Living with Bob and "Al"

Unfortunately, the injections Bob had in his back a month or so ago did not help his pain this time. As a result "Al" is agitated and hurting. Sheri wonders if there are studies about the affects of pain on Alzheimer's. Bob is not himself even the "self " Sheri lovingly refers to as "Al".  :(

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri is preparing for the second half of Bob's back procedure tomorrow. The first half went rather well and it has only been in the last couple of days that he has had an increase in pain. Sheri thinks that is because Bob was feeling so much better so"Al" was trying to do to much. Too much these days is picking up 5 twigs in the yard. Keeping "them" in one piece is a challenge. Sheri just keeps telling herself to take it one day at a time. :)

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri is tired. The procedure went well. The doctor said he had never needed to do this many levels and that Bob back was really bad, but he did say he was a great patient and agreed with Sheri that Bob has an extremely high pain tolerance. They went easy on the sedation when Sheri explained the cognitive issues so that was a blessing. Sheri was able to convince the nurses that they would have the best success with "Al" if they directed him slowly and specifically. Which they figured out quickly when they said "Now loosen your pants and climb up and the bed" and his pants dropped to the floor. :)
Thank you for the prayers.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri is worried about today. The procedure will elevate Bob's pain for a while. They are burning the nerve endings at 5 disk levels in his back. It is hard to make choices for someone with this disease. It does not seem right to do nothing and let him him suffer with such back pain, it limits what he can do and how he feels, and the pain can't be good for his cognitive issues either.
Sheri just needs to pause, praise and pray.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri is preparing for the first half of Bob's back procedure on Friday. His back is so very bad and yet there are so many issues to deal with when having a medical procedure on done on an Alzheimer and Dementia patient. His doctor has agreed this is the best option, but Sheri still finds herself second guessing herself. Is the chance of his back improving enough to improve his quality of life enough to out way the risks involved? Sheri has realized over the years, that she wants the impossible. She wants 100% assurance before she takes action about something or she becomes paralyzed with fear and then she chooses to stand still. The reality is standing still has not worked very well, because life is moving forward with or without her.

Living with Bob and "Al"

Sheri is taking Bob to a back specialist today. The steroid injection did not help this time. She is praying there will be something they can do that will ease his pain, but that "Al" will tolerate well. It is a very fine line we walk between pain management and brain deterioration.
Sheri hates this disease.