This blog is about life with my husband who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer's and Frontal Lobe Dementia in 2008. He was 64 at the time although now, knowing more about the disease, Alzheimer's was present many, many years ago, which is why early detection is so important. As you read the blog the character "Al" that I created in 2008, represents the way that Alzheimer's is invading our daily lives.
There is an archive tab further down the page that starts from the beginning of our journey.

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Living with Bob and "Al"

Emergency room visit part 7:
Sheri worked on distracting "Al" because his eyes were still fixed on the heart attack sign. The doctor popped his head in and told them the ex-ray was clear of blockage Bob did not appear to have any broken ribs from the Heimlich maneuver which was good.  The doctor disappeared behind the curtain. A few minutes later the nurse appeared, and very quickly pushed the curtain way back making that pushing high screech noise. At the same time she was pushing the curtain back she began talking to Bob very quickly, rattling off instructions and explaining  they were going to have him eat and drink something to make sure the swallowing would go smoothly, since choking was the reason he was here ending with a list of drink choices for Bob to choose from. "Al" sat staring with a confused smile on his face, but said nothing. Sheri said I am sorry that was way to fast..... Sheri said " Bob,  she  going to get you some apple juice." To which"Al" replied great!"
Sheri can't help but think about all the dementia patients that have no one to come to their side while in the hospital.

3 comments:

  1. First of all I empathize with most of all you say. My father has dementia and is progressing. I work in health care. Most nurses should be commended for what they do. They are trying to do the best they can with the means they have. With ObamaCare which needs some improving is better than the cuts Mr. Trump is trying to implement. Please take this into consideration. Blessings.

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    1. I'm sorry, but I as a nurse with a parent with Alzheimers. You should NEVER use that as an excuse to not deal with patients in the way that is best for THEM. Our job is our patients. We do not have a job if not for them. And these Alzheimers patients are precious. Please try to take THIS in consideration when dealing with your next Alzheimer's (or any) patient.

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  2. This whole scenario is a caregiver's worst nightmare...making the decision to treat another medical condition is a constant battle in light of the fact that the dementia will continue to progress and also if there is follow up care requiring co-operation and help from the patient themselves...could it be that perhaps dedicated facilities for patients with cognitive deficiancies that are not as large as a hospital yet able to provide care services to these types of patients something that could be considered? A facility where all staff and personnel know that every patient that comes through the door has a cognitive impairment in addition to another medical issue might be a direction to move in for the future...as the populations get older and dementias seem to be showing up at earlier ages situations such as Sheri's will happen more often...A busy hospital environment can be so upsetting to our loved ones with dementia and if they are still mobile, they can get into a multitude of bad situations which just underlines the reason they are coming from facilities where they are monitored continually and kept within certain physical perimeters for their own safety...everyone involved with these patients does try to do their best, there is no doubt, but these patients can require so much more than just medical intervention, i think the future will require a more targeted approach...sadly there are no easy answers for this situation, but there is a tidal wave of these folks being diagnosed every day and it doesn't seem there is any respite in sight...It is just an extremely tough situation for everyone involved...Tanis

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