I have a new problem with Jim this morning, thus the reason for my post title today.
Jim has been sleeping until around 10:30 or so but this morning he got up, dressed, put his cap on and said he needed to help those guys with the job. What guys??? What job??? He seemed to have dreamed he had some kind of job. He said 'when the two guys were here yesterday, I told them I would help them.' There weren't two guys here yesterday and there is no job. Ok, he let that go and went to the kitchen table to take his morning medicines.
For the past two weeks, I have been putting his morning and evening medicines in his medicine box for him to be sure he takes what he is supposed to, and doesn't take something he isn't. He literally sat at the table and opened every single tab, took a toothpick and checked out the pills. He fussed when I told him I had already done his medicines and they were in there correctly. He sat there for over 45 minutes, opening and closing the pill container, and counting the pills in each one. I checked on him often to be sure he didn't take two of everything.
He thought he was going for a procedure and wanted to take the Coumadin pills out. He isn't. He thought he was going for a check of his Coumadin today. He isn't. Needless to say, he is VERY confused this morning and got a little hostile with me for correcting him.
If any of you have ever gone through this with a loved one, you have my sympathy. This is my second 'go-round'. I took care of my Aunt after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and it isn't an easy task. So far, Jim's mind comes and goes and I never know which until he gets up every morning. Today was the worse.
Please pray for Jim, but also pray for me to hold my tongue and be helpful not a hindrance.
ReplyDeleteI know it is hard on you, and putting myself in Jim's shoes, he must be conflicted about these situations, too. I imagine that he fully believes everything he is sharing with you and this must be so hard for him to wrap his mind around, too. Prayers for Jim. Prayers for you.
Patience is a gift and a virtue. May God lavish patience on both of you.
Thank you from my heart.
DeleteDementia is such a difficult thing to deal with. I'll be praying for you as you deal with different aspects of it.
ReplyDeleteI know you probably deal with it at work, so you know what I am going through. We will make it tho, with the help of the good Lord above. Thank you.
DeleteHi Linda...how challenging for you! I was just wondering since this is a new behavior...could it be a new medication that might be causing this?
ReplyDeleteRuth, I wish I could say it was a medication, but nothing has changed in months...mostly age I think, and so sad as he was a 'tough old guy' and has been and done more than most people have. Now he sits and naps. I try to take him for a ride at least every other day to get him out of the house and change the scenery for him, but it is getting harder and harder.
DeleteA PS. I got an appointment with his primary care physician for tomorrow (Thurs.)at 1:30. Hope we get some answers.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this. You are both in my prayers. Love and hugs. ♥
ReplyDeleteI cared for my mother full time with her dementia. It is a horrible disease for the person and the family. May God bless you both and give you strength and patience.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you are going through this with Jim (and again in your life). I had similar problems with my grandmother, and eventually had to become her guardian and move her into assisted living. It is not easy to deal with, at all, and even harder for our loved ones who just don't understand what is happening to them. You and Jim are in my prayers, Linda. Please don't hesitate to ask the doctor for help with Jim. You need to be able to get out from under, at least once or twice a week, to keep your sanity. Ask for help! Love & hugs sent to you.
ReplyDeleteStopping in sweet Linda to let you know that you and Jim are both still in my prayers. Praying the Lord gives you the strength you need to do what you must and also what to do and where to go for help if it gets too much for you. Love and hugs!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, and it is good to see you here again in blogland. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteI am sooooo sorry to hear of this latest development. Anything physical is able to be dealt with but dementia is not a reasonable or easy ailment when you are the caregiver. Of course it is difficult on the patient, too because of the confusion and anxiety. Is your son able to help you any so you get a bit of a break? He may be quite busy with his own family though.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you! My mother had dementia - I completely understand where you are right now and you both have my heartfelt prayers.
ReplyDelete