It is a tough time around the house now. People who know me probably know that my mother is one of the mean ones on the group. Her meanness has been almost completely replaced by confusion now. She can't figure out if she is hot or cold. She has forgotten how to give herself insulin shots. She is talking about her childhood almost exclusively, instead of anything that is going on around her. She is forgetting that she had her insulin and thinks she should take more.
We have a lot of workman that will be around the house soon. I'm sure that all my business dealings with them have not made her any calmer. I've tried to cut her out of most of the dealings, but it makes her anxious not to be in control. She worries a lot and gets stuck in loops.
I am adding a trip to the doctor this week to test for a UTI. There are no symptoms of one, but I wouldn't want to let it go if that is what is causing so much confusion. I feel so bad for her, because she is trying so hard to keep it together. Her brain is just not cooperating.
Not question here. I just needed to talk about what is going on with her. I've wondered if it is UTI, if she had TIAs, or if a bit of Alz had joined her other dementia. It is such a guessing game at times when it comes to dementia.
I'm sorry to hear that your mom's confusion is worsening. I think it's a good idea to rule out other conditions.
It's tough enough to have strangers working in one's house but with older age, it's even more upsetting. I don't know whether to suggest spreading out the work or getting it all done and over with so you can both move on.
she is pretty unresponsive, just sits there and if it's a "good day" I might get a smile or a few words. Usually mom makes more of an effort with my brother but even he is concerned - called me about two weeks ago when he had his first visit without mom attempting a single word. When mom is awake it appears like a wake/sleep thing with her nodding off every few minutes- or she's just closing her eyes, I honestly can't tell. I met with the hospice dr Thursday and she said things are "as expected" at this point. Still this change has been enough for me to reactive my anti anxiety meds. Friday I picked up my rx and got stuck in traffic - it was 97 degrees out - at least the car has air conditioning but still I couldn't muster up the strength, desire, need...whatever - to do my usual Friday visit. I found myself thinking "what's the point"? I'm pretty sure mom didn't notice. I know it's wrong to think that way and I've since kicked my own butt into a better attitude- but still..? Anyhoo - sorry to vent on you when your struggling. I know you know what needs to be checked from a medical stand point and once things are ruled out if your mom is the same - maybe it will be just a new "normal". Anyhow - I'm sorry. Nothing about this journey ever seems to be easy - and that sucks to beyond an exhausting degree. As usual I am questioning if there is some higher purpose to this all - I'd like to think so.
The confusion does bother me a lot, because confused people can end up doing things that aren't so good. I'll have to watch her carefully to make sure she's doing things right. I have gotten good at watching while acting like I'm not.
I also remembered she took Lasix four days last week for her swollen legs. That may have something to do with the confusion. I asked her to drink extra water today to see if she felt better. We also went to Captain D's for lunch -- something she loves. She perked up munching in to the crunchy fish. It felt good to see her enjoy something. KFC had gotten old.