When you were young did you ever play with a Jack in the Box?You twisted and twisted the handle to play the 'Pop Goes the Weasel' song knowing full well that 'Jack' was going to pop up and every time he did you still jumped.
There were times if he wasn't put back in the box just right; after the 'pop' part of the song, there was disappointment when the lid sprung open and 'Jack" never appeared.
Some days this is how it is with Hubby and Lewy Body Dementia.
After Hubby's fever the other day he didn't have the 'bounce back' I was expecting,
the lid opened,
but no pop,
until,
yesterday and today.
Sun- Hubby was unresponsive
Last Night -Hubby talks about his problems with Lewy
Sun- Hubby cant walk
Last night and Today- Hubby has walked all over the house
Sun- Hubby doesn't eat and when he finally does he must be fed and all drinks must be held so he can drink through a straw
Today-Hubby has a good appetite. Too good in fact. He's eating everything he can find.
Sun- there is no way Hubby could have assisted with a sink bath (his normal bathing now for quite a while) Today- Hubby gets INTO the shower to get cleaned up
Sun- Hubby would barely open his eyes even when spoken to
Today- Hubby tells me he thinks his glasses are getting better. Yeah I'm not sure what that means either.
So I was hoping Hubby would 'pop' back right away and he didn't. I was disappointed. I feared there would never be the 'pop' this time.
But through the power of prayer, I whined enough for it, Hubby got better, if I can use the word better.
Oh he still doesn't remember that we got married and he isn't sure exactly where he is most of the time. The same cognition problems are there. I don't notice an increase in those. The 'people' I cant see are still here. But Hubby is better in that he is calm, accepting. Not as agitated, even cracking jokes.
Just last night he was talking to me about his illness.
I am honest with Hubby about it. I am matter of fact and I don't give excess information.
Just the facts, mam. And then I let it go unless he has questions.
I assured Hubby that I would do everything in my power to care for him and keep him safe and comfortable at home.
I think he is most satisfied with the hard time thinking diagnosis and blocks out the rest, but hey, as long as I know, it's OK.
Some time had passed after this discussion and Hubby said something that didn't make sense.
I think he realized it because when I asked "What?", he laughed
He said "I thought you were tracking me on my mind."
I just looked at him, smiled and laughed.
Hubby grinned real big and laughed too, saying, "Oh, just shut up!"
We laughed really hard.
It was a great night.
POP! Went my Weasel when I stopped to tie my shoe.
This is dementia, it's not just a memory problem. My husband was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in Oct 2007. This is our story. The ups and downs, the sorrows and joys. A non clinical view of living the Lewy life. Our story ended Feb 11, 2014. Lewy Body dementia hasn't been cured yet so until it is, this blog will be timeless in it's approach to caregiving, love and faith. It's a daily approach to those things.
Disclaimer
This is dementia. It's not just a memory problem.
What you read in this blog is purely my own personal experience in dealing with Lewy Body Dementia every day.
This is not meant to offer any medical or legal advise.
I have no professional training in care giving or experiences in formal writing.
I'm just a woman that loves her husband deeply and wants to provide him with the best quality of life he can and chooses to have.
My prayer though this is "Lord, What am I learning from this; how can I use it help someone else and to glorify You?"
If just one person finds comfort in this public blog. I will feel like it was a success.
What you read in this blog is purely my own personal experience in dealing with Lewy Body Dementia every day.
This is not meant to offer any medical or legal advise.
I have no professional training in care giving or experiences in formal writing.
I'm just a woman that loves her husband deeply and wants to provide him with the best quality of life he can and chooses to have.
My prayer though this is "Lord, What am I learning from this; how can I use it help someone else and to glorify You?"
If just one person finds comfort in this public blog. I will feel like it was a success.
Kathy, I've missed reading your posts but now realize what a difficult week you've had! I'm thrilled you had a good night. I hope it continues through the weekend. Fingers crossed!! Take care, Trish
ReplyDeleteKathy... I feel like we live parallel lives sometimes with our Care Giving. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDelete