Re: Re: Help is coming Monday

July 12, 2008

Darling Jannis, yes, I thought of a suppository when I was in the throws of

doing an enema, but alas I had none on hand. They will be in the future.

Thanks for the tip,

And, love a lot, with suppository in hand. (grin)

Imogene

In a message dated 7/12/2008 11:06:20 AM Central Daylight Time,

janthegoddess2003@... writes:

Imogene...

Have you thought about a glycerin suppository instead? They're effective,

and much less invasive than an enema. It seems that our LO's can hold them

more effectively than a bagful of water, and it doesn't produce the mess that

the water can.

Jannis

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July 12, 2008

Dear, dear Kathy, Thank you.

I have been sick the past two days after that all day experience. I don't

know what kind Of help I'll get, but I am working on it.

When was your diagnosed? I know it doesn't have a whole lot of

bearing on how far along into the illness he is, as some progress into it

faster

than others.

But, it has some bearing, and I was wondering if he was the same as My Don,

if so,

what prompted you to get hospice? I know we can have Hospice up to two years

prior to our LOs demise, but I don't feel Don is ready for that yet. I don't

even feel he is ready for a nursing home yet. (but, I am, smile). No, maybe

he is ready for all of it, and I am denying it. Better think about that.

Most people don't have a definite time, so their illness is set at the time

they were diagnosed. Don wasn't diagnosed until 2005, and the Neurologist

said he had AD. But, a few months later Don was diagnosed with LBD by a

Geriatric/Psychiatrist.

I can look back and tell you the year that my Don showed signs of this

illness. It was way back to 1995. He had to quit work because he could no

longer

work with math, and I had proof of it, because he did a fine job messing up

our check book. He had many signs through those years. Lots of them, but I

didn't know they were signs of a very, very serious illness. Don hasn't fainted

yet, but does get very light headed and woozy. He nearly falls, but hasn't

yet.

We are trying Miralax (sp) after finally getting relief. I hope it will help

him. What do any of you think of this as a way to keep him regular? It is

not supposed to interfere with his medication. I don't ever want to go through

another scoop the poop day, like that one. I just didn't see it coming, but

if and when there is a next time, I will be prepared. I was trying to use the

old kind or enema, but no matter what I did, he wouldn't hold a quarter of a

cup of liquid. I inserted it high, and held his cheeks together, but he

managed to expel it. I would say hold it, hold it, and he couldn't get it in

his

head. Nope, not another day like that for me. I'll use dynamite, (grin) Think

that will work?

Don used to worry about our finances, but I let him keep a little money (he

can't count) And I tell him that things are being cared for. It has finally

taken away the loops he use to put me through.

Thank you precious Kathy. But, do tell me when was diagnosed, please.

I would like to keep track of our men. You seem to know how to care for

in every way. I think you deserve a big gold star. You are a fine mate

to

him.

Love a lot, and laugh if you can, We still do once in a while.

Imogene

In a message dated 7/12/2008 5:36:36 PM Central Daylight Time,

kathymjacobs@... writes:

" He is asleep right now.

>

> What a life if you don't weaken. Smile instead.

>

> Love a lot, do what you can and leave the rest.

> Imogene

"

Dear Imogene,

My and your Don have so much in common. I've been giving

enemas too. has been constipated for over 4 weeks, and after

several fleet enemas, mag cit, stool softeners daily we finally had

some results yesterday with an old fashioned warm water enema. The

volume made a difference. My guy also has Capgras, but the Exelon

patch has really reduced his Capgras delusions and hallucinations --

although he has a delusion that our tax man has somehow intercepted

$10,000, or $100,000 (depending upon the day). Wh have received all

state and federal refunds, and stimulus monies, so I've been trying

to make excuses to keep him from confronting our accountant.

I have also enlisted some good home health aides. This makes a

difference for me, I hope it does for you too. We have also just

added hospice, and this provides nurses to come if he has a spell of

low blood pressure & faints, like he did 3 times Thursday morning.

They keep the doctor involved and I don't have to keep calling him.

I hope things keep working out for you, even if you have a few rough

spells along the way.Don is so lucky to have you and your love.

Kathy

------------------------------------

Welcome to LBDcaregivers.

July 13, 2008

Hi all and welcome, Pat!

It's good to have you with us, although we're also sorry when someone has to

find us. However, this is a great group of people with much wisdom and

compassion.

Just a word about other reasons for fainting, falling, getting the " glasy-eye "

look: LBD, like PD, affects the nervous systems of the body which can impact

even the involuntary bodily functions like respiration, blood pressure, etc.

Some with LBD have " orthostatic hypotension. " Their BP goes down very fast and

unexpectedly - the results can look like a mini-stroke or other heart-related

problems, but are not. Others have fluctuating BP, not the same as what we

generally think of as high blood pressure. Generally MDs don't medicate for

this, as it isn't a " true " BP problem.

A mix of medications can also cause the fainting/falling/staring syndrome. A

pharmacist or pharmacologist can evaluate the meds to determine if they are

causing problems.

Dehydration and infections can also display some of these symptoms.

You are so fortunate the AF was caught in time - and how smart of you to keep

copies of medical exams and results! That's a wonderful reminder for all of us.

Please stay in touch.

Lin

Subject: Re: Help is coming Monday

To: LBDcaregivers

Date: Saturday, July 12, 2008, 6:36 PM