11-01-2017, 09:35 PM
41
Re: Dementia/Alzheimer's
Sadly we too have seen dementia at close quarters and know how scary it is. We know what it is to lose someone even though they are still alive. OH's mother is now in the final stages of AD she rarely speaks at all and for the last two years has only taken fluid protein drinks.Reserching the family history we have found at least 8 female and 1 male relative on his mothers side who have dementia listed as cause of death going back into the early 1800's.
Then about 3 years ago I realised something was wrong with my OH , he noticed that he was having troubles remembering things too. He was loosing words and finding himself wandering around looking for 'something' but not knowing what.
We went to our GP together but the GP brushed off our concerns.
Then OH's health took a turn for the worse and out of the blue he had a heart attack. Afterwards he seemed very old he was in fact just 56.
He was told he had depression and sent to a therapist which didnt really help.
His memory didnt seem to get much worse but his language skills started to get bad he couldnt remember the names of people or places and he would make odd references to explain what he meant, it was like playing a constant game of charades.
He tried to explain what hoodies looked like by saying 'those people who break into pubs the ones you hit with a shovel' he meant zombies like in the film shaun of the dead.
Anyway in Jan 2015 I went back to the GP and yelled.. and I finally got the referral to the dementia clinic.
Although various CT and MRI scans did not showing shrinkage the specialist disgnosed FTD this June.
We have seen a lawyer and have made end of life plans and arranged power of attoney for me with my daughter as back up so that we decide what care OH gets and when.
At the moment almost everyone around us thinks OH is a lucky sod who has taken early retirement.
He doesnt want people pitying him.
Just now things are not too bad but we know what lies ahead..and its not pretty. FTD has a life expectancy of between 2 and 10 years with an average of 6 or 7
So thats us we laugh, we row, we sometimes cry, but most of the time we try to enjoy the things we have and not mourn what we have or will loose.
12-01-2017, 03:01 AM
43
Re: Dementia/Alzheimer's
Originally Posted by Cass
->
Sadly we too have seen dementia at close quarters and know how scary it is. We know what it is to lose someone even though they are still alive. OH's mother is now in the final stages of AD she rarely speaks at all and for the last two years has only taken fluid protein drinks.Reserching the family history we have found at least 8 female and 1 male relative on his mothers side who have dementia listed as cause of death going back into the early 1800's.
Then about 3 years ago I realised something was wrong with my OH , he noticed that he was having troubles remembering things too. He was loosing words and finding himself wandering around looking for 'something' but not knowing what.
We went to our GP together but the GP brushed off our concerns.
Then OH's health took a turn for the worse and out of the blue he had a heart attack. Afterwards he seemed very old he was in fact just 56.
He was told he had depression and sent to a therapist which didnt really help.
His memory didnt seem to get much worse but his language skills started to get bad he couldnt remember the names of people or places and he would make odd references to explain what he meant, it was like playing a constant game of charades.
He tried to explain what hoodies looked like by saying 'those people who break into pubs the ones you hit with a shovel' he meant zombies like in the film shaun of the dead.
Anyway in Jan 2015 I went back to the GP and yelled.. and I finally got the referral to the dementia clinic.
Although various CT and MRI scans did not showing shrinkage the specialist disgnosed FTD this June.
We have seen a lawyer and have made end of life plans and arranged power of attoney for me with my daughter as back up so that we decide what care OH gets and when.
At the moment almost everyone around us thinks OH is a lucky sod who has taken early retirement.
He doesnt want people pitying him.
Just now things are not too bad but we know what lies ahead..and its not pretty. FTD has a life expectancy of between 2 and 10 years with an average of 6 or 7
So thats us we laugh, we row, we sometimes cry, but most of the time we try to enjoy the things we have and not mourn what we have or will loose.
Power of Attourney is held by my sister who takes overall control, and without thinking too far ahead just yet, that’s going to be another hurdle to get over – after the tax man and care home take their extortionate cuts from it. They say moving house, raising children and divorce are the three most stressful things we have to endure in our lifetimes, but the whole scenario which revolves around someone’s final years/months/days and after are certainly right up there. But I’m afraid it’s all part of life we need to deal with.
Take care, and I wish you and your husband all the best.
Laurie
14-01-2017, 11:39 AM
47
Re: Dementia/Alzheimer's
Originally Posted by Floydy
->
I really do feel your pain, Cass, and to be doubly affected by very close members of your family is simple cruel irony and it’s just so unfair. My dad went the same way as my mum is going six years ago and that was horrible thing to witness. All I can say is look after your husband as best you can and keep on at those in the NHS/social services to give you absolutely everything you are entitled to. Power of Attourney is held by my sister who takes overall control, and without thinking too far ahead just yet, that’s going to be another hurdle to get over – after the tax man and care home take their extortionate cuts from it. They say moving house, raising children and divorce are the three most stressful things we have to endure in our lifetimes, but the whole scenario which revolves around someone’s final years/months/days and after are certainly right up there. But I’m afraid it’s all part of life we need to deal with.
Take care, and I wish you and your husband all the best.
Laurie
I agree its an awful illness and scary to watch your loved one vanish into a bubble.
We are making the most of the time we have and learning little tricks to help OH cope with the changes he faces but yes its difficult.
The fact that so many people still deny it or make light of it shows how little its really understood.
hugs for you..
04-03-2017, 07:28 AM
49
Re: Dementia/Alzheimer's
Originally Posted by Floydy
->
Hi all.I've been quiet on here for a while. Just to form some kind of closure to this thread, sadly my mother passed away earlier this morning. Need some time to adjust and make some plans.
Thanks all for your support.
You know where we are if you need a hug 
and I hope that you will be back with us when you have said your goodbyes to Mum.
04-03-2017, 09:18 AM
50
Re: Dementia/Alzheimer's
Originally Posted by Floydy
->
Hi all.I've been quiet on here for a while. Just to form some kind of closure to this thread, sadly my mother passed away earlier this morning. Need some time to adjust and make some plans.
Thanks all for your support.
Secondly I hope that you will find the support and help you need to get through the difficult times ahead and that you will be able to find some peace.
Take care...
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