I had thought about trying to go to the music jam yesterday morning but getting Cowboy up and out the door on time is such a struggle. It just didn't happen. We never did get him shaved.
I was thinking about how many little clues occurred over the last year and a half that I either didn't get concerned about or that the Dr. assured was nothing to worry about. I am sure many times these things happen and then don't end up being anything so I try to factor that in but I have ended up feeling like I should have been paying more attention or made more noise with the Dr. Despite that I know it would not have made any difference. There were times I felt upset with Cowboy and in retrospect it wasn't really him but the disease affecting his behavoir.
Today has been a nice day. I love Sundays. I love the Sunday paper, the late breakfast, the quiet. It was cool today so have not been out of the house except to pick up the paper.
I spent some time on the internet trying to check out this Aid and Attendance pension stuff. On the surface it looks like we have too many assets to qualify. I don't know why that should be a factor. This should be about taking care of our veterans. But the part of me that is a taxpayer is more inclined to think it is a good approach. Interestingly, I also learned that any veteran with any kind of rating can get free eyeglasses. Who knew? I wonder how many hundreds/thousands of dollars that represents for us over the past 30 years. Since we are pretty comfortable I guess I shouldn't concern myself with it.
Time to fix dinner.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 25
The speech therapist came yesterday and after her eval said she thought there was little more to be gained with more therapy. She left a list of suggestions for exercises we can do. They include a card game, and looking at family pictures and discussing them. She also suggested that he might eat better with sweetener on things. She has seen this work with other clients.
She talked a bit about the fact that he may develop problems with swallowing and to watch for that. She also said the constant running nose is a part of the syndrome. First time I heard that. So far we had tried to figure out if it was one of his medications or maybe allergies. The doctor never mentioned that it was a symptom of the disease. He coughs a lot and his nose runs constantly and he frequently hiccups.
While the speech therapist was here the physical therapist arrived. He did an eval and we decided to do a couple of weeks of therapy focusing on balance and ways to lesson his chances of falling.
I sense from both that they don't feel there is a lot more that can be done. The nurse called and she is coming on Friday (today) so will have to skip gym because she couldn't give me an exact time. I hope she can help me make sure I am taking the blood pressure and blood sugar correctly.
Last night Cowboy was sound asleep and he came up like a shot, arms waving and yelled "Sheba!". He then looked and saw her asleep at the foot of the bed, laid back down and went back to sleep.
I got on the internet this morning and checked out the issue of the running nose. On the Lewy Body Dementia Association web site I found out that drooling and a runny nose are in fact symptoms of the disease. I will have to discuss this with the doctor.
Another thing I found out is that a person who has REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is likely to develop a brain disorder, on average 11 years later. I don't know how far back I can remember his sleep was disturbed and he often had nightmares, etc. It was said to be a result of PTSD.
This morning I set out some fruit from Wednesday evening and Cowboy ate quite a bit of it. He hardly touched his toast but did drink a glass of milk. I know the Dr. said to not be overly concerned about the weight loss but I am anyway.
The nurse came and took readings. All is fine.
The lady from the Area Council on Aging called and rescheduled for another week out. She also suggested I apply for something the VA has called Aid and Attendance Pension that is essentially a reimbursement to help defray the cost of respite care. hmmmm......guess I will look into that.
She talked a bit about the fact that he may develop problems with swallowing and to watch for that. She also said the constant running nose is a part of the syndrome. First time I heard that. So far we had tried to figure out if it was one of his medications or maybe allergies. The doctor never mentioned that it was a symptom of the disease. He coughs a lot and his nose runs constantly and he frequently hiccups.
While the speech therapist was here the physical therapist arrived. He did an eval and we decided to do a couple of weeks of therapy focusing on balance and ways to lesson his chances of falling.
I sense from both that they don't feel there is a lot more that can be done. The nurse called and she is coming on Friday (today) so will have to skip gym because she couldn't give me an exact time. I hope she can help me make sure I am taking the blood pressure and blood sugar correctly.
Last night Cowboy was sound asleep and he came up like a shot, arms waving and yelled "Sheba!". He then looked and saw her asleep at the foot of the bed, laid back down and went back to sleep.
I got on the internet this morning and checked out the issue of the running nose. On the Lewy Body Dementia Association web site I found out that drooling and a runny nose are in fact symptoms of the disease. I will have to discuss this with the doctor.
Another thing I found out is that a person who has REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is likely to develop a brain disorder, on average 11 years later. I don't know how far back I can remember his sleep was disturbed and he often had nightmares, etc. It was said to be a result of PTSD.
This morning I set out some fruit from Wednesday evening and Cowboy ate quite a bit of it. He hardly touched his toast but did drink a glass of milk. I know the Dr. said to not be overly concerned about the weight loss but I am anyway.
The nurse came and took readings. All is fine.
The lady from the Area Council on Aging called and rescheduled for another week out. She also suggested I apply for something the VA has called Aid and Attendance Pension that is essentially a reimbursement to help defray the cost of respite care. hmmmm......guess I will look into that.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday, March 24
Tuesday we went to gym. Having same situation each time. Have decided two machines is all we are going to get.
My music friends came over Tuesday afternoon. Cowboy seems to enjoy listening to us play. Our dog sits on his lap and he pets her. I think the pup is a great form of help with him
Wednesday, we went to the Dr. We had a good talk. He says that the 22 pounds is not unusual with this disease and he will probably lose more. We do the best we can. He thinks it is a combination of the loss of a sense of smell and apathy. Made a change to one of his diabetes medications in the hope it will increase his appetite.
Marsha came and I went and got a pedicure, went shopping. Beautiful weather, great to get out.
At 4PM some friends from my committee work came over with loads of beautiful food and wine and we sat on the patio for 2 hours and just visited. It was wonderful to see them and it was wonderful to just relax.
Today is Thursday and the nurse comes, the speech therapists comes to do an eval and the physical therapist called at 6 last night and he is coming as well.
It is 9:45 and Cowboy is finishing up dressing and then we will have a late breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes. Hope he eats as well as he did last time I fixed it.
My music friends came over Tuesday afternoon. Cowboy seems to enjoy listening to us play. Our dog sits on his lap and he pets her. I think the pup is a great form of help with him
Wednesday, we went to the Dr. We had a good talk. He says that the 22 pounds is not unusual with this disease and he will probably lose more. We do the best we can. He thinks it is a combination of the loss of a sense of smell and apathy. Made a change to one of his diabetes medications in the hope it will increase his appetite.
Marsha came and I went and got a pedicure, went shopping. Beautiful weather, great to get out.
At 4PM some friends from my committee work came over with loads of beautiful food and wine and we sat on the patio for 2 hours and just visited. It was wonderful to see them and it was wonderful to just relax.
Today is Thursday and the nurse comes, the speech therapists comes to do an eval and the physical therapist called at 6 last night and he is coming as well.
It is 9:45 and Cowboy is finishing up dressing and then we will have a late breakfast of bacon, eggs and pancakes. Hope he eats as well as he did last time I fixed it.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Monday, March 21
Cowboy and I went for a walk yesterday. The weather has been wonderful and we did about a half mile.
I have notified my bunco group that I have to drop out. Can't be gone in the evening at the time that Cowboy needs to get ready for bed. It is like in the morning, only in reverse.
Couldn't get Cowboy to shave this morning but his teeth are clean and his hearing aids are in. He kept putting on the same pair of boots every day and I insisted he choose a different pair. They need time to air.
Got a call from a VA nurse today. Seems there was a form that needed filling out that they missed last week. Also, she is going to make sure he is on the waiting list for respite services. I told her about contacting the Area Agency on the Aging and that they are supposed to contact me. The VA services may not be available for months or at all given the political climate at the moment.
I got ambitious today and did a lot of cleaning. It was rather therapeutic.
Cowboy refused to eat lunch at all. Said he didn't want anything. I opened a bottle of Ensure and set it next to his chair. After awhile he drank it. That's 320 calories and some nutrition. He's down another 2 pounds.
Called and made an appointment with the Dr. to talk to him about the weight issue. It reallly worries me. Will got Wed AM before Marsha comes.
I have notified my bunco group that I have to drop out. Can't be gone in the evening at the time that Cowboy needs to get ready for bed. It is like in the morning, only in reverse.
Couldn't get Cowboy to shave this morning but his teeth are clean and his hearing aids are in. He kept putting on the same pair of boots every day and I insisted he choose a different pair. They need time to air.
Got a call from a VA nurse today. Seems there was a form that needed filling out that they missed last week. Also, she is going to make sure he is on the waiting list for respite services. I told her about contacting the Area Agency on the Aging and that they are supposed to contact me. The VA services may not be available for months or at all given the political climate at the moment.
I got ambitious today and did a lot of cleaning. It was rather therapeutic.
Cowboy refused to eat lunch at all. Said he didn't want anything. I opened a bottle of Ensure and set it next to his chair. After awhile he drank it. That's 320 calories and some nutrition. He's down another 2 pounds.
Called and made an appointment with the Dr. to talk to him about the weight issue. It reallly worries me. Will got Wed AM before Marsha comes.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Saturday, March 19
A nurse named Tandy came this morning from Guardian. She talked to us about their services and checked Cowboy out, blood pressure, blood sugar, etc. We decided to have a nurse come every couple of weeks and do the same. She also is going to have a speech therapist contact us. Cowboy just doesn't want to talk hardly at all. Maybe we need to try something different.
The hiccups continue to occur every day and sometimes multiple times a day, even sometimes in his sleep. Usually they don't last long.
Cowboy watched three old Roy Rogers movies today and really seemed to be enjoying it. Then we took a ride and got an ice cream cone. It is an absolutely beautiful day.
I got the new "easy" phone programmed so if I happen to be out of the house walking the dog or talking to a neighbor, etc. he only has to pick up the receiver and his one button. No "send", nothing to remember. I feel better.
The hiccups continue to occur every day and sometimes multiple times a day, even sometimes in his sleep. Usually they don't last long.
Cowboy watched three old Roy Rogers movies today and really seemed to be enjoying it. Then we took a ride and got an ice cream cone. It is an absolutely beautiful day.
I got the new "easy" phone programmed so if I happen to be out of the house walking the dog or talking to a neighbor, etc. he only has to pick up the receiver and his one button. No "send", nothing to remember. I feel better.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Friday, March 18
The change to daylight savings time has meant that it is later getting going in the morning. This morning we were still eating breakfast at 9:30 when the fellow arrived to put in the telephone line. Cowboy ate 2 eggs and 3 pankcakes !! Of course I am going to end up gaining weight trying to keep him from losing it.
While he was here the Area Agency on Aging called and took information from me. They will be sending someone out in the next couple of weeks to talk to me about their services.
When the telephone was in we left and went to talk to the city about the ticket. I explained to them that I got my sticker the following day and a little of what is going on with us right now. They charged me $20 and dismissed the ticket. A bright spot in the day.
We went to Radio Shack and bought a filter for the telephone because I have DSL and then to the grocery store to pick up milk, some cookies, etc.
I fixed him a barbeque sandwich and root beer and he ate half and took four drinks of the root beer.
The original plan was to hit the gym today but all this other stuff got in the way. We can go tomorrow.
While he was here the Area Agency on Aging called and took information from me. They will be sending someone out in the next couple of weeks to talk to me about their services.
When the telephone was in we left and went to talk to the city about the ticket. I explained to them that I got my sticker the following day and a little of what is going on with us right now. They charged me $20 and dismissed the ticket. A bright spot in the day.
We went to Radio Shack and bought a filter for the telephone because I have DSL and then to the grocery store to pick up milk, some cookies, etc.
I fixed him a barbeque sandwich and root beer and he ate half and took four drinks of the root beer.
The original plan was to hit the gym today but all this other stuff got in the way. We can go tomorrow.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Thursday, March 17
My plans today were to take Cowboy to the respite care at the church and go to book club and then get a couple of watch batteries, go see about my traffic ticket and get some milk.
Had Cowboy up dressed, shaved and ready to go but he was really taking forever to eat breakfast. I said he needed to finish so we could leave and he announced "I'm not going.". I explained that there was a person arranged to stay with him, the church (they call it "Special Friends") was expecting him and I had some errands. He said "I'm not going."
The handyman was supposed to be here at 9 to install the telephone line and didn't show so now what?
Book Club was just down the street. I drove to the church because they weren't answering the telephone and then came back to house to find Cowboy in the yard pulling up weeds. There is a danger of him toppling over so this was frustrating. I herded him into the house and made him promise to stay in his easy chair and went to book club. I really need to be able to maintain some of these activities to stay psychologically able to deal.
Talked to the handyman about the telephone line and he will be here tomorrow. Really need to feel like Cowboy can reach me and right now he can't seem to make a call on the house phone or his cell phone. I never leave him and go further than within our neighborhood but at least can do that if he can call me.
After that I picked him up and we went and got a hamburger and I ordered him a milkshake. He ate/drank the milkshake but only ate half the burger. I am really trying to keep him from losing more weight and this week he is stable.
On to the jewelry store to get some batteries and get his watch set. He has a beautiful but very complicated watch but they were able to straighten it out. Since he cannot read it or understand don't know that it matters but he thinkgs it does.
After that I completely forgot I needed milk and headed for the house.
At the suggestion of a friend I called the Area Agency on the Aging to see if they are a source for respite care. Left word for their "Intake Person". The Home Health people called again but still not sure if that is the answer for some of our needs but am still considering it. They can provide some therapy and some help with bathing, etc but then they leave. Probably not going to meet the need to do errands, etc.
Had Cowboy up dressed, shaved and ready to go but he was really taking forever to eat breakfast. I said he needed to finish so we could leave and he announced "I'm not going.". I explained that there was a person arranged to stay with him, the church (they call it "Special Friends") was expecting him and I had some errands. He said "I'm not going."
The handyman was supposed to be here at 9 to install the telephone line and didn't show so now what?
Book Club was just down the street. I drove to the church because they weren't answering the telephone and then came back to house to find Cowboy in the yard pulling up weeds. There is a danger of him toppling over so this was frustrating. I herded him into the house and made him promise to stay in his easy chair and went to book club. I really need to be able to maintain some of these activities to stay psychologically able to deal.
Talked to the handyman about the telephone line and he will be here tomorrow. Really need to feel like Cowboy can reach me and right now he can't seem to make a call on the house phone or his cell phone. I never leave him and go further than within our neighborhood but at least can do that if he can call me.
After that I picked him up and we went and got a hamburger and I ordered him a milkshake. He ate/drank the milkshake but only ate half the burger. I am really trying to keep him from losing more weight and this week he is stable.
On to the jewelry store to get some batteries and get his watch set. He has a beautiful but very complicated watch but they were able to straighten it out. Since he cannot read it or understand don't know that it matters but he thinkgs it does.
After that I completely forgot I needed milk and headed for the house.
At the suggestion of a friend I called the Area Agency on the Aging to see if they are a source for respite care. Left word for their "Intake Person". The Home Health people called again but still not sure if that is the answer for some of our needs but am still considering it. They can provide some therapy and some help with bathing, etc but then they leave. Probably not going to meet the need to do errands, etc.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday, March 16
The last couple of days have been a bit frantic. On Monday, in preparation for our appointment with the VA I made copies of his records (many pages) and got his medications in a bag. For some reason they ask you to bring the actual bottle of everything he takes. That is 12 prescriptions, plus his aspirin, vitamins, fiber, etc. ( and by the way, they never even asked to look at them ! )
I had a social event at 1PM which was next door so went over for 30 minutes just to see some friends and get a couple of hugs, then off to the clinic. It is about 30 miles from home.
The doctor at the VA that we see if not impressive at all but the whole purpose is to get in the system that he has these new problems and find out what help is available. After talking to the doc we went to the State Veterans Commission to file for an additional percentage of disability. The purpose of this means a bit of a break on taxes but more importantly it takes a 70% or above rating to get help with nursing home expenses in our own community. The other alternatives are to use our long term care insurance and pay the difference or take him to the state home in about 40 miles away, if there is a place for him. Just checking out all the options and trying to do the best available.
Yesterday we went to the gym and the same thing happened as last time. He wants to be left to figure out the machine himself (I think it is because people are around and he doesn't want to appear that he needs anything). We did two machines at 15 min each and then he wanted to leave. It is not a bad workout but not quite what was subscribed. We will walk today and tomorrow and go back to the gym on Friday.
Yesterday afternoon, like every Tuesday afternoon my music group came over and we played for a couple of hours. They are great people and we laugh a lot as well as play so it is really good for me. Cowboy sits in his easy chair with the dog on his lap and listens. Used to go to different houses but I told them they need to come here is we are to continue.
Marsha comes today and I am going to the base to the commissary to get a bill of groceries and hit the PX. Usually go earlier so we will see if this can be accomplished in the 5 hours I have.
Got a call a while ago from the VA and they said they are setting up someone to come in a couple of times a week. Said they will call me. It will be skilled nursing care rather than respite care. Will wait until they call and find out what we do from here.
I had a social event at 1PM which was next door so went over for 30 minutes just to see some friends and get a couple of hugs, then off to the clinic. It is about 30 miles from home.
The doctor at the VA that we see if not impressive at all but the whole purpose is to get in the system that he has these new problems and find out what help is available. After talking to the doc we went to the State Veterans Commission to file for an additional percentage of disability. The purpose of this means a bit of a break on taxes but more importantly it takes a 70% or above rating to get help with nursing home expenses in our own community. The other alternatives are to use our long term care insurance and pay the difference or take him to the state home in about 40 miles away, if there is a place for him. Just checking out all the options and trying to do the best available.
Yesterday we went to the gym and the same thing happened as last time. He wants to be left to figure out the machine himself (I think it is because people are around and he doesn't want to appear that he needs anything). We did two machines at 15 min each and then he wanted to leave. It is not a bad workout but not quite what was subscribed. We will walk today and tomorrow and go back to the gym on Friday.
Yesterday afternoon, like every Tuesday afternoon my music group came over and we played for a couple of hours. They are great people and we laugh a lot as well as play so it is really good for me. Cowboy sits in his easy chair with the dog on his lap and listens. Used to go to different houses but I told them they need to come here is we are to continue.
Marsha comes today and I am going to the base to the commissary to get a bill of groceries and hit the PX. Usually go earlier so we will see if this can be accomplished in the 5 hours I have.
Got a call a while ago from the VA and they said they are setting up someone to come in a couple of times a week. Said they will call me. It will be skilled nursing care rather than respite care. Will wait until they call and find out what we do from here.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Sunday, March 13
We went to physical therapy on Thursday and after a discussion with the therapist it was decided this would be his last session. He can come back for "tune ups" later if needed. This assumes he will be willing to go to the gym twice a week minimum and walk with me at least 3 days a week minimum. I think we can do that.
I was next door visiting with a neighbor about an hour prior to leaving for therapy. Cowboy followed me over, which is fine. When I suggested he go take off his boots and put on his tennis shoes he said no, he wasn't going to do that. This happens a lot when it is time to walk or go to therapy. The therapist said he needs to always come in his tennis shoes. The cowboy boots throw him forward a little bit and he really should wear his athletic shoes. When we got back to the house I just told him he was going to change and I took off his boots and handed him his shoes. This approach often works better but it amazes me because the old Cowboy would have told me to go take a flying leap.
On Friday a friend who is a handyman came and put in a taller toilet in the second bathroom and rails in the master bath. He is coming back next week to put in a telephone line.
We didn't go anywhere on Saturday. I did some chores and Cowboy mostly watched TV.
Today we were awoken with a call from some friends we knew in Tulsa prior to moving here. They were coming through and wanted to have lunch. We met them for lunch at the Cracker Barrel. It was nice. Cowboy ate everything on his plate. They will go back and tell a lot of our old friends what is going on with Cowboy. I hate to worry them but I guess they need to know. Also learned that some of our friends are ill and one has passed away. It is upsetting that no one had let us know. Cowboy probably didn't say 10 words but seemed to enjoy seeing them.
I was next door visiting with a neighbor about an hour prior to leaving for therapy. Cowboy followed me over, which is fine. When I suggested he go take off his boots and put on his tennis shoes he said no, he wasn't going to do that. This happens a lot when it is time to walk or go to therapy. The therapist said he needs to always come in his tennis shoes. The cowboy boots throw him forward a little bit and he really should wear his athletic shoes. When we got back to the house I just told him he was going to change and I took off his boots and handed him his shoes. This approach often works better but it amazes me because the old Cowboy would have told me to go take a flying leap.
On Friday a friend who is a handyman came and put in a taller toilet in the second bathroom and rails in the master bath. He is coming back next week to put in a telephone line.
We didn't go anywhere on Saturday. I did some chores and Cowboy mostly watched TV.
Today we were awoken with a call from some friends we knew in Tulsa prior to moving here. They were coming through and wanted to have lunch. We met them for lunch at the Cracker Barrel. It was nice. Cowboy ate everything on his plate. They will go back and tell a lot of our old friends what is going on with Cowboy. I hate to worry them but I guess they need to know. Also learned that some of our friends are ill and one has passed away. It is upsetting that no one had let us know. Cowboy probably didn't say 10 words but seemed to enjoy seeing them.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thursday, March 10
"Where are those red things?" Cowboy asked as he rustles around in a drawer in the china cabinet. When I want to know what kind of red things I ask him to describe them to me. He puts his fingers about a foot apart and then says they are to clean his hearing aids.
After a search I find the cleaners They are about 4 inches long and green. They were in the medicine cabinet just where they belonged. We spend quite a bit of time looking for things around here.
Cowboy is at the church today and when I took him this morning he asked not to "leave him all day". The program is for 4 hours. I went and got the car inspected and the oil and filters changed and then grabbed a hamburger and went to the grocery. Just got the groceries put away and have to leave in one minute to go pick him up. Hope he had a good time today.
After a search I find the cleaners They are about 4 inches long and green. They were in the medicine cabinet just where they belonged. We spend quite a bit of time looking for things around here.
Cowboy is at the church today and when I took him this morning he asked not to "leave him all day". The program is for 4 hours. I went and got the car inspected and the oil and filters changed and then grabbed a hamburger and went to the grocery. Just got the groceries put away and have to leave in one minute to go pick him up. Hope he had a good time today.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Wednesday, March 9
Yesterday morning we went to the gym. He did the arm cycle and then got on the stationary bike. He kept pushing the controls and thoroughly messing with the programming (he does the same thing with the TV remote). I tried to do the programming for him and he yelled at me "Leave it alone!". First time he has gotten upset in quite a while. He managed to set the bike on a very high resistance and consequently was thoroughly worn out at the end of his 15 minutes and insisted we come home without doing the third exercise.
Today Marsha came and I was able to do some errands. I was on my way to the bank to find out what to do about a lost safety deposit key when I was stopped by the police. I was ticketed for an expired inspection sticker and not wearing my seat belt. Since I had no idea it was expired and always wear my seatbelt we have to conclude my brain in not in gear. After that I went to the bank, pulled into the lot and completely broke down crying. I want to think it was because it is the first ticket I have had in 25 years but maybe just because I am holding everything in.
I had not shed a tear since this journey began. I kept telling myself "I can do this, it is going to be OK". In the past couple of weeks I have sliced my finger, tripped and fallen, lost my safety deposit key, failed to get the car inspected and THEN got a ticket. All of these events are small things but if you knew me you would know that I am normally meticulous and organized. I attribute all of it to the impossibility of concentrating, staying in the moment and taking care of business. I just feel so "scattered". Must get it together.
I had lunch with a friend today. Her father had dementia so she has a good understanding of the challenges. We talked a lot about all of it but decided next time we will talk about a book or movie or our latest purchase or something normal. I like that idea.
Cowboy has had the hiccups a number of times in the past month. Prior to that I can never remember him having them even once. Something on a medical show on TV was talking about hiccups and said that they can be caused by a stroke. I wonder if they will continue. They are fierce and loud and probably uncomfortable.
Today Marsha came and I was able to do some errands. I was on my way to the bank to find out what to do about a lost safety deposit key when I was stopped by the police. I was ticketed for an expired inspection sticker and not wearing my seat belt. Since I had no idea it was expired and always wear my seatbelt we have to conclude my brain in not in gear. After that I went to the bank, pulled into the lot and completely broke down crying. I want to think it was because it is the first ticket I have had in 25 years but maybe just because I am holding everything in.
I had not shed a tear since this journey began. I kept telling myself "I can do this, it is going to be OK". In the past couple of weeks I have sliced my finger, tripped and fallen, lost my safety deposit key, failed to get the car inspected and THEN got a ticket. All of these events are small things but if you knew me you would know that I am normally meticulous and organized. I attribute all of it to the impossibility of concentrating, staying in the moment and taking care of business. I just feel so "scattered". Must get it together.
I had lunch with a friend today. Her father had dementia so she has a good understanding of the challenges. We talked a lot about all of it but decided next time we will talk about a book or movie or our latest purchase or something normal. I like that idea.
Cowboy has had the hiccups a number of times in the past month. Prior to that I can never remember him having them even once. Something on a medical show on TV was talking about hiccups and said that they can be caused by a stroke. I wonder if they will continue. They are fierce and loud and probably uncomfortable.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Monday, March 7
Last night I woke up and Cowboy was moving his pillows around and pulling back the covers on the bed. When I asked him what he was doing he asked me "Where is the telephone?" He kept looking around on the bed and on the floor near the bed and finally got back in bed and went back to sleep. Am not sure what I should or should not do when these hallucinations happen but at this point they are very benign.
We had an appointment this morning at the Va for bloodwork. They have a certain protocol to make sure that the person is actually who they say they are. When the tech asked him his name he was able to respond but when they asked for his social security number he couldn't tell them. I tried to give them the information but they wouldn't take it from me. Cowboy, after being asked a couple of times, just looked at him kind of blankly. I explained that he couldn't tell them and then they required that he pull out his ID from his wallet. Seems a bit much but that is just the way it is.
There are a couple of things that I really miss at this point. We used to have these lively discussions about the news, politics, neighborhood gossip. Now he doesn't seem to care and cannot carry on a conversation about any of it. Hard to explain but he is just so silent. The other thing is getting any input on any kind of decision whether it is what to have for dinner, whether to buy something or whether to plan to do something, he has no input.
I tell him every day that I love him and kiss and hug him often. He responds in kind. At least I still have some affection going both ways.
I arranged a substitute for my usual monthly bunco tonight. I don't know how to ask someone to look after him and I can't leave him for 2 plus hours. He goes to bed about 8 and we have to do certain things before that, like take medicine, take out his hearing aids, his teeth, his glasses, etc. He often forgets and that could result in broken hearing aids or glasses.
We had an appointment this morning at the Va for bloodwork. They have a certain protocol to make sure that the person is actually who they say they are. When the tech asked him his name he was able to respond but when they asked for his social security number he couldn't tell them. I tried to give them the information but they wouldn't take it from me. Cowboy, after being asked a couple of times, just looked at him kind of blankly. I explained that he couldn't tell them and then they required that he pull out his ID from his wallet. Seems a bit much but that is just the way it is.
There are a couple of things that I really miss at this point. We used to have these lively discussions about the news, politics, neighborhood gossip. Now he doesn't seem to care and cannot carry on a conversation about any of it. Hard to explain but he is just so silent. The other thing is getting any input on any kind of decision whether it is what to have for dinner, whether to buy something or whether to plan to do something, he has no input.
I tell him every day that I love him and kiss and hug him often. He responds in kind. At least I still have some affection going both ways.
I arranged a substitute for my usual monthly bunco tonight. I don't know how to ask someone to look after him and I can't leave him for 2 plus hours. He goes to bed about 8 and we have to do certain things before that, like take medicine, take out his hearing aids, his teeth, his glasses, etc. He often forgets and that could result in broken hearing aids or glasses.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday, March 6
My daughter and two of her sons were down yesterday. The boys are 20 and 27. We went out to eat and then came home and had birthday cake and ice cream. It is my daughers birthday. Cowboy wasn't too keen on going to eat but once we got there and he had a plate of ribs in front of him he was happy.
These boys are not actually Cowboy's biological father but we have been married for 34 years and they consider him "Grandpa" and love him very much. You can tell they are concerned but it was a good day.
This morning Cowboy was sort of half awake at around 6AM. He was reaching up with his hands like he was trying to catch something, like a butterfly. He did it time and again and then just went back to sleep.
We played some CD's this morning that my sister in NM made and sent, mostly country and western. At one point I asked him if he wanted me to shut it off and turn of the TV and he said no, let's listen to them.
These boys are not actually Cowboy's biological father but we have been married for 34 years and they consider him "Grandpa" and love him very much. You can tell they are concerned but it was a good day.
This morning Cowboy was sort of half awake at around 6AM. He was reaching up with his hands like he was trying to catch something, like a butterfly. He did it time and again and then just went back to sleep.
We played some CD's this morning that my sister in NM made and sent, mostly country and western. At one point I asked him if he wanted me to shut it off and turn of the TV and he said no, let's listen to them.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Friday, Mar 4
Yesterday we started at 8AM with a physical therapy session. He did fine. At 10 I took him to a respite program called "Special Friends" run by our community church. I stayed with him for about an hour and then told him I was going to the bank. He was fine with it. He was sitting at a table with 6 guys and listening to guy talk and occasionally having something to say. I returned a little before 2 and they were playing bingo. He won the first time out and got a candy bar. They had lunch and visited and played games. They have a "buddy" assigned to each client and his buddy is a very nice fellow who is a neighbor of a lady that I play music with. It is a small world. He did just fine. I found it so amazing because only a few months ago he would have said "NO WAY!" We are going to make this a regular thing too as long as he does well. The feeling is the socializing and mental stimulation is a good thing when it is in this type of specialized environment.
This morning Cowboy got up before me and brought in the paper, put out the trash, put out the flag and made his own coffee. The doctor said there would be days when he seemed almost normal. This was one of those day.
Today we stayed home and I did laundry and ironing and mending. Cowboy watched TV. We took a walk for about a half mile this afternoon with the dog. It was cloudy and cool but still nice.
This evening a friend of a friend called and told me she was able to get help three days a week through a local social services group without cost. Given that Visiting Angels is $17.50 an hour seems like I should check into it. Only drawback is that it is only for three months. The VA has no one available at the moment per this friend. May wait until I see what comes out of my appointments with the VA.
It is likely that my daughter and her three sons will be down tomorrow. Will make for a busy and chaotic day. We will see how that goes.
This morning Cowboy got up before me and brought in the paper, put out the trash, put out the flag and made his own coffee. The doctor said there would be days when he seemed almost normal. This was one of those day.
Today we stayed home and I did laundry and ironing and mending. Cowboy watched TV. We took a walk for about a half mile this afternoon with the dog. It was cloudy and cool but still nice.
This evening a friend of a friend called and told me she was able to get help three days a week through a local social services group without cost. Given that Visiting Angels is $17.50 an hour seems like I should check into it. Only drawback is that it is only for three months. The VA has no one available at the moment per this friend. May wait until I see what comes out of my appointments with the VA.
It is likely that my daughter and her three sons will be down tomorrow. Will make for a busy and chaotic day. We will see how that goes.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Wednesday, Mar 2
Yesterday we got up and put on our work out clothes and after a breakfast of oatmeal went to the gym. Cowboy was fine with it. He had some trouble with the settings on the stationary bike but he went 15 minutes. We also did 15 minutes on the recumbent bike. Turns out the gym did not have the arm cycle that was prescribed so we then went to the other gym and did that. Will have to use the older gym that is farther from home so he can do the arm cycle stuff. I have a bad shoulder and arm so I just got on the treadmill and kept an eye on him. He did fine.
Yesterday afternoon I got real ambitious and suggested we take the dog for a walk. It was an absolutely perfect day. We walked about a half mile. That meant that both of us were totally beat last night.
Right now I am waiting and encouraging Cowboy to get his shower, shave, etc. I let him do it but check on him every few minutes. He is incredibly slow, another symptom of DLB. It is going to be nearly lunchtime before I get some food in him. He got on the scale this morning and is down a total of 20 pounds. I wonder if they make a pill to increase your appetite.
Marsha, from Visiting Angels, comes today. I am looking forward to getting out.
Yesterday afternoon I got real ambitious and suggested we take the dog for a walk. It was an absolutely perfect day. We walked about a half mile. That meant that both of us were totally beat last night.
Right now I am waiting and encouraging Cowboy to get his shower, shave, etc. I let him do it but check on him every few minutes. He is incredibly slow, another symptom of DLB. It is going to be nearly lunchtime before I get some food in him. He got on the scale this morning and is down a total of 20 pounds. I wonder if they make a pill to increase your appetite.
Marsha, from Visiting Angels, comes today. I am looking forward to getting out.
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