I hate to admit it. When apparently healthy couples of a certain age stroll by hand in hand, I am envious. The recent outings facilitated by our new weekend aide take some of the sting of my jealousy away. I can get out with my guy. That’s a nice feeling. We both enjoy being out,Continue reading “Getting out together”
Tag Archives: #dementia
Compassion
Robbed of everything meaningful, the pwd in your life progressively declines a little further. Disease progression is relentless. Burt is a poor patient. He resists being prodded, guided, and helped. It makes those doing what’s best for him and doing their best feel like giving up. At best, it’s exasperating. In these instances, remembering whoContinue reading “Compassion”
Did I mention?
Anxiety is a huge factor in Lewy Body Dementia. I presume that those who were calm and composed prior to dx experience bouts of this distress once they enter Lewy-land. Burt had more than his share for years before any symptoms. In fact, he was plagued by lifelong panic attacks. His illness has made theContinue reading “Did I mention?”
It’s more than just the symptoms
In the beginning, I only saw the symptoms. I protected us from the damaging effects of his impulsiveness, poor judgment, and diminished cognition. When he was aggressive, I did what I could so he didn’t hurt himself, me, or others. I met his agitation with the “I’m sorries” I had learned from counselors easing meContinue reading “It’s more than just the symptoms”
Defiance
Burt is pretty much in his own world. As long as the hallucinations aren’t scary, I am told there’s no need for me to fret. Or medicate. We shall see. The multiple mes disturb and unnerve me. Other aspects are amusing. Burt tried to send me on an errand the other night. When I said,Continue reading “Defiance”
Mid night thoughts May 7th
It’s a pernicious disease that has outsmarted us both, and Burt and I are pretty smart. Lewy Body Dementia has made its wily way into our lives. I have been split into fragmented personalities some of them adored some abhorred others tolerated. Burt is never fully alone except when he dreams I have abandoned him.Continue reading “Mid night thoughts May 7th”
That’s just silly
Getting sillier is becoming a salvation. There’s some serious stuff going on. Of course there is. I need to rise to the occasion to combat the many ills that come with Lewy. I also need to find ways to smile and stay sane. If texting “Tony the tiger great” is an indication of the latter.Continue reading “That’s just silly”
Bitter Sweet
This is what I shared with a group of my fellow LBD spouses about our 32nd anniversary: It’s the anniversary we’re not celebrating this Friday. I am so glad we did have his 84th surprise party and my birthday with friends when he was able to engage and enjoy. Burt’s current downturn makes those recent celebrationsContinue reading “Bitter Sweet”
Hallucinations
Well, yes, it is a good thing that they’re not scary. Burt’s hallucinations are mostly benign. A group of pals and co- workers he’s gathered into our home. They make him feel connected, I think, and less alone. His dreams and delusions seem, on the other hand, to be frightening. He is always lost withoutContinue reading “Hallucinations”
Party? Not right now
I am about to cancel a party I planned for our 32nd anniversary. Parties have been good to (and for) us this past year. Burt loved his 84th surprise birthday gathering. People interested him, and it was a lively event. He insisted I should have one, too, and was able to enjoy the crowd. TheContinue reading “Party? Not right now”
this is our life 