New stage

JoseyWales

DH has entered a new stage. He's sleeps almost all the time. We're having difficulty waking him enough to eat. For almost 3 weeks now he's eaten very little, decreasing more by the day. Almost nothing in the last week. His drinking has also slowed over the past 2 weeks, to just a little bit. I've told them that I'm ok with them not trying extreme measures to wake him. Try to wake him, try to feed him and offer him drink, but if he's not waking up and eating that's ok.

I'm happy to say that he seems very relaxed - who wouldn't be when they're sleeping? But after the last several years of constant movement - even when confined to a broda chair or in bed - I'll take it.

Quilting brings calm

oh Josey. We are here for you. I know this stage is exhausting for you.

SDianeL

🙏🙏🙏

fmb

@JoseyWales I so feel for you. My DH is rapidly heading in the same direction. Like you, I do not want any extreme measures, either. Praying for strength and grace for all of us on this difficult journey.

Nowhere

Josey,

Thanks for sharing what you and your husband are experiencing. I’m sorry as it sounds quite serious, but equally relieved he is relaxed and calm through this change.

Two residents in my husband’s facility died this past month. Both were walkers and talkers. One passed in his sleep, and the other’s kidneys failed and she was gone under two weeks later; very peacefully slept with hospice’s assistance.

Did your husband’s change came on rapidly - like in the last month or a more gradual change with longer and longer naps over a few months or longer. My husband is 17 years with Alzheimer’s, and yet, when I enter his facility, he is eager to go somewhere/anywhere. He asks, “Where should we go”?Or says, “Let’s go”! He’s eager to run errands with me during the day, and he walks with me later each evening. Sometimes I wonder if i’m wearing him out, but he always says he wants to go. I also wonder if his being active is keeping him strong. He just looks so weary sometimes with low to no affect. This damn disease keeps all of us guessing!

Anyhow, it was nice to hear from you, albeit with sad news. I’ll be keeping you and your husband in my prayers. Take good care of you, too!

Vitruvius

If he's not on hospice yet now is the time. If he is then hospice should be advising you as well.

Beachfan

I’m so sorry, Josie. I think of you often and pray for you and DH. I only endured 4 days of DH sleeping, not eating, not drinking, little response as he transitioned. I can’t imagine your experience. You are in my heart. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

JoseyWales

I got a call around 11 from dh's facility saying his breathing had changed, and there was that rattle, and a few other changes. Hospice was called (dh has been on hospice almost 2 years). I am now here with him. Hospice has visited, I had a nice chat with the nurse, and there's a slight increase in meds to keep him comfortable.

I'm here with him now, and his breathing has gone back to normal. He's resting quietly. I found out he ate almost 50% of dinner. So, there's that.

NoWhere, this isn't a sudden change, although he had been pretty steady for almost a year. He hasn't walked in close to 2 years, hasn't spoken anything that made sense in probably 2.5 years and has needed help eating for about that long. Dh is 60, and he first had some noticable to him memory problems in his mid 40s.

Joe C.

Josey, I’m so sorry to hear that you have reach this point in the journey. I will keep you and your husband in my thoughts and prayer.

Mint

🙏

JoseyWales

Update: Breathing evened out last night. I went home and slept a few hours and got a shower. I'm back, and he looks very calm. Ate a few bites, drank a tiny bit. I know this may be a long visit.

ImMaggieMae

Josey, I have you and your dear husband in my prayers. This must be so hard for you.

midge333

Josey: I hope you DH has a quick and painless death.

clarinetist

Josey,

Please know that we are with you in spirit as you keep your vigil.

JoseyWales

Well, he's back to where he was a couple of weeks ago. Calm, barely eating, but he drank again today. So, I'm back to having no idea what's going on.

Nowhere

Josie- Thank you for your reply during this especially emotional time. Your husband is very young to be at this juncture. I’m sorry. May grace find and hold you both, and guide the way.

White Crane

Josey, I'm so sorry. You and your husband are in my prayers.

Brend

Bob in LW

Josey, You are not alone. I can relate to your situation because my SO also eats very little and sleeps most of time. She also refuses to drink enough liquids to avoid dehydration. I have learned that this is typical of Alzheimers patients and cannot be reversed. Stay strong.

Bob