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Rash on chest
DH has been complaining of ongoing itchiness on chest, arms, back. There is a visible rash especially on the chest. This has been for several weeks, maybe 2 months. We put hydrocortozine 1% on it which helps, but apparently the itchiness is getting more constant and even disrupts his sleep. I sent a note to the PCP who had…
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Dealing with Grief of Loss and Alzheimer's Madness
Dear Forum Friends, I have been checking in but haven't participated much since the loss of my best fury friend of 14 years. It was just the last straw for me, and I continue to be filled with grief. I decided to commit my feelings to writing in hopes that it might purged some of my pain. I share this in hopes that it will…
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Share a date or surprise?
Just wondering what everyone would do… I go to a support group once a month. It seems every time I go it starts an argument with DH. Why do I need to go, who is there, do we just talk about him… you know the drill. So do I tell him ahead of time that I am going? I didn’t mark it on the calendar this month. Do I just wait…
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stage and preparation
My mother died in early 2015. At that time she had mentioned to me that she thought there was something wrong with my step dads memory. When she was dying from cancer I begin to see it too. He was able to live by himself for a couple of years but due to some major health issues that escalated his ALZ I had to move him to…
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It's weird. . .
We used to come here all time. My DW would have a coke and I would have a beer. That was back in stages 2 through early 6. We would always get a small pepperoni to go. Back then I also was caring for my mom also. I loved sitting in this exact booth with her right by my side. We would hold hands under the table. Eventually,…
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Brought DH home from AL
I just brought my DH home from AL due to incontinence issues. His bedding and PJs were soaked every am and room reeked. I started going there late am and had to bag all soiled bedding and clothes and put them outside door for cleaning. His bed was soaked. I bought a hospital bed and thought that would make it easier for…
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So so tired
Hi fellow caregivers. I don't expect anyone to have a solution. I just needed to say to someone who understands: I'm so %$#% tired. I mean truly weary. My husband's sleep pattern has changed so he basically sleeps for a couple of hours and then is in constant motion for a couple of hours. I just purchased a baby gate…
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MC 2nd placement
Well, he didn't even make it two weeks. I received a call Friday night that HWD tried to pull a female resident into his room and pushed another one to the floor. I asked where we are going with this. The staff member said they will just document it in his record and were calling because they are required to notify me. I…
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Stage 5
My DH is now stage 5 cognitively and memory wise. He is still able to attend to his personal care. Our specialist said this stage can last 6 years….can you share your experience in terms length of time and behaviors? DH has had a couple of angry outbursts where he kicks us out the house, no recognition of me for over 6…
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Curious?
Interesting to see the various venues this disease takes! ! Finding lately DH is now using my towel when he actually takes a shower. Choosing the soup I like to have even tho he has never liked it in the past, wanting to sit where I usually sit either at the table or watching TV? What??? Explain!
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I get afraid you're not coming back
Ending a visit remains very, very hard. My partner said this to me today and it about broke my heart (again). We had tried a white board saying when I would be back--but it didn't register, even my name. I tried putting pictures up--of me, of her parents, of us together---but she takes them down. I would love any…
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Newbie
My LO is my spouse. He is only 71. He was diagnosed at the high end of MCI exactly a year ago with a prognosis of full blown dementia at an estimated 5 years. I’m scared for him. My adult children don’t want to discuss the challenges I have, even though they have read all the information I have received about the…
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LO on Hospice - Aide won't Give Morphine
Hi, This is about my dad. He lives at home with a wonderful aide for the past two years. He had a heart attack on Saturday. I asked the aide to take the POLST form. she did, but didn't give it to the EMT. They gave him something to make his heart beat. I put him on hospice on Sunday, these are his wishes and we spoke about…
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Wife refuses medical help
After 3-4 years of increasing memory loss, Finlay was able to get DW to her PCP (prescribed sertraline for anxiety) and neurophysiological testing. Diagnosed with presumptive AD but she is in denial and refuses further follow up. Related: about 12 months ago she began to not recognize me. Not sure what to do
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Telling the truth
I have put my husband on the waiting list at a small number of memory care residential homes. He is probably in early stage 6. As I read the discussions here, it seems most people who place their spouses in memory care use a ruse to get them there. Is there any reason why I can't just tell the truth to my husband? The…
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Lawyer suggested Medicaid Divorce?
we Have only been married 6 years, no kids. I am the provider of the two of us. Husband needs extra care but he does not qualify because of my retirement accounts. He does qualify as he is under the asset limit. Married in the Catholic Church I originally did not to go this route. But I have found out that it may be my…
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Aricept
My DH had a Dr’s appt today. I gave the doctor a list of his behaviors - hallucinations, delusions, episodes of anger, not knowing who I am, waking up at night and unmaking and remaking the bed for over an hour, etc. We are starting his 10th year since diagnosis. The Dr prescribed Seroquel and Aricept. I told the Dr that I…
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Trying to learn how to navigate these discussions
Hi all, It's wonderful being here, and feeling the love and respect you all have for each other. I hope to become better conversant in the language and acronyms used in discussion threads so I can more easily understand. We just started this journey in October 2023. Found out in November 2023 that my DH's primary care doc…
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Seroquel
If there was a bridge close by, I would be jumping off!! DH ALZ 6 years now, on Seroquel since last Dec. He is currently taking 1 25mg morning, 1 50mg afternoon, 1 50mg evening. Four days ago his delusions were getting worse. He thinks our house is not our house & wants to leave. This has been going on four days in a row.…
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Just need to talk to my friends ,(193)
Morning, I thought it might be a good time to begin #193 since we're into a new year. There were so many good discussions and recipes in 192 sort of hated to do it but we can go back and find them if need be. It's cold here today but supposed to warm up to 50 tomorrow. We've been spoiled here in Oklahoma during December…
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Suggestions please
Hey everybody, 1st time posting. I noticed hubby having memory loss and confusion over a year ago, he is 52. Last July, he ended up in the hospital for a week, and scans confirmed something was going on in the area of his memory and emotions. Bad short-term memory loss, can't remember places he went the same day, says he…
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Pets and PWD - To get one, or not
This thread is made for the opinion of others, so please post your opinions. It is really in response to another thread. @LaneyG Denise makes the point that if you have never had a dog, it is not a good idea to get one now. While her point may be valid, I think it is very possible to successfully bring one into your…
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DW keeps trying to leave the house and walk away
DW has advance dementia. Lately she has opened the doors of our home and walked up the street toward the main road. When I follow here she won't return of even talk to me except to say No every time I talk to her. Twice now, I've had to call me son to come over and talk to her and he has been able, with much effort, to…
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Increased short term memory loss?
The past month has been yet another eye opener! DH short term memory is getting worse, to the point where he doesn’t remember a conversation we had 3 minutes ago! What does this mean? I know this awful dementia is progressing but I don’t know what stage he’s in! So far he can take care of his daily and personal needs…
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Smart911
I attended a neighborhood watch meeting the other day and found out something I didn't know was out there so I thought I'd share. It's called Smart911 and provides additional information to 911 so they can help you faster in an emergency. You go to smart911.com and follow the steps. Besides your address and directions to…
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Anyone heard from Jo C.?
It is been about a month since she posted. Does anyone have personal contact with her? Am concerned for her health and that of her son.
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signing off
My DH passed away 2 weeks ago after over 10 years of the illness and the last 9 months in memory care after his delusions created an unsafe situation for both of us. I never missed a day visiting him. There was very little staff turnover, so I got to feel like family at the small memory home. His passing was long and hard…
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DH having severe headaches
DH is stage six and has been complaining of headaches above his eyes snd the side of his head I gave him Tylenol but still in pain Has anyone else experienced this with their LO ? I appreciate your experience
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Just like the old days, more or less
DW Kathleen has been in hospice for almost a year. She’s declining gracefully but apparently not ready to leave her Toad just yet. She really doesn’t recognize me anymore. She looks puzzled for awhile whenever she sees me, but then graces me with her somewhat diminished, but still very potent smile. That’s about as much as…
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should I tell my daughter?
My wife has in recent weeks started to tell me that our 32 year old daughter has been stealing things whenever she cannot lay her hands on something. And I am not talking about the family heirlooms. It could be a tweezer, a plastic straw, etc. My daughter is somewhat aware of this but does not know the extent of it. She is…