Took B back to Dr. Joplin this morning as scheduled. She was not enjoying it at all, and was dead afraid that they wanted to look in her vagina when they sat her on the examining table. What a relief that THAT wasn't happening today! Whoa Nelly!!!
So basically, she has some plaque in her carotid arteries but nothing that should impair their function or cause concern. She took yet another blood test to check her potassium levels, and they called us with the results this afternoon. She is fine, totally normal. She is amazing at passing all these tests, don't know how she does it. They want to see her again in three weeks just for another check up.
I went out to the park to walk some laps and jog a bit (7 miles total today), and to the grocery store to get some stuff to make another pineapple upside down cake (they have a way of complimenting a "cruddy Dr. visit" very nicely). When I got back she was extremely worried that she could not urinate and was very tired. She was obsessed with this for almost two hours, said she felt fine but she just couldn't go. Sat on the pot at least (and literally) 15 times, but nothing. She kept drinking glasses of water and after a couple of them and some slices of pizza, she finally met with success. Phew! Think it was just in her mind all along, a delusion of time and reality. But I made sure to read up on urine retention online while she was ripe in spazzing out, just incase, and I will definitely be keeping an eye open for this continuing further.
Again today, had to follow her around with the walker to get her to use it. Very slow walking and also some strange out of character movement. She kept going out the front door and just standing in the front yard staring at things on the street and around the house. Every time she did this I kept a hard eye on her, then after observing her motions for a few minutes went out to talk to her about whatever had caught her attention outside. Granted, it was absolutely lovely outside today, but BB NEVER really goes out into the front yard (or the back yard even), so it was a bit odd and I definitely caught notice. We are REALLY lucky she hasn't wandered off yet, and my greatest hope is that it stays that way.
Luci - you go girl!!! 7 miles! WOW!!! So proud of all you do and who you are!
ReplyDeleteBB loves sunshine on her shoulders ( always lifts her spirits) and to be outside (not hot or windy - hummmm, that' what I'm saying) There is a peach tree across the street where Earl use to go and get the best peaches - don't know if that sweet lady is still alive. I imagine that the whole street brings memories - Nannie's house next door - you kids use to ride bikes and big wheels all over that drive way - wonderful memories. Remember the tree in the back yard that you all made mailboxes for and you would write notes to each other?? So fun! The church just a block behind the house is where Nannie's funeral was - mom loves that church. Luci, you are a dear and precious angel of light and love! Thank you for loving Pa and BB like you do - so unselfish - you are a huge gift to us all.And all of the stories that you are hearing - WOW - wonderful!!!! The trust and love is so there! Thank you for that too!
Regarding Paula - WOW! All in God's timing, huh?? Evelyn was moms dearest friend so she must be wonderful - and before she walked in the door they liked her. You mention of BB being critical and following her around - she just doesn't know how to handle help and is problem upset that she has to - I hope Pauls will understand and hang in there. Hopefully she'll be able to work more - it's a HUGE step - do you think so?? What's you take???
The most important thing here is that you began this incredible journey for us all - Luci you have taught Earl how to love, respect and be patient AND you have enabled B to except help and not feel embarassed. HUGE!!! So now Paula will come in and hopefully, after all the doctor appts get finished for a while and hopefully she can recover from all of the episodes - you all can settle in to more of a routine - Paula can settle in with you 3.And maybe for a week - things will be o.k.
Is she a patient person you think my girl - is she kind? she surely must be to have worked and loved Evelyn (had the longest hair)!!
O.K. - enough of my ramblings - I love reading your insights and observations - you are the eyes and ears at 1404 Hudson - I love you so dearly......xxoxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoox
I FINALLY FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's a miracle!!!
Hey Aunt Becky,
ReplyDeleteGlad you figured out how to post your comments! This stuff can be confusing, must have finally tweaked the settings right.
In regards to Paula, she seems kind, she seems very patient. And YES this is a HUGE STEP in the right direction. So far she is coming one day a week, as there is not much for her to do, other than clean while I am present (which is a double edged sword). I am actually hoping that Paula will help to FREE me of the routine that has starting to cement here. That she will be able to help when I am gone. As I've said before, and I know you all know, I didn't come out here with the intent to manage all of this or to stay forever (I would be compromising the autonomy of my own life if I did that). Though I do enjoy each day here, this is not my role as caretaker to fill. My role is "grandchild" and most importantly, friend. I am hopeful we can RELY ON PAULA to maintain the routine when I am gone.
Realistically speaking, I did come out here to improve life for myself, a purely selfish (no shame in that) desire to simply spent time with these guys while they are still with us. And subsequently B, Earl and I have improved each other's lives greatly. I think Earl really gets a kick out of having a young person around. It's a lot like this movie they both like, "On Golden Pond," except it is the lady that has Alzheimer's here, and I am a grown up not a 13 year old boy, but the bond between us is similar. We are buddies for sure. He is so much more to me than just my grandpa. He has a lot of love to give, he just needed to be shown love, to actually engage him and he opened right up. I'm happy that I've been able to help B accept some things that have made life a lot easier. The day I got her to wear Depends was one of the hardest days of my young life, but also one of my proudest. I am unknowingly giving gifts that have no responsibility attached to them, they are founded and accepted from love and trust.
As far as getting BB outside, she is usually very much against the idea, and it scared me pretty well to see her venturing out there on her own. Most Alzheimer's patients wander, so this would be potentially dangerous. I often offer to take her on a drive, to the park, to the Sonic, out to the farm. They are met with harsh resistance. She can't remember stuff very well, and just wants to stay home where things are in her control. Every once in a while she will ask me to take her for a drive and I DELIGHT in this and we have a blast! Perhaps you might encourage her in your next phone call? I try but she's a hard egg to crack.