Introducing Mys

EsselJay

Hi, all.

I just joined ALZConnected! My wife has a lot of health issues, beginning with multiple myeloma (diagnosed almost 13 years ago). Last year she developed serious arrhythmia which resulted in 60 hours in ERs, two hospital stays, ablations, and a pacemaker--all the while being partially blind due to much-needed cataract surgery. Woven throughout the horrid year were my suspicions that she has sleep apnea. She completed the sleep study last night. After we got home this morning, she realized with a chuckle that she'd worn her pajama top as leggings! Yep, her legs were through the sleeves! Fortunately, her oncologist is referring her to a neurologist. The PJ top as leggings is the latest in many good-natured lapses in cognition. I'm definitely going to need the support of this community!

SusanB-dil

Hi EsselJay - welcome to 'here', but sorry for the reason. I've learned a lot through this forum and as it says, not feeling alone, helps so very much.  I'm glad she 'realized with a chuckle'. That is good. my mom has kept a relatively happy disposition. MIL has not. and so, we deal...   So, welcome to our little corner of the world and support.

Iris L.

Welcome.  Many conditions can cause cognitive impairment, and your DW has several.  Was she on chemotherapy for the multiple myeloma? Look up "chemo-brain".  A-fib can cause mini-clots in the brain.  Sleep apnea can cause low oxygen in the brain.  All these can bring cumulative impairment effects.  The neurologist should take all of this into account.

The members here are very supportive.  Keep reading and keep posting.

Iris L.

EsselJay

Thank you, SusanB-dil, for the welcome! As my wife and I take it one day at a time, I am so grateful that her lapses don't get her down, heartbreaking as they are for me. When I read the responses to my introduction, I was so happy; I'm not alone!

EsselJay

Hi, Iris L! Thank you for your response! Yes, you are right; my wife certainly has the health issues that can contribute singly, much less as a cluster, to cognitive impairment. She's been and continues to be treated with chemotherapy for the myeloma, and ironically, right when her blood numbers are close to normal, she gets dementia-like symptoms! To add to this cluster is heredity: her dad had dementia. She's scheduled for an MRI this coming week; hopefully, we'll get some clarity.

Iris L.

In your wife's case, given the history, I would suggest close monitoring of her neurocognitive status approximately every six months or so.  You would be observing for a significant decline over time.  Monitoring will give some clarification because the true dementias do progress, whereas dementia mimics due to medical conditions usually do not progress.  Correlation is necessary.

In my case, my neurocognitive testing has remained essentially stable over these many years, so that my dx remained cognitive impairment not otherwise specified.

Iris L.

Another Day

Welcome and it's so unfortunate that you need to be here. You're not alone though. First and foremost this forum can be the answer to some prayers.... and questions and there's a ton of super supportive people here. I'm somewhat of a newbie also, just signed up in January. 

What I'm learning is that as we are the caregivers, we don't always see things as they really are. It's OK to ask for help and advice. I have and it's working out. 

There's another board, spouse or partner forum, you might want to check that one out also.

EsselJay

Thank you, Iris L.! You're offering very helpful advice.

EsselJay

Hi, Another Day! I am so happy and relieved to have you all out there for support, answering my questions, and listening to my trials. I also find it very affirming to read what others are experiencing and how they're coping. I took your advice and added the spouse and partner message board.