Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 Dear Dena - I pray that God will continue to bless you and your Mom as you move to this new stage of caregiving. in WA Quote
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 Oh Dena, What a touching update. I am so glad you are at peace with our decision and the transition it will make. It sounds like you have the perfect facility put into place to serve your needs. I certainly hope it works out as you envision. , Oakville, Ont. > > Hi Everyone > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and took a > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that the > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > willing to except her into there facility. So I will > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. This is > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > that was close, a private room, a christian > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well as > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > close the door if this was not it and so far He has > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > tomorrow or the next day. > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us in > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She could > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, she is > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > none of the other things and can only move her arms > and hands very slightly. > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast process, > yet it feels like years too. > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just be > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving skills > will just be on a different level now. I will still > see her every day or almost and be very active in her > care. > It has been very tough to get to this point, but that > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share this > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > place. > > Gratefully > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > __________________________________________________ > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 Dena I noticed your mom is on risperdal. My mother was put on that right after the hallucinations started and after 2 weeks she got much worse. The doctor took her off it and she was put on Reminyl. She progressed greatly on this medication and after spending 8 months in an assisted living building, she was able to return home and lived with a caregiver. Secondly, I just wanted to say that the bedsore itself could also be causing problems. My mom's was horrific. It was infected and smelly and 2 weeks after being on antibiotics she began to come around. She also had the medications given at a more suitable time. For example, she was on seroquel and they would give it just before dinner around 4 pm. She ate at 5 and was totally out of it by then. She lots lots of pounds. It may not be the same for your mom, but then again, it might. Just some thoughts. I think you are doing a great job. Give yourself a hug. Trust me, once she is in the nursing home, you will still have a lot of caregiving to do... Kath Dena LEAVITT wrote: Hi Everyone Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and took a look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that the one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be willing to except her into there facility. So I will begin marking clothes and get her ready today. This is really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility that was close, a private room, a christian atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well as the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to close the door if this was not it and so far He has opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom tomorrow or the next day. Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us in May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She could feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, she is bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does none of the other things and can only move her arms and hands very slightly. I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast process, yet it feels like years too. I know that I am not giving up now. And will just be caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving skills will just be on a different level now. I will still see her every day or almost and be very active in her care. It has been very tough to get to this point, but that I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share this with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this place. Gratefully Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 dena i am so glad that she was accepted to the facility of your choice, sending you strength as you prepare for this change, hugs sharon m pensacola, florida daughter/caregiver of Leonard, symptomatic from the early 1990's. we moved in with him 1/19/03. diagnosed 5/04 broke hip ball 7/5/05, asp pneumonia and lung blood clot 7/14/05, asp pneumonia and uti 8/05, passed away 9/25/05 -- Placing my Mom in NH Hi Everyone Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and took a look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that the one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be willing to except her into there facility. So I will begin marking clothes and get her ready today. This is really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility that was close, a private room, a christian atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well as the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to close the door if this was not it and so far He has opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom tomorrow or the next day. Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us in May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She could feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, she is bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does none of the other things and can only move her arms and hands very slightly. I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast process, yet it feels like years too. I know that I am not giving up now. And will just be caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving skills will just be on a different level now. I will still see her every day or almost and be very active in her care. It has been very tough to get to this point, but that I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share this with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this place. Gratefully Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 Hi Thank you for caring about us. Dena --- Berk wrote: > Dear Dena - > > I pray that God will continue to bless you and your > Mom as you move to this new stage of caregiving. > > in WA > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > __________________________________________________ Quote
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 Hi I hope I truly do have the perfect fit for us. Time will tell I guess. Thanks for your thoughts. Dena --- stimtimminss wrote: > Oh Dena, > What a touching update. I am so glad you are at > peace with our decision and the > transition it will make. It sounds like you have > the perfect facility put into place to serve > your needs. I certainly hope it works out as you > envision. > , Oakville, Ont. > > > > > > Hi Everyone > > > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and > took a > > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > the > > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > > willing to except her into there facility. So I > will > > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. > This is > > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > > that was close, a private room, a christian > > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well > as > > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > > close the door if this was not it and so far He > has > > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > > tomorrow or the next day. > > > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > in > > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > could > > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, > she is > > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > > none of the other things and can only move her > arms > > and hands very slightly. > > > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > process, > > yet it feels like years too. > > > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just > be > > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > skills > > will just be on a different level now. I will > still > > see her every day or almost and be very active in > her > > care. > > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > that > > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > this > > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > > place. > > > > Gratefully > > > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 Hi Sharon Thanks for sending your strength. I will need it, as tomorrow will be a rough day. Dena --- Sharon wrote: > dena > i am so glad that she was accepted to the facility > of your choice, sending > you strength as you prepare for this change, > > > > > hugs sharon m pensacola, florida > daughter/caregiver of Leonard, symptomatic from the > early 1990's. we moved > in with him 1/19/03. diagnosed 5/04 broke hip ball > 7/5/05, asp pneumonia > and lung blood clot 7/14/05, asp pneumonia and uti > 8/05, passed away 9/25/05 > > -- Placing my Mom in NH > > Hi Everyone > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and took > a > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > the > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > willing to except her into there facility. So I will > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. This > is > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > that was close, a private room, a christian > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well as > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > close the door if this was not it and so far He has > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > tomorrow or the next day. > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > in > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > could > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, she > is > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > none of the other things and can only move her arms > and hands very slightly. > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > process, > yet it feels like years too. > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just be > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > skills > will just be on a different level now. I will still > see her every day or almost and be very active in > her > care. > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > that > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > this > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > place. > > Gratefully > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > __________________________________________________ > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2006 Report Posted March 6, 2006 Hi Kathy Thanks for your thought. My mom has been on risperdal since May. I asked several times for them to change her meds and got the " If it ain't broke don't fix it " mentality. I asked for various other drugs, but all my replies fell on deaf ears. Now it is simply too little too late. I was told that Seroquel was too expensive for medicare to pay for while she is on hospice. Their is just no point now. She is too far gone. As for the bedsores. They do not smell and are clean. I do not believe they are infected nor does the hospice nurse. No redness etc... Thanks for thinking of us. You are right Risperdal is not a good drug and should not be started if it can be avoided. I knew nothing about the drugs and found out too late. Dena --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > Dena > I noticed your mom is on risperdal. My mother was > put on that right after the hallucinations started > and after 2 weeks she got much worse. The doctor > took her off it and she was put on Reminyl. She > progressed greatly on this medication and after > spending 8 months in an assisted living building, > she was able to return home and lived with a > caregiver. > > Secondly, I just wanted to say that the bedsore > itself could also be causing problems. My mom's was > horrific. It was infected and smelly and 2 weeks > after being on antibiotics she began to come around. > She also had the medications given at a more > suitable time. For example, she was on seroquel and > they would give it just before dinner around 4 pm. > She ate at 5 and was totally out of it by then. She > lots lots of pounds. It may not be the same for > your mom, but then again, it might. Just some > thoughts. > > I think you are doing a great job. Give yourself > a hug. Trust me, once she is in the nursing home, > you will still have a lot of caregiving to do... > > Kath > > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > Hi Everyone > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and took > a > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > the > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > willing to except her into there facility. So I will > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. This > is > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > that was close, a private room, a christian > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well as > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > close the door if this was not it and so far He has > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > tomorrow or the next day. > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > in > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > could > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, she > is > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > none of the other things and can only move her arms > and hands very slightly. > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > process, > yet it feels like years too. > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just be > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > skills > will just be on a different level now. I will still > see her every day or almost and be very active in > her > care. > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > that > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > this > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > place. > > Gratefully > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > __________________________________________________ > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2006 Report Posted March 7, 2006 It sounds to me like it is " broke " . Was your mom on aricept, reminyl or namenda? It sounds like she really did take a downturn fast. what would happen if she went off the risperdal? Have you ever tried stopping it? Seroquel works for my mom is small doses but she continues to hallucinate but just is not so worried or scared by them. I am sorry that you have to go through such stuff. It was very difficult for me last year and without this group, I couldn't have coped. Hang in there, we are there for you. Kath Dena LEAVITT wrote: Hi Kathy Thanks for your thought. My mom has been on risperdal since May. I asked several times for them to change her meds and got the " If it ain't broke don't fix it " mentality. I asked for various other drugs, but all my replies fell on deaf ears. Now it is simply too little too late. I was told that Seroquel was too expensive for medicare to pay for while she is on hospice. Their is just no point now. She is too far gone. As for the bedsores. They do not smell and are clean. I do not believe they are infected nor does the hospice nurse. No redness etc... Thanks for thinking of us. You are right Risperdal is not a good drug and should not be started if it can be avoided. I knew nothing about the drugs and found out too late. Dena --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > Dena > I noticed your mom is on risperdal. My mother was > put on that right after the hallucinations started > and after 2 weeks she got much worse. The doctor > took her off it and she was put on Reminyl. She > progressed greatly on this medication and after > spending 8 months in an assisted living building, > she was able to return home and lived with a > caregiver. > > Secondly, I just wanted to say that the bedsore > itself could also be causing problems. My mom's was > horrific. It was infected and smelly and 2 weeks > after being on antibiotics she began to come around. > She also had the medications given at a more > suitable time. For example, she was on seroquel and > they would give it just before dinner around 4 pm. > She ate at 5 and was totally out of it by then. She > lots lots of pounds. It may not be the same for > your mom, but then again, it might. Just some > thoughts. > > I think you are doing a great job. Give yourself > a hug. Trust me, once she is in the nursing home, > you will still have a lot of caregiving to do... > > Kath > > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > Hi Everyone > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and took > a > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > the > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > willing to except her into there facility. So I will > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. This > is > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > that was close, a private room, a christian > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well as > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > close the door if this was not it and so far He has > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > tomorrow or the next day. > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > in > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > could > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, she > is > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > none of the other things and can only move her arms > and hands very slightly. > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > process, > yet it feels like years too. > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just be > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > skills > will just be on a different level now. I will still > see her every day or almost and be very active in > her > care. > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > that > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > this > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > place. > > Gratefully > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > __________________________________________________ > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2006 Report Posted March 7, 2006 Dena - you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you travel down this road with your mom. It will be tough at first, but you can do it. Be sure to talk with the social worker at the nursing home and find out if there is group therapy offered to the caregivers. Engaging yourself in all aspects of your mom's care there will certainly help - attending the family meetings, attending the group therapy sessions, etc. And don't forget to win those nurses over with food... (fruit basket, 2-lb popcorn tin, cookies, etc.) Good Luck. ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. > > Hi Everyone > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and took a > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that the > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > willing to except her into there facility. So I will > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. This is > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > that was close, a private room, a christian > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well as > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > close the door if this was not it and so far He has > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > tomorrow or the next day. > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us in > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She could > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, she is > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > none of the other things and can only move her arms > and hands very slightly. > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast process, > yet it feels like years too. > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just be > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving skills > will just be on a different level now. I will still > see her every day or almost and be very active in her > care. > It has been very tough to get to this point, but that > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share this > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > place. > > Gratefully > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > __________________________________________________ > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2006 Report Posted March 7, 2006 Hi Thank you for the reminder. I actually have some homemade cookies right now. I think I will take some with us this morning. Never too early to start I guess. Dena --- octoryrose wrote: > Dena - you will be in my thoughts and prayers as you > travel down this > road with your mom. It will be tough at first, but > you can do it. Be > sure to talk with the social worker at the nursing > home and find out > if there is group therapy offered to the caregivers. > Engaging > yourself in all aspects of your mom's care there > will certainly help - > attending the family meetings, attending the group > therapy sessions, > etc. And don't forget to win those nurses over with > food... (fruit > basket, 2-lb popcorn tin, cookies, etc.) Good Luck. > > ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; > finally diagnosed > with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with > everything from AD > to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to > Binswengers...; was > victim to rapid progression from Risperidone (or > combination of > Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received > another " bad drug " > when she was observed/tested in a hospital in > 10/05); in a NH since > 11/05. > > > > > > Hi Everyone > > > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and > took a > > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > the > > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > > willing to except her into there facility. So I > will > > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. > This is > > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > > that was close, a private room, a christian > > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well > as > > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > > close the door if this was not it and so far He > has > > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > > tomorrow or the next day. > > > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > in > > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > could > > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, > she is > > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > > none of the other things and can only move her > arms > > and hands very slightly. > > > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > process, > > yet it feels like years too. > > > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just > be > > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > skills > > will just be on a different level now. I will > still > > see her every day or almost and be very active in > her > > care. > > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > that > > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > this > > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > > place. > > > > Gratefully > > > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2006 Report Posted March 7, 2006 Hi Kathy My mom was on Aricept and Namenda until January of this year. There was a hug difference when the Aricept was stopped. This was the most effective drug for her. It was like a miracle really. The hospice DR. stopped it when she became his patient. As she went off of it she slowing could no long string a sentence together. Now she only babbles. Occasionally something that I can make sense of comes out. However, having said that, she was content, comfortable, and just in her own world. She did not seem to mind at all. It was me who was missing out. And I decided which was better, going in and out of cognitive abilities crying and being upset that you felt like you had no control over your mind or just staying in one place and not really knowing how bad of you are. I chose the second one. As for the Risperdal she occasionally still takes it. At this point I am lucky if I can get a small taste of water down her. Yesterday she had two small yogurts and that was it. I know we are headed toward the end now. I can sense a change in her. Please just pray that this move today is not too hard on her, Dena Mother (83) dx April 2005 Takes Risperdal and Clonazapam occasionally. --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > It sounds to me like it is " broke " . Was your mom on > aricept, reminyl or namenda? It sounds like she > really did take a downturn fast. what would happen > if she went off the risperdal? Have you ever tried > stopping it? Seroquel works for my mom is small > doses but she continues to hallucinate but just is > not so worried or scared by them. > > I am sorry that you have to go through such stuff. > It was very difficult for me last year and without > this group, I couldn't have coped. > > Hang in there, we are there for you. > > Kath > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > Hi Kathy > > Thanks for your thought. > > My mom has been on risperdal since May. I asked > several times for them to change her meds and got > the > " If it ain't broke don't fix it " mentality. I asked > for various other drugs, but all my replies fell on > deaf ears. Now it is simply too little too late. I > was > told that Seroquel was too expensive for medicare to > pay for while she is on hospice. Their is just no > point now. She is too far gone. > > As for the bedsores. They do not smell and are > clean. > I do not believe they are infected nor does the > hospice nurse. No redness etc... > > Thanks for thinking of us. You are right Risperdal > is > not a good drug and should not be started if it can > be > avoided. I knew nothing about the drugs and found > out > too late. > > Dena > > --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > > > Dena > > I noticed your mom is on risperdal. My mother was > > put on that right after the hallucinations started > > and after 2 weeks she got much worse. The doctor > > took her off it and she was put on Reminyl. She > > progressed greatly on this medication and after > > spending 8 months in an assisted living building, > > she was able to return home and lived with a > > caregiver. > > > > Secondly, I just wanted to say that the bedsore > > itself could also be causing problems. My mom's > was > > horrific. It was infected and smelly and 2 weeks > > after being on antibiotics she began to come > around. > > She also had the medications given at a more > > suitable time. For example, she was on seroquel > and > > they would give it just before dinner around 4 pm. > > > She ate at 5 and was totally out of it by then. > She > > lots lots of pounds. It may not be the same for > > your mom, but then again, it might. Just some > > thoughts. > > > > I think you are doing a great job. Give yourself > > a hug. Trust me, once she is in the nursing home, > > you will still have a lot of caregiving to do... > > > > Kath > > > > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > > Hi Everyone > > > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and > took > > a > > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > > the > > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > > willing to except her into there facility. So I > will > > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. > This > > is > > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > > that was close, a private room, a christian > > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well > as > > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > > close the door if this was not it and so far He > has > > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > > tomorrow or the next day. > > > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > > in > > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > > could > > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, > she > > is > > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > > none of the other things and can only move her > arms > > and hands very slightly. > > > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > > process, > > yet it feels like years too. > > > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just > be > > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > > skills > > will just be on a different level now. I will > still > > see her every day or almost and be very active in > > her > > care. > > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > > that > > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > > this > > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > > place. > > > > Gratefully > > > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2006 Report Posted March 7, 2006 Hi Dena, Just want to add my support. My prayers are all for you and your mom. Please keep us up to date on the haps with your mom and this move. Hang in there. I'm sending you all the cyber hugs I can muster. ((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))! Tori Dena LEAVITT wrote: Hi Kathy My mom was on Aricept and Namenda until January of this year. There was a hug difference when the Aricept was stopped. This was the most effective drug for her. It was like a miracle really. The hospice DR. stopped it when she became his patient. As she went off of it she slowing could no long string a sentence together. Now she only babbles. Occasionally something that I can make sense of comes out. However, having said that, she was content, comfortable, and just in her own world. She did not seem to mind at all. It was me who was missing out. And I decided which was better, going in and out of cognitive abilities crying and being upset that you felt like you had no control over your mind or just staying in one place and not really knowing how bad of you are. I chose the second one. As for the Risperdal she occasionally still takes it. At this point I am lucky if I can get a small taste of water down her. Yesterday she had two small yogurts and that was it. I know we are headed toward the end now. I can sense a change in her. Please just pray that this move today is not too hard on her, Dena Mother (83) dx April 2005 Takes Risperdal and Clonazapam occasionally. --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > It sounds to me like it is " broke " . Was your mom on > aricept, reminyl or namenda? It sounds like she > really did take a downturn fast. what would happen > if she went off the risperdal? Have you ever tried > stopping it? Seroquel works for my mom is small > doses but she continues to hallucinate but just is > not so worried or scared by them. > > I am sorry that you have to go through such stuff. > It was very difficult for me last year and without > this group, I couldn't have coped. > > Hang in there, we are there for you. > > Kath > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > Hi Kathy > > Thanks for your thought. > > My mom has been on risperdal since May. I asked > several times for them to change her meds and got > the > " If it ain't broke don't fix it " mentality. I asked > for various other drugs, but all my replies fell on > deaf ears. Now it is simply too little too late. I > was > told that Seroquel was too expensive for medicare to > pay for while she is on hospice. Their is just no > point now. She is too far gone. > > As for the bedsores. They do not smell and are > clean. > I do not believe they are infected nor does the > hospice nurse. No redness etc... > > Thanks for thinking of us. You are right Risperdal > is > not a good drug and should not be started if it can > be > avoided. I knew nothing about the drugs and found > out > too late. > > Dena > > --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > > > Dena > > I noticed your mom is on risperdal. My mother was > > put on that right after the hallucinations started > > and after 2 weeks she got much worse. The doctor > > took her off it and she was put on Reminyl. She > > progressed greatly on this medication and after > > spending 8 months in an assisted living building, > > she was able to return home and lived with a > > caregiver. > > > > Secondly, I just wanted to say that the bedsore > > itself could also be causing problems. My mom's > was > > horrific. It was infected and smelly and 2 weeks > > after being on antibiotics she began to come > around. > > She also had the medications given at a more > > suitable time. For example, she was on seroquel > and > > they would give it just before dinner around 4 pm. > > > She ate at 5 and was totally out of it by then. > She > > lots lots of pounds. It may not be the same for > > your mom, but then again, it might. Just some > > thoughts. > > > > I think you are doing a great job. Give yourself > > a hug. Trust me, once she is in the nursing home, > > you will still have a lot of caregiving to do... > > > > Kath > > > > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > > Hi Everyone > > > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and > took > > a > > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > > the > > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > > willing to except her into there facility. So I > will > > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. > This > > is > > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > > that was close, a private room, a christian > > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well > as > > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > > close the door if this was not it and so far He > has > > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > > tomorrow or the next day. > > > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > > in > > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > > could > > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, > she > > is > > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > > none of the other things and can only move her > arms > > and hands very slightly. > > > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > > process, > > yet it feels like years too. > > > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just > be > > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > > skills > > will just be on a different level now. I will > still > > see her every day or almost and be very active in > > her > > care. > > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > > that > > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > > this > > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > > place. > > > > Gratefully > > > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2006 Report Posted March 7, 2006 Hello Dena, I am sending you the best of wishes for the decision that you have made for your Mother. It was very hard for you to make but it will afford you much more Peace and energy in which to take proper care of your Mother. Love, hugs and Prayers to you for much more needed Peace, Stevie Stevie in So. California LO - Mr. B (Uncle) 82 yrs. Lives in my home - 3 yrs. DX Parkinson's 1993 DX LBD 2003 End stage meds: Hytrin, E.S Tylenol Was on: Sinemet, Seroguel, Elavil, Lasix, Hytrin, Roxinal, Aciphex, Amitriptyline Was given Ativan in NH for 5 days, hasn't been the same since BP today: 68/41 P 54 * * * * * * * * * * * Dena LEAVITT wrote: Hi Kathy My mom was on Aricept and Namenda until January of this year. There was a hug difference when the Aricept was stopped. This was the most effective drug for her. It was like a miracle really. The hospice DR. stopped it when she became his patient. As she went off of it she slowing could no long string a sentence together. Now she only babbles. Occasionally something that I can make sense of comes out. However, having said that, she was content, comfortable, and just in her own world. She did not seem to mind at all. It was me who was missing out. And I decided which was better, going in and out of cognitive abilities crying and being upset that you felt like you had no control over your mind or just staying in one place and not really knowing how bad of you are. I chose the second one. As for the Risperdal she occasionally still takes it. At this point I am lucky if I can get a small taste of water down her. Yesterday she had two small yogurts and that was it. I know we are headed toward the end now. I can sense a change in her. Please just pray that this move today is not too hard on her, Dena Mother (83) dx April 2005 Takes Risperdal and Clonazapam occasionally. Quote
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2006 Report Posted March 7, 2006 I do pray for her and for you. You know your mom best and have done the best for her. Kath Dena LEAVITT wrote: Hi Kathy My mom was on Aricept and Namenda until January of this year. There was a hug difference when the Aricept was stopped. This was the most effective drug for her. It was like a miracle really. The hospice DR. stopped it when she became his patient. As she went off of it she slowing could no long string a sentence together. Now she only babbles. Occasionally something that I can make sense of comes out. However, having said that, she was content, comfortable, and just in her own world. She did not seem to mind at all. It was me who was missing out. And I decided which was better, going in and out of cognitive abilities crying and being upset that you felt like you had no control over your mind or just staying in one place and not really knowing how bad of you are. I chose the second one. As for the Risperdal she occasionally still takes it. At this point I am lucky if I can get a small taste of water down her. Yesterday she had two small yogurts and that was it. I know we are headed toward the end now. I can sense a change in her. Please just pray that this move today is not too hard on her, Dena Mother (83) dx April 2005 Takes Risperdal and Clonazapam occasionally. --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > It sounds to me like it is " broke " . Was your mom on > aricept, reminyl or namenda? It sounds like she > really did take a downturn fast. what would happen > if she went off the risperdal? Have you ever tried > stopping it? Seroquel works for my mom is small > doses but she continues to hallucinate but just is > not so worried or scared by them. > > I am sorry that you have to go through such stuff. > It was very difficult for me last year and without > this group, I couldn't have coped. > > Hang in there, we are there for you. > > Kath > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > Hi Kathy > > Thanks for your thought. > > My mom has been on risperdal since May. I asked > several times for them to change her meds and got > the > " If it ain't broke don't fix it " mentality. I asked > for various other drugs, but all my replies fell on > deaf ears. Now it is simply too little too late. I > was > told that Seroquel was too expensive for medicare to > pay for while she is on hospice. Their is just no > point now. She is too far gone. > > As for the bedsores. They do not smell and are > clean. > I do not believe they are infected nor does the > hospice nurse. No redness etc... > > Thanks for thinking of us. You are right Risperdal > is > not a good drug and should not be started if it can > be > avoided. I knew nothing about the drugs and found > out > too late. > > Dena > > --- STEVE & KATHY WARD wrote: > > > Dena > > I noticed your mom is on risperdal. My mother was > > put on that right after the hallucinations started > > and after 2 weeks she got much worse. The doctor > > took her off it and she was put on Reminyl. She > > progressed greatly on this medication and after > > spending 8 months in an assisted living building, > > she was able to return home and lived with a > > caregiver. > > > > Secondly, I just wanted to say that the bedsore > > itself could also be causing problems. My mom's > was > > horrific. It was infected and smelly and 2 weeks > > after being on antibiotics she began to come > around. > > She also had the medications given at a more > > suitable time. For example, she was on seroquel > and > > they would give it just before dinner around 4 pm. > > > She ate at 5 and was totally out of it by then. > She > > lots lots of pounds. It may not be the same for > > your mom, but then again, it might. Just some > > thoughts. > > > > I think you are doing a great job. Give yourself > > a hug. Trust me, once she is in the nursing home, > > you will still have a lot of caregiving to do... > > > > Kath > > > > Dena LEAVITT wrote: > > Hi Everyone > > > > Just a quick update. The NH staff came out and > took > > a > > look at my Mom's bedsores and they determined that > > the > > one on her butt is stage 4 not 3. I was a little > > alarmed, but it is small and clean. They will be > > willing to except her into there facility. So I > will > > begin marking clothes and get her ready today. > This > > is > > really a hard decision to make, but I feel a great > > peace now that I have decided. I wanted a facility > > that was close, a private room, a christian > > atmosphere, and patients who looked happy as well > as > > the staff. I think I have found it. I asked God to > > close the door if this was not it and so far He > has > > opened the doors. Yes, I will be moving my mom > > tomorrow or the next day. > > > > Looking back for a moment. My mom moved in with us > > in > > May 05, she could walk a little on her own. She > > could > > feed herself, she could clean her face, brush her > > teeth etc... Now 10 months, exactly to the day, > she > > is > > bedridden and only makes groaning noises. She does > > none of the other things and can only move her > arms > > and hands very slightly. > > > > I feel like it has been an unbelievable fast > > process, > > yet it feels like years too. > > > > I know that I am not giving up now. And will just > be > > caring for her at a new facility. My caregiving > > skills > > will just be on a different level now. I will > still > > see her every day or almost and be very active in > > her > > care. > > It has been very tough to get to this point, but > > that > > I am here, I feel at peace. Just wanted to share > > this > > with you all. Thank you for helping me get to this > > place. > > > > Gratefully > > > > Dena Mother (83)dx April 05 Risperdal & Clonzapam > > > > __________________________________________________ > > Quote
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