Mom's back !!!!!!!! maybe????? - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

DrewsG · 03-02-2009, 10:44 AM

Dear Friends,

The AL facility called me this morning and said that they wanted me to talk to Mom..........and I did talk to my MOM. It was a strong voice not the frightened little girl whisper voice thats been there for weeks, no confussion, she's hungry and complaining about the "girls" wanting to give her a shower. I was able to have a conversation with her, a real conversation. I heard laughter........honest to God laughter coming from Mom because the CNA'S were teasing her about the dreaded shower.

She told me where she was living and what city she was in. It was wonderful. She knew she had been "gone" as she put it but she was back and for me not to worry. I spent all day there Saturday and I called the pharmacy and went through every med. that she takes. I threw away two new ones that were started after her last hospital stay. One was carafate, for ulsers- 4 a day, the Dr. thought it would help with her reflux but she doesn't have an ulser. The other was a huge calcium+vitamin D- 2 a day, she has never been able to take calcium EVER. I also stopped Spiriva- 1 a day. She still gets the neubulizer and inhaler 4 times a day. When I left there Saturday night she was totally gone and wanted to go with me because she didn't even recognize her furniture or for that matter pictures on her walls.

I'm not sure about the "why" she is back but I have to think it had everything to do with one of the medications that I stopped. Something just told me to go over those medications. So it took 48 hours to leave her system. I'm not fooling myself into believing that Mom will stay this clear but I'll take anything we can get at this point. My sisters were beginning to discuss a NH for her because she was completely GONE.

I wanted to give you all, my dear friends, a good report for once instead of one that needed some towels......

I've prayed so hard for an answer to help her, if not then I prayed for the strength to move her to a NH. If this lasts for only a short while we'll be happy for any reprieve Mom can get.

This rollercoaster ride is something else and its NO FUN. But I'm smiling today my friends and its a good feeling.

Love to all,
Chris

rosequartz · 03-02-2009, 10:47 AM

wonderful news!!!

enjoy today, live in the moment!

tell your mom how much you've missed her and how much you love her while she's "there"

meg1230 · 03-02-2009, 11:29 AM

That is such sweet, happy news!

...what' s really interesting is that she said she knows she has been gone.
Fascinating.

Love, Meg

ibake&pray · 03-02-2009, 11:43 AM

Thank heavens! What a treat! And take it for all it's worth and enjoy every minute of it.

Gabriel · 03-02-2009, 11:44 AM

Oh chris..... that post put a great big smile on my face. Who cares what it was that brought her back, She is back and that's what matters today. I can relate to your pleasure at hearing your Mom's laughter. Mom has been in good humor for the last couple of days. I think I have talked to her 6 times and told all the grandkids to call as well. Yesterday Mom told me Sister 2 had called and she was coming to see her. I was suprised she remembered. I called her several times about the expected snow. Each time we laughed and had a good conversation. The only down side was..... guess.... sister 4 !!!Sigh!!! Mom wanted to know why Sister 4 was angry with her. I explained that Sister 4 was not angry with her but just angry. I reminded her of all the times she and I would be standing at the stove cooking 2 pounds of bacon, a pound of sausage and 2 dozen eggs, and where was in Sister 4? She was in the bathroom angry. Mom laughed. I think she got the fact that Sister 4 was not angry with her, but just with life, because she didn't ask about it again. I called her today and yes they got snow as well. She was delighted talking about it.

And Dad has had over a week of good days since the new meds kicked in

I had snow as well. Between 7 and 8 inches which is amazing. The most snow we have had in a decade. It was the wet stuff that sticks to everything. It's beautiful but wrecked my trees. I am headed out to drag limbs for a while. Oh, did I mention that we were without power for over 12 hours. That's why I was missing last night..... but it gave me time to bury myself in bed with my book light and read

So I celebrate with you today Chris.... it is a good day for us both

Love, deb