Surreal day

M1

Have spent most of today reacting to or calming constant agitation and confusion. We hit all the repetitive conversation highlights (see other thread on remaining calm), in addition to dealing with neighbors sick from Covid, old acquaintance dying of Covid, malfunctioned TV satellite which wasn’t fixed by a service visit on Monday (she had no memory that the service guy was just here). More chaos than usual, and I guess she’s undone by the turmoil. Just trying to keep her calm has hobbled me from dealing with the rest of it. No wonder we caregivers end up frazzled!

Ed1937

I'm sorry, M1. You have had your plate full lately. Hope you can have a more restful day tonight and tomorrow.

Tfreedz

So sorry you had a rough day M1. You are doing an awesome job making your LO feel safe, cared for, and loved. Please don’t forget to take care of yourself too!! Maybe once she goes to sleep you can get a little respite of your own (indulge in a treat,watch garbage tv,read a book,have a drink, whatever helps you feel special). Sending warm wishes and hope you have a better day tomorrow. By the way, I’m now worried about your neighbors too!

Buggsroo

M1, 

I can really sympathize, I get stressed when dealing with my husband’s agitation. Sometimes I feel like I am having panic attacks, so out come the deep breathing exercises. It might be time for some chicken soup (wink). Seriously, I hope you can get some down time and relax. Wishing you calmer times.

Joydean

M1, sorry you are having a very stressful day. That old saying, when it rains it pours, sounds like your day. I hope you can find some time to take a deep breath and relax. Deal with one thing, not all of them. Prayers for you and your wife.

JoseyWales

I'm so sorry you had such a rough day. And all while trying to keep your wife calm and the stress of worrying about your neighbors and friend with Covid. 
I hope you can relax a bit tonight.

Lynne D

Sorry M1. Some days are SO rough. I hope tomorrow is better for you.

I am dealing with the “repeat” mode and shadowing. Sometimes you just need a little sliver of peace. May you find it.

M1

You guys are my comfort/support for sure. Thanks as always....we had another poignant conversation tonight, she cried because she's scared she's making life hard for me and that I'll leave her. Oh darlin'....how do I reassure her that I'm here for the duration? That I don't leave just because it's hard?!? We both cried.

Lynne D

Those moments of clarity are heartbreaking. I am so sorry.

Ed1937

M1 wrote:

How do I reassure her that I'm here for the duration? 

Tell her you love her, and that you'd never leave. Keep reinforcing your love for her. I don't think there's anything more you can do. I'm sorry it's so darn hard.

Stuck in the middle

"I will always take care of you" works for us.  No tears, because she saw what I did for my mother and our children and knows I mean it.

We don't worry a lot about dying.  Everyone dies.

Joydean

M1, that had to have been heartbreaking, but also comforting because it shows how much she loves you too!  

M1

Today’s not been much better, though the good news is that the neighbors are improving slightly. Clear to me that we’re on another downhill slide function-wise. The confusion and repetition, disorientation are all on the increase.

Quilting brings calm

M1. - did you test for a UTI just in case?

M1

Yes I have dipsticks, completely clean. Shes not incontinent yet, and doesn't typically get them. Seems to be just gradual progression.

Quilting brings calm

Darn, it was worth a try.  I’m sorry you and she are having such a rough time.

abc123

Hello my friend, I certainly hope that things will get better soon, or at least hit a plateau.

Eeve

I sympathize for sure. Lately I’ve found music improves both of our moods so much. A little song or dance can lift the spirits.