Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 Dear na I agree with you. It is so tragic to watch and live, but it is so true. As I care for my Mom and dress her and brush her teeth and wipe her after she goes to the bathroom, I am also living that role reversal. I am now the mother and she is the child. She does not feed herself or care for herself at all. The most she does is try to wipe her nose if it is running. She is almost a total infant. I wish and pray that the outcoming would be brighter, but I know that death will be her friend when it finally comes. Dena --- na McNamara wrote: > Hi All, > As I was up last night, hacking my head off from > this blasted cold virus I have, I began to think > about my Dad and his " stages " of LBD. The following > is just a personal opinion and observation. Some of > you may have seen or are seeing some of these things > in your own LO's life. (Keep in mind that I have a > pre-teen and an infant as my models here.) > > The stages of LBD are like a spectrum of life. > Think of birth at one end and adulthood at the other > end. We all begin at the end labeled birth, > continue on through infanthood (not a word, I know), > toddlerhood, childhood, teenagerhood (I know, again > this is not a word but stick with me here), and > adulthood. When a person with LBD begins to show > symptoms they are in the adulthood part of the > spectrum albeit the young adulthood part of the > spectrum. As the disease progresses they digress > into the teenagerhood, childhood, toddlerhood and > then into infanthood. Let me see if I can show this > clearer.... > > > LBD LO on the young adulthood side of the > spectrum: sometimes makes clear decision, other > times is not able to make clear decisions, gets > confused but wants their own way as they think in > their minds they are right. Denial is the word I > would use here. > > LBD LO then moves to teenagerhood: EVEN more > unclear decisions, shows or acts out sexually as a > teenager might when their hormones are racing (not > all LBD patients experience this but some will), > relives more and more memories of this time period > or the time period of a young adult. May begin to > watch LOTS of TV, especially on channels that have > reruns of 50's and 60s shows. Unable to keep a clean > anything - room, clothes, etc... > > LBD LO then moves to childhood: This stage was > very clear with my Dad. There came a time when I > could pinpoint my Dad's mental/intellectual age. It > was the same as my daughter's at that time (she was > 7 year old). I can't tell you how many times my > daughter tried to " teach " her Paw (what she called > my Dad) what she learned in school that day and Dad > really thought it was the first time he had ever > seen or heard of such a thing. He enjoyed puzzles, > drawing and coloring at this stage as well as Tinker > Toys and watching children's videos. > > LBD then moves to Toddlerhood, only backwards: > The toddler is learning how to get around by walking > and learning to feed themselves. Dad went through > the cane, then a walker, then to a wheelchair, then > to not being able to walk at all and being > bedridden. Toddlers are just learning how to get > around and walk. Dad was also able to feed himself, > then he had to have his big things cut up, then he > had to have special rubber grips on his utensils so > he could grip them, then he couldn't feed himself at > all. Just like a toddler, only backwards - we > parents teach our children how to eat with special > utensils, then cutting up their big things, then on > to them being able to feed themselves. Another > aspect are the accidents when needing to go to the > bathroom. Toddlers have to learn to use the potty, > our LOs forget how to use the potty. Like I said > toddlerhood - only backwards. > > LBD then moves to Infanthood: This is the stage > where your LO is bedridden, unable to feed him or > herself, must be in diapers 24/7, unable to do > anything by themself. Must be cared for 24/7. > > I have an article from probably 30 years ago that > talks about how death is like birth, only backwards. > If you think about it - that is really true, > especially to those of use who have had to go > through the death and dying process firsthand with > our loved ones. To see them well, robust and alive > before this disease then to see them sick, in need > of us constantly to dying. > > Again, this information is just my opinion but it > helps me to understand this disease just a tiny bit > more. > > na > in North Carolina > > > --------------------------------- > Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just > $16.99/mo. or less > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________ Yahoo! for Good - Make a difference this year. http://brand.yahoo.com/cybergivingweek2005/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 johnna, wow what a great way of putting lbd in laymans terms good job hugs sharon m -- Stages of LBD Hi All, As I was up last night, hacking my head off from this blasted cold virus I have, I began to think about my Dad and his " stages " of LBD. The following is just a personal opinion and observation. Some of you may have seen or are seeing some of these things in your own LO's life. (Keep in mind that I have a pre-teen and an infant as my models here.) The stages of LBD are like a spectrum of life. Think of birth at one end and adulthood at the other end. We all begin at the end labeled birth, continue on through infanthood (not a word, I know), toddlerhood, childhood, teenagerhood (I know, again this is not a word but stick with me here), and adulthood. When a person with LBD begins to show symptoms they are in the adulthood part of the spectrum albeit the young adulthood part of the spectrum. As the disease progresses they digress into the teenagerhood, childhood, toddlerhood and then into infanthood. Let me see if I can show this clearer.... LBD LO on the young adulthood side of the spectrum: sometimes makes clear decision, other times is not able to make clear decisions, gets confused but wants their own way as they think in their minds they are right. Denial is the word I would use here. LBD LO then moves to teenagerhood: EVEN more unclear decisions, shows or acts out sexually as a teenager might when their hormones are racing (not all LBD patients experience this but some will), relives more and more memories of this time period or the time period of a young adult. May begin to watch LOTS of TV, especially on channels that have reruns of 50's and 60s shows. Unable to keep a clean anything - room, clothes, etc... LBD LO then moves to childhood: This stage was very clear with my Dad. There came a time when I could pinpoint my Dad's mental/intellectual age. It was the same as my daughter's at that time (she was 7 year old). I can't tell you how many times my daughter tried to " teach " her Paw (what she called my Dad) what she learned in school that day and Dad really thought it was the first time he had ever seen or heard of such a thing. He enjoyed puzzles, drawing and coloring at this stage as well as Tinker Toys and watching children's videos. LBD then moves to Toddlerhood, only backwards: The toddler is learning how to get around by walking and learning to feed themselves. Dad went through the cane, then a walker, then to a wheelchair, then to not being able to walk at all and being bedridden. Toddlers are just learning how to get around and walk. Dad was also able to feed himself, then he had to have his big things cut up, then he had to have special rubber grips on his utensils so he could grip them, then he couldn't feed himself at all. Just like a toddler, only backwards - we parents teach our children how to eat with special utensils, then cutting up their big things, then on to them being able to feed themselves. Another aspect are the accidents when needing to go to the bathroom. Toddlers have to learn to use the potty, our LOs forget how to use the potty. Like I said toddlerhood - only backwards. LBD then moves to Infanthood: This is the stage where your LO is bedridden, unable to feed him or herself, must be in diapers 24/7, unable to do anything by themself. Must be cared for 24/7. I have an article from probably 30 years ago that talks about how death is like birth, only backwards. If you think about it - that is really true, especially to those of use who have had to go through the death and dying process firsthand with our loved ones. To see them well, robust and alive before this disease then to see them sick, in need of us constantly to dying Again, this information is just my opinion but it helps me to understand this disease just a tiny bit more. na in North Carolina --------------------------------- Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 3, 2006 Report Share Posted January 3, 2006 I guess my mother is in the infant stage. She was diagnosed with LBD about three years ago. Now she is in a NH and has a trach so can't eat -- has a feeding tube. Has to wear a diaper but now because she has a big bed sore on her butt she lays on a pad to get oxygen to the site; has a catheter for the pee, can't walk or sit up on her own; can't turn over in bed; has tremors -- on medication to help control this. She can just barely move her arms. However, she is very good cognitively. This is driving me crazy because here is this young looking woman (only 71 and young looking for her age) who can't move or talk, without her speaking valve. She knows who everybody is and can express herself very well. Her face is very stiff so her " smiles " look more like grimaces, but she still has a good sense of humor and certain people can make her " laugh. " I've always been skeptical about whether this is really LBD because she doesn't have the hallucinations. Any thoughts????? Sharon wrote: johnna, wow what a great way of putting lbd in laymans terms good job hugs sharon m -- Stages of LBD Hi All, As I was up last night, hacking my head off from this blasted cold virus I have, I began to think about my Dad and his " stages " of LBD. The following is just a personal opinion and observation. Some of you may have seen or are seeing some of these things in your own LO's life. (Keep in mind that I have a pre-teen and an infant as my models here.) The stages of LBD are like a spectrum of life. Think of birth at one end and adulthood at the other end. We all begin at the end labeled birth, continue on through infanthood (not a word, I know), toddlerhood, childhood, teenagerhood (I know, again this is not a word but stick with me here), and adulthood. When a person with LBD begins to show symptoms they are in the adulthood part of the spectrum albeit the young adulthood part of the spectrum. As the disease progresses they digress into the teenagerhood, childhood, toddlerhood and then into infanthood. Let me see if I can show this clearer.... LBD LO on the young adulthood side of the spectrum: sometimes makes clear decision, other times is not able to make clear decisions, gets confused but wants their own way as they think in their minds they are right. Denial is the word I would use here. LBD LO then moves to teenagerhood: EVEN more unclear decisions, shows or acts out sexually as a teenager might when their hormones are racing (not all LBD patients experience this but some will), relives more and more memories of this time period or the time period of a young adult. May begin to watch LOTS of TV, especially on channels that have reruns of 50's and 60s shows. Unable to keep a clean anything - room, clothes, etc... LBD LO then moves to childhood: This stage was very clear with my Dad. There came a time when I could pinpoint my Dad's mental/intellectual age. It was the same as my daughter's at that time (she was 7 year old). I can't tell you how many times my daughter tried to " teach " her Paw (what she called my Dad) what she learned in school that day and Dad really thought it was the first time he had ever seen or heard of such a thing. He enjoyed puzzles, drawing and coloring at this stage as well as Tinker Toys and watching children's videos. LBD then moves to Toddlerhood, only backwards: The toddler is learning how to get around by walking and learning to feed themselves. Dad went through the cane, then a walker, then to a wheelchair, then to not being able to walk at all and being bedridden. Toddlers are just learning how to get around and walk. Dad was also able to feed himself, then he had to have his big things cut up, then he had to have special rubber grips on his utensils so he could grip them, then he couldn't feed himself at all. Just like a toddler, only backwards - we parents teach our children how to eat with special utensils, then cutting up their big things, then on to them being able to feed themselves. Another aspect are the accidents when needing to go to the bathroom. Toddlers have to learn to use the potty, our LOs forget how to use the potty. Like I said toddlerhood - only backwards. LBD then moves to Infanthood: This is the stage where your LO is bedridden, unable to feed him or herself, must be in diapers 24/7, unable to do anything by themself. Must be cared for 24/7. I have an article from probably 30 years ago that talks about how death is like birth, only backwards. If you think about it - that is really true, especially to those of use who have had to go through the death and dying process firsthand with our loved ones. To see them well, robust and alive before this disease then to see them sick, in need of us constantly to dying Again, this information is just my opinion but it helps me to understand this disease just a tiny bit more. na in North Carolina --------------------------------- Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 5, 2006 Report Share Posted January 5, 2006 na, that is very good. I appreciate this description of life, it is soooooooo true, exactly, I just had never thought of it as clearly. I will print this up and also send to relatives involved with Stan's illness. Thanks again..........SC Pat cg to husband Stan dx'd Oct. 2002 PS. Where in NC do you live? We are near the NC border in Chesnee SC. na McNamara wrote: Hi All, As I was up last night, hacking my head off from this blasted cold virus I have, I began to think about my Dad and his " stages " of LBD. The following is just a personal opinion and observation. Some of you may have seen or are seeing some of these things in your own LO's life. (Keep in mind that I have a pre-teen and an infant as my models here.) The stages of LBD are like a spectrum of life. Think of birth at one end and adulthood at the other end. We all begin at the end labeled birth, continue on through infanthood (not a word, I know), toddlerhood, childhood, teenagerhood (I know, again this is not a word but stick with me here), and adulthood. When a person with LBD begins to show symptoms they are in the adulthood part of the spectrum albeit the young adulthood part of the spectrum. As the disease progresses they digress into the teenagerhood, childhood, toddlerhood and then into infanthood. Let me see if I can show this clearer.... LBD LO on the young adulthood side of the spectrum: sometimes makes clear decision, other times is not able to make clear decisions, gets confused but wants their own way as they think in their minds they are right. Denial is the word I would use here. LBD LO then moves to teenagerhood: EVEN more unclear decisions, shows or acts out sexually as a teenager might when their hormones are racing (not all LBD patients experience this but some will), relives more and more memories of this time period or the time period of a young adult. May begin to watch LOTS of TV, especially on channels that have reruns of 50's and 60s shows. Unable to keep a clean anything - room, clothes, etc... LBD LO then moves to childhood: This stage was very clear with my Dad. There came a time when I could pinpoint my Dad's mental/intellectual age. It was the same as my daughter's at that time (she was 7 year old). I can't tell you how many times my daughter tried to " teach " her Paw (what she called my Dad) what she learned in school that day and Dad really thought it was the first time he had ever seen or heard of such a thing. He enjoyed puzzles, drawing and coloring at this stage as well as Tinker Toys and watching children's videos. LBD then moves to Toddlerhood, only backwards: The toddler is learning how to get around by walking and learning to feed themselves. Dad went through the cane, then a walker, then to a wheelchair, then to not being able to walk at all and being bedridden. Toddlers are just learning how to get around and walk. Dad was also able to feed himself, then he had to have his big things cut up, then he had to have special rubber grips on his utensils so he could grip them, then he couldn't feed himself at all. Just like a toddler, only backwards - we parents teach our children how to eat with special utensils, then cutting up their big things, then on to them being able to feed themselves. Another aspect are the accidents when needing to go to the bathroom. Toddlers have to learn to use the potty, our LOs forget how to use the potty. Like I said toddlerhood - only backwards. LBD then moves to Infanthood: This is the stage where your LO is bedridden, unable to feed him or herself, must be in diapers 24/7, unable to do anything by themself. Must be cared for 24/7. I have an article from probably 30 years ago that talks about how death is like birth, only backwards. If you think about it - that is really true, especially to those of use who have had to go through the death and dying process firsthand with our loved ones. To see them well, robust and alive before this disease then to see them sick, in need of us constantly to dying. Again, this information is just my opinion but it helps me to understand this disease just a tiny bit more. na in North Carolina --------------------------------- Yahoo! DSL Something to write home about. Just $16.99/mo. or less Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.