What is Alzheimers Disease
Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, is the most common cause of dementia and characterized clinically by progressive cognitive deterioration together with declin...
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I'm having a down moment, feeling a little depressed about this whole situation. I know it will pass but I thought if I wrote about it I might feel better. My in laws were here this week, MIL, SIL and BIL. They all know about my husband and try to help as much as they can. The thing is I think they really saw a difference in him this time. Usually he can hold himself together better when they are around but this time he couldn't. He stopped talking, just kind of sat there, at the beginning of the visit he was jovial and happy. Then last night he got the idea that he had to see them at 10PM after we had said goodnight and they were in their trailer. So we went over and he was really sad and he was telling them he didn't want to take any meds anymore, that he had nothing left, that there is this big black spot on his head and he thinks he has about 30 days left. Of course his speech is really bad and he had a hard time getting it out but that is the gist of what he said. He is starting to bring up the idea that he wants to stop his meds on a daily basis. I asked my mom about it and she thinks I should call his doctor tomorrow because sometimes you have to taper off, you can't just stop. But we both think he is trying to tell us something, that he is ready to go
Posted on 11/08/09, 09:11 pm |
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Ah Deb, I'm really sorry it doesn't sound to good does it....of course with this horrible disease there rarely is good news.
I hope you get in to his doctor and talk about whats going on and get his take on things....Keep us posted and vent when you feel the need. Hugs Georgia 
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I know exactly how you are feeling. Every time there is a change, or a new things starts, or an old thing stops... I have a couple of real down days. One of the biggest recently was when he stopped saying my name in August.
What meds is he talking about ? There may be some for agitation and sundowning that you wouldn't want to stop for your benefit. Active sundowning can be exhausting for both of you. That is about all Ron is getting now. This is a rough road to travel. I feel bad for your husband because he is still aware .. knows things. Lots of hugs and good vibes flowing your way !
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Hi,
Sorry to hear that he's feeling that bad. I am curious what meds he is still on. I thought you had said he waas offf of Aricept and Namenda. I think it is hard on the family that doesn't see them daily. I know being with him everyday that sometime I don't relize how bad he is. But, lately I am even seeing how hard of time he is having. It sounds like is is aware of some of the things that are happening to him. This disease is so damn bad. Stay strong. .
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He wants to stop his blood pressure and cholesterol meds, so that is what concerns me, he already has had a heart attack, his arteries were more than 50% blocked in his test a year ago, he has a stent in one valve, his cholesterol levels are high without the meds. So far I convincing him to take them but I am wondering if I should, is this what he wants?
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Oh Deborah, it's so sad to see you down, you are such a trooper! I know it must be hard to have to make the decisions you are facing. I had an easier time with Dad's illness when he was totally unaware of things. It's that fear and sadness when they have a clear moment that rips your heart out. Hang in there and don't ever give up.
God Bless you, Joy
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Deb,
It could be that he is hoping if he stops his meds a heart attack will take him quickly and he will not have to continue to decline and be a burden to you. It sounds like at least a part of him is aware of how he is changing and that must be horrible to go through and to realize what is yet to come. I'm pretty sure if I were in that condition I'd be looking for a way out for my own benefit but also to spare my family the pain of what lies ahead. Boy what a choice to have to make, did you two ever talk about this before when he was more mentaly competent to make these kinds of decisions? Neal and I have talked with each other and wiht our daughter, also the doctors and hopital, so it's on record that we don't want any extra measure taken to prolong life but also between us we've said we'd rather be let go ( as in stop taking meds if they will not help the quality of life only prolong it). Bless you, Hugs, Georgia
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We talked about this many years ago when my grandma was in a NH after a stroke. She was there almost 10 years, most of them in a vegetative state.
We said we wouldn't want to live for the sake of being alive. I remind myself of that conversation often. I need to.
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I made an appointment to go to his doctor on Thursday so I will talk to him about it. It is really a big decision we have to take and we shouldn't have to.
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