Odds 'n' sods

[kitty_poker1]

Getting straight into it: Much loved father-in-law has been extremely ill for some time. He's fought the odds and,thanks to the NHS (with some reservations), is still alive and kicking, no sign of dementia despite the terrifying delusions brought on by an additional kidney disease, so I'm cautiously optimistic he'll make Xmas and maybe even his

Comments

[sweet_exile]

*hugs*

[kitty_poker1]

*huggles*

Hope you're well, hon.

[sweet_exile]

I'm fine, I have a new job. It's with the same company but far away from the cause of my stress.

[kitty_poker1]

Excellent! You're a strong woman and can get on with making your life what you make it. Thumbs up.

[woman_of_]

Good news about your father-in-law.

[kitty_poker1]

Thanks, love. He's an impeccable father-in-law, never interfering but always supportive. The last of our parents and we want to hang on to him. :)

[a_boleyn]

Hugs back.

Six months after my dad died of an unexpected stroke, my mom was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer's. In retrospect, she had been showing signs of dementia for at least a couple of years before that but as she and my dad had been mostly independent, and my dad wasn't very communicative about what was going on, my brother and I had no idea. She's been living with me for the last 15 months and every day is a blessing and a source of stress at the same time.

[kitty_poker1]

I understand. Physical problems are hard enough to deal with, but dementia/Alzheimer's is whole new set of problems.

Don't feel badly about feeling stressed and annoyed and at the end of your tether. Call for help from the NHS or other family and friends whenever you need it. Respite care is available if you ask.

I only had a taste of it because Dad's mind returned once his kidney disease was sorted, but it was so frightening.

[a_boleyn]

They did all the usual tests because, as you said, infections can cause dementia but, after the tests and xrays, we got the bad news.

I'm in Canada/Ontario and luckily we do have gov't programs to help as the limited family left and friends are not an option. I have someone come in twice a week to shower her and I get "caregiver relief", a three hour block where I can leave the house and have her watched by a care worker, while I go out and do something for myself. I usually end up running household errands but that's my choice. :) There ARE days when I have to book off work or cancel jobs (I supply teach) because she's having difficulties but I'm hoping to keep her at home as long as possible.

[kitty_poker1]

Infections and dehydration can mimic permanent dementia but you have to deal with the reality. I'm so sorry. I know how much you care and thank heavens you're in Canada and have some subsidised help so you won't need to go bankrupt.

Don't feel badly if you have to put her in residential care because you can't cope. It doesn't mean you don't love her, just that professional help might be better.

[bogwitch]

Good to to see you galloping around LJ again, *neigh*bour!

[kitty_poker1]

LOL! Nice pun. :p

[kathyh]

Nice to "see" you again.

My 85-year-old father has been having serious health problems but also thanks to the NHS (with a few reservations) he's home now. Best wishes for your father-in-law's continued recovery.

[kitty_poker1]

Thank you, and to your father. We have to steel ourselves to lose them eventually, but we love them and want it to be well down the line. :)