on his face. Finally got him put together.
Had both speech and physical therapy this morning. Although he seems to be talking a little more and little better the dementia makes it hard to see much progress. The therapist said we would evaluate what's next the end of next week.
Physical therapy is going better. He seems to be trying harder to get his walking better although he still shuffles a lot and seems very tentative when moving around.
It took standing over him and helping him to get him dressed this morning. Had to dry him off, turn on his toothbrush and put the shaving cream on his face. Finally got him put together.
Had both speech and physical therapy this morning. Although he seems to be talking a little more and little better the dementia makes it hard to see much progress. The therapist said we would evaluate what's next the end of next week.
Physical therapy is going better. He seems to be trying harder to get his walking better although he still shuffles a lot and seems very tentative when moving around.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Monday, Feb 14
Today was Valentine's Day. I couldn't help but remember past Valentine's Days with the flowers and candy and cards received. One year he decided to get me some chocolate covered strawberries because I love them so much but when he found some that were $6 each he decided to make them instead. He bought a whole carton of strawberries and some chocolate kisses, melted the kisses and tried to get it to stick to the strawberries. It was a mess but I ate every one. Today I made a special point to love on Cowboy and tell him how much I loved him and Happy Valentine's Day. Actually, I try to tell him every day that I love him.
I asked him if he knew what day it was and he didn't. I asked him if he knew what day Valentine's Day was and he didn't. I then asked him how long we had been married and he said 23 years. It has been almost 34. He also did not know our anniversary. Of course, tomorrow he may.
Had a quick lunch with my Red Hat lady friends today and then took some lunch home to Cowboy. I know it will not be long at all that I will not be able to leave him at all. It was nice to get out and visit with the ladies. They are all so wonderful and caring.
Last night Cowboy fell asleep while I was still reading. After awhile I glanced over and he had one arm in the air. He seemed to be trying to reach for something. Sometimes at night he will start and raise up in a confused state and then go right back to sleep.
I asked him if he knew what day it was and he didn't. I asked him if he knew what day Valentine's Day was and he didn't. I then asked him how long we had been married and he said 23 years. It has been almost 34. He also did not know our anniversary. Of course, tomorrow he may.
Had a quick lunch with my Red Hat lady friends today and then took some lunch home to Cowboy. I know it will not be long at all that I will not be able to leave him at all. It was nice to get out and visit with the ladies. They are all so wonderful and caring.
Last night Cowboy fell asleep while I was still reading. After awhile I glanced over and he had one arm in the air. He seemed to be trying to reach for something. Sometimes at night he will start and raise up in a confused state and then go right back to sleep.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Sunday, Feb 13
I made a quick run to the grocery store this morning. Was gone about 35 minutes. He had had his breakfast, his medicine, etc and was sitting watching TV when I left and had not moved when I got back. This is usually the case. I never leave for very long and am sure I will not be able to leave him at all very shortly. Am going to lunch with some friends tomorrow. I always call him every 45 min or so if I am away. He doesn't seem to mind. Did have one occasion when I took the dog to the groomer and he got a bit agitated because he didn't remember that I had the dog and he was concerned about her. I take the dog for a walk most days for about 20 to 30 minutes and that is working OK so far.
We worked on memory today with playing cards. He could get about 30% right. He could tell me our address today ! About 3 times in the last couple of weeks I have asked him what car we drive. He says NEON every time. We have never had a NEON and presently drive a Toyota. I think he is able to speak a bit better all the time even though the information is often incorrect.
At the suggestion of a friend I am going to make an appointment tomorrow with the VA. I am told they may have some home help available. Will probably take weeks to even get the appt. I am also being encouraged to get a second opinion on the diagnosis. Am thinking about that.
We worked on memory today with playing cards. He could get about 30% right. He could tell me our address today ! About 3 times in the last couple of weeks I have asked him what car we drive. He says NEON every time. We have never had a NEON and presently drive a Toyota. I think he is able to speak a bit better all the time even though the information is often incorrect.
At the suggestion of a friend I am going to make an appointment tomorrow with the VA. I am told they may have some home help available. Will probably take weeks to even get the appt. I am also being encouraged to get a second opinion on the diagnosis. Am thinking about that.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday, Feb 12
Our neighborhood is having a Valentine's Dance tonight. I committed to making the punch before everything got to this point and plan to do so. I will take it up to the party location, which is just a few minutes from the house and then come back and get him. Plan to put a nice red shirt on him. We won't be able to dance but we can enjoy the people and I know he will enjoy the music.
Cowboy has a nice singing voice and plays the guitar but has not done either in a long while. But a few weeks back for about 2 days he was walking around the house just singing at the top of his lungs. "Delta Dawn, what's that flower you have on". I found it very nice and made me smile. We listen to the old western songs in the car and last week I asked him if he could sing along. He sang along perfectly on an old Hank Williams tune from the 50's. Didn't miss a word.
This morning he couldn't tell me the day or date and when I asked the year he said 2021.
He can no longer operate the TV remote so I try to find something for him that he likes. We ran across a show on historical guns this morning that he decided on. It reminded me that we had a loaded gun in the house. That seemed like a bad idea. Even though he is sweet as a lamb at the moment I know sometimes dementia can create unfavorable or violent behavior. I got the gun from his bedside table and took the clip out and hid it.
I found a really good article yesterday on Wikipedia about dementia with Lewy bodies. It was highly informative and there is so many parallels with what I am seeing that I am pretty convinced that is what we are dealing. It left me feeling a little sad and unsettled.
Cowboy has a nice singing voice and plays the guitar but has not done either in a long while. But a few weeks back for about 2 days he was walking around the house just singing at the top of his lungs. "Delta Dawn, what's that flower you have on". I found it very nice and made me smile. We listen to the old western songs in the car and last week I asked him if he could sing along. He sang along perfectly on an old Hank Williams tune from the 50's. Didn't miss a word.
This morning he couldn't tell me the day or date and when I asked the year he said 2021.
He can no longer operate the TV remote so I try to find something for him that he likes. We ran across a show on historical guns this morning that he decided on. It reminded me that we had a loaded gun in the house. That seemed like a bad idea. Even though he is sweet as a lamb at the moment I know sometimes dementia can create unfavorable or violent behavior. I got the gun from his bedside table and took the clip out and hid it.
I found a really good article yesterday on Wikipedia about dementia with Lewy bodies. It was highly informative and there is so many parallels with what I am seeing that I am pretty convinced that is what we are dealing. It left me feeling a little sad and unsettled.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday, Feb 11
It is 8:20 and Cowboy is still asleep. I can remember a time when he was always up at 5AM and probably had drunk his first cup of coffee. He also took care of the dog, emptied the dishwasher, brought in the paper and got his own breakfast. That began to change about a year ago I think.
We had therapy yesterday. In preparation I tried to drill him Wed night by getting him to repeat our telephone number and address over and over. He couldn't get it out, not once. He would rearrange the numbers each time. It was the worst and most disappointing session yet. Maybe the "sundown effect" ?
The speech therapist said he can get the date pretty well but not the time and suggested I bring up time and ask questions frequently. She also suggested we work with playing cards on memory games. After we left at 10:30 needed to be back at one so I asked him how long we had to do errands and get lunch before we went back at one for physical therapy. He couldn't figure it out. So we did errands and had some lunch and back to physical therapy. He did pretty well with elongating his gait and walking backwards today. Every time I see him shuffling I say "long steps, long steps" and mostly he tries to do that.
Had to fight the insurance people yesterday. Last month we had picked up a 90 day supply of one of his diabetes meds. Somehow it disappeared shortly thereafter. I remember bringing it home in a small paper bag along with a bottle of vitamins. Probably laid it on the counter in the bathroom and then it disappeared. Don't know if Cowboy threw it away or he put it somewhere but after a thorough search didn't find it asked the Dr. to write another one. He was glad to do it but the insurance co didn't want to pay for it. So I said "I will just buy it, how much is it?" Then I learned that 90 days would be $723. that would have been rather painful so we called the insurance co and after much wrangling and the help of the pharmacist, we got it filled for my co-pay.
We had therapy yesterday. In preparation I tried to drill him Wed night by getting him to repeat our telephone number and address over and over. He couldn't get it out, not once. He would rearrange the numbers each time. It was the worst and most disappointing session yet. Maybe the "sundown effect" ?
The speech therapist said he can get the date pretty well but not the time and suggested I bring up time and ask questions frequently. She also suggested we work with playing cards on memory games. After we left at 10:30 needed to be back at one so I asked him how long we had to do errands and get lunch before we went back at one for physical therapy. He couldn't figure it out. So we did errands and had some lunch and back to physical therapy. He did pretty well with elongating his gait and walking backwards today. Every time I see him shuffling I say "long steps, long steps" and mostly he tries to do that.
Had to fight the insurance people yesterday. Last month we had picked up a 90 day supply of one of his diabetes meds. Somehow it disappeared shortly thereafter. I remember bringing it home in a small paper bag along with a bottle of vitamins. Probably laid it on the counter in the bathroom and then it disappeared. Don't know if Cowboy threw it away or he put it somewhere but after a thorough search didn't find it asked the Dr. to write another one. He was glad to do it but the insurance co didn't want to pay for it. So I said "I will just buy it, how much is it?" Then I learned that 90 days would be $723. that would have been rather painful so we called the insurance co and after much wrangling and the help of the pharmacist, we got it filled for my co-pay.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Wednesday, Feb 9
It is 20 degrees out today and windy. Thank goodness we have no sessions today. Had planned on doing a couple of errands but decided not to. Trying to get him in and out of the car and to the door of the stores would be hard in this cold and wind.
The neurologists nurse called this morning and said his tests showed his thyroid is low and his B12 is low and asked us to get with our primary Dr. and start treating it. We have an appt in a few days so will need to talk to him about it.
Cowboy is napping a lot today and when the mail came started reading a magazine that came in the mail.. When we were in the hospital and the therapists worked with him he could read a page to them but then couldn't tell them what he had read. I have no idea if he gets anything from it. He also reads in bed at night, his favorite being westerns. Does he remember a word? I have no idea.
The neurologists nurse called this morning and said his tests showed his thyroid is low and his B12 is low and asked us to get with our primary Dr. and start treating it. We have an appt in a few days so will need to talk to him about it.
Cowboy is napping a lot today and when the mail came started reading a magazine that came in the mail.. When we were in the hospital and the therapists worked with him he could read a page to them but then couldn't tell them what he had read. I have no idea if he gets anything from it. He also reads in bed at night, his favorite being westerns. Does he remember a word? I have no idea.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Tuesday, Feb 8
I had set the alarm for 7 but it was 7:30 before I got moving and 8 before I could Cowboy out of bed. He just lays there and doesn't seem to hear me when I tell him we have to get up and get ready. He then proceeds to surprise me and not take a long time to get dressed. There are several activities involved in dressing, shower, shave, brush teeth, put in teeth, put in hearing aids, pick a pair of jeans and a shirt, pick a pair of boots from the many he has, put on his glasses and attach his cell phone to his belt. and then where is the hat he wants to wear today. He is a fellow who has always enjoyed nice cowboy boots and nice cowboy hats, belts, buckles etc and picking all the right things is a process. Of late, things often don't match and sometimes he just sits there for a long time deciding.
Speech therapy went pretty well. The therapist tells me he should be doing a little better but there is progress. He told me he got up and one point and she asked him where he was going and he couldn't tell her so he stayed and finished and then went to the bathroom. When we got home I learned he had wet his pants and we had to clean up and change. Must remember to tell her to just let him go !
Speech therapy went pretty well. The therapist tells me he should be doing a little better but there is progress. He told me he got up and one point and she asked him where he was going and he couldn't tell her so he stayed and finished and then went to the bathroom. When we got home I learned he had wet his pants and we had to clean up and change. Must remember to tell her to just let him go !
Monday, February 7, 2011
Monday, Feb 8
Some neighbors invited us over last night to watch the Superbowl and have dinner. There were 3 couples and we had a good time. Our friends know that Cowboy has problems and they are so kind and attentive. It is comforting. Cowboy does pretty well. He can eat and drink and listen to what is going on.
About a month ago he had a stroke that left him with some speech problems. He can think the words but not always get them out of his mouth. Yes and no come easily as do short sentences or comments but he is not able to string much together nor carry on a conversation. We are doing speech therapy and hopefully this situation will improve.
One of the things that became evident while he was in the hospital is that what comes out doesn't always make sense. That brings us back to the dementia. The therapist would ask him his children's names and he couldn't give them all. When asked his address it came out wrong. He didn't know what year it was. On the other hand some of the answers were correct. I have been asked to drill him daily and am doing that. He can tell me the state that a lot of cities are in but yesterday could not recall where Boston or New Orleans were.
Today we have physical thereapy. Last week the therapist ask me to try to get him to take longer steps. He doesn't do it unless I remind him and then not very well.
About a month ago he had a stroke that left him with some speech problems. He can think the words but not always get them out of his mouth. Yes and no come easily as do short sentences or comments but he is not able to string much together nor carry on a conversation. We are doing speech therapy and hopefully this situation will improve.
One of the things that became evident while he was in the hospital is that what comes out doesn't always make sense. That brings us back to the dementia. The therapist would ask him his children's names and he couldn't give them all. When asked his address it came out wrong. He didn't know what year it was. On the other hand some of the answers were correct. I have been asked to drill him daily and am doing that. He can tell me the state that a lot of cities are in but yesterday could not recall where Boston or New Orleans were.
Today we have physical thereapy. Last week the therapist ask me to try to get him to take longer steps. He doesn't do it unless I remind him and then not very well.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday, Feb 6, 2011
We found out on Friday that Gordon (aka Cowboy) either has Alzheimers or something called Dementia with Lewy bodies. Everyone seems to have heard of Alzheimers but the other was new to me. The neurologist said it is difficult to tell which we are dealing with at this point but the treatment will be the same either way. Although similar the second diagnosis would explain him falling down about 6 times in the past 12 months. There is also some indications he has experienced some hallucinations. We have started taking Aricept. Not a cure but it MAY slow down the progression.
I have known for a long time that something wasn't right. It started out with him not being able to remember little things. Sometimes he seemed disoriented or confused. He shuffles rather than walking a lot of the time. There have also been some unusual changes in his tastes. Things he always liked to eat, he no longer will. He took a liking to scented candles. Here we have this fellow that grew up on a ranch smelling all of those smells and then 30 years in the army and he now insists on lighting scented candles all the time.
Not too long ago he was frantically looking for his boot jack and when I showed him there it was he said "No the other one". He doesn't have another one. Next time I turned around he was on all fours looking for this imaginary boot jack.
I had been letting him put his own meds together in the daily dispenser and then checking on it to be sure it was right. I knew this had to change when he threw away a new prescription. And there was the night I asked him to go put them together and when I check on him he was sitting in front of my bureau with my underwear drawer open. When I asked what he was doing, he asked me "Where are my pills?"
There are personality changes. I hope we continue in the present mode. A very strong, outgoing and in charge type of personality with strong opinions and stubborness has turned into a "pussycat". He is quite docile, cooperative and sweet tempered. I guess I should qualify that. What used to take 30 minutes (showering, shaving, dressing) now takes 1 to 2 hours. It is sort of like dealing with a dawdling child.
I have known for a long time that something wasn't right. It started out with him not being able to remember little things. Sometimes he seemed disoriented or confused. He shuffles rather than walking a lot of the time. There have also been some unusual changes in his tastes. Things he always liked to eat, he no longer will. He took a liking to scented candles. Here we have this fellow that grew up on a ranch smelling all of those smells and then 30 years in the army and he now insists on lighting scented candles all the time.
Not too long ago he was frantically looking for his boot jack and when I showed him there it was he said "No the other one". He doesn't have another one. Next time I turned around he was on all fours looking for this imaginary boot jack.
I had been letting him put his own meds together in the daily dispenser and then checking on it to be sure it was right. I knew this had to change when he threw away a new prescription. And there was the night I asked him to go put them together and when I check on him he was sitting in front of my bureau with my underwear drawer open. When I asked what he was doing, he asked me "Where are my pills?"
There are personality changes. I hope we continue in the present mode. A very strong, outgoing and in charge type of personality with strong opinions and stubborness has turned into a "pussycat". He is quite docile, cooperative and sweet tempered. I guess I should qualify that. What used to take 30 minutes (showering, shaving, dressing) now takes 1 to 2 hours. It is sort of like dealing with a dawdling child.
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