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When it rains…

it pours. In the Spouse section I’ve been detailing my DH’s month-long journey in two Geri psych units, which will hopefully end with him being released back to his memory care tomorrow.

In the meantime my 90-year-old mother, who has vascular dementia, has started another type of journey. She had a major stroke in December and two smaller strokes last week which left her with swallowing difficulties. My sister called in hospice on Friday, and things have moved fast since then.

She’s not taking any meds now (though we have the end-of-life meds for when she needs them). She’s also stopped eating, though she’s still drinking. All of the family has been notified and people started coming to visit her this weekend. She seems to enjoy seeing people, though she can’t talk much.

Though we expected this, it’s still kind of a shock when it actually happens. Before, she’s always been able to bounce back, but I think her body is worn out now. Because of her dementia she’s not the mom I remember, but I will greatly miss both versions of my mom.



Comments

  • Quilting brings calm
    Quilting brings calm Member Posts: 2,543
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    I’m so sorry. It’s so hard when multiple loved ones are in these situations.

  • M1
    M1 Member Posts: 6,788
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    I hope you can say a peaceful goodbye to your mother while MC tends to your DH for a bit. I'm sorry for your pending loss.

  • ButterflyWings
    ButterflyWings Member Posts: 1,755
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    ((( @clarinetist ))) hugs to you.

  • housefinch
    housefinch Member Posts: 417
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    Member

    I’m so sorry, that’s too much to have to endure at once. Sending you strength and hugs.

  • Jgirl57
    Jgirl57 Member Posts: 504
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    Member

    I too am sorry ; hugs to you and your family

  • clarinetist
    clarinetist Member Posts: 172
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    Member

    Thanks, everyone, for your support and hugs. It means a lot to me.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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