Mom is doing much better, the liquid antibiotics have had a positive result. However, this last episode with mom has taken a big chunk from her already limited ability to communicate and to function. She has forgotten how to use many every day things like the TV remote, turning on and off lamps with a remote (I got timers to solve that problem but she doesn't trust they will work and becomes upset and paranoid until they come on an hour earlier than sunset), has trouble dressing herself now, and I've had to hide things she can misuse or hurt herself with. She needs help getting up from chairs much of the time unless I have a 3 inch booster cushion on them.
She has very limited vocabulary and has lost most of her nouns. It is a constant guessing game trying to figure out what she is saying. She is always angry because I am no longer able to correctly guess at what she is saying much of the time..
Her mood swings change from hour to hour. She can go from being the sweetest tender and loving mother to a screaming paranoid stranger and back to a clinging helpless infant in the space of an hour. She wants me with her all the time, but spends most of our time together either sleeping or screaming at me for not understanding what she is saying. Sometimes I just nod my head and smile as if I have a clue of what she said, but many times she is trying to tell me something she wants done and the nodding doesn't work.
I am making use of the hospice volunteers to get myself out of the house for longer stretches of time and a lot more often. It does us both some good. She seems to perk up and have moments of clarity when there are visitors here.
You have my sympathies. My mother had alzheimer's. Toward the end, I didn't know who she was, she didn't know who I was. Sad and difficult to deal with. I'm glad you're able to get out and away for a while.
My best wishes or the both of you.
@Butrflynet,
I am so sorry. I wish I could give you advice, but I am thinking of you too.
I am glad that you have hospice. They are great. I know they were huge for my mom when my dad was so sick.
Thank God and Gene Roddenberry and the Flying Spaghetti Monster for hospice. Hugs to you, BFN.
@Butrflynet,
So glad to hear that you're taking care of yourself as well as Bumblebeeboogie.
Hospice staff and volunteers are just the best.
Today is BBB's birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
It is with deep sorrow that I let our friends near and far know that mom passed away peacefully last night.
I don't yet have any details to share. Her request was that she be cremated and that there be no funeral services.
I'm going to take a day or two to absorb my new reality without my best friend. Feeling a little numb, lost and overwhelmed right now and am struggling to find sufficient words. Just need to try to sleep.
@Butrflynet,
Thank you for telling us.
May she rest in peace.
Jo
It makes me sad that she is gone, but she is at rest now. Thank you for letting us know.
@Butrflynet,
RIP dear friend
I have missed your joyousness and many enthusiasms
Take care of yourself.
@Butrflynet,
I am so sorry for your loss, Butrflynet.
Mothers are always special and very dear to our heart and her love will always be with you and this you'll never lose. BBB was a big part of a2k and I remember her feisty replies and her avid contributions to current events.
She'll be missed by all of us.
My deepest sympathies!
I am so sorry to read this. Be good to yourself.
@jespah,
jespah wrote:
I am so sorry to read this. Be good to yourself.
Agreeing.
Take lots of time to find your new normal.
RIP BBB
@Butrflynet,
We'll keep the memories of her alive. She certainly was loved here.
@Butrflynet,
Sad news.
She was a great woman.
It was a privilege for me to have known her.
A big hug for you, Butrflynet.
