Saturday 7 January 2017

LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

I would have loved to end the old year on a more cheerful note than the ‘Christmas Hates’ post and, even more so, to have been able to start the new year with renewed hope and energy.

Not so.

I’ve been wondering if I should continue with this blog in its current incarnation, under the same heading, or if I should close it and start a new one under the same title as this post. Or maybe give up posting altogether, seeing how little time I have at my disposal.

My decision is to continue this blog as it is, except that it will deal primarily with what it is like to live with, and be the carer of, a loved one who now recognisably suffers from dementia. Friko’s World is the title of this blog, and Friko’s World it is, before and after the axe fell.

Not many of you will find it interesting and I won’t be upset if you stop reading. There is a lot of involuntary laughter but there is a lot of pain and heartache too. I will remain true to myself and honest with you who read. Some of you might be upset, some disgusted and some uplifted. It has absolutely amazed me finding out how many people suffer from some kind of mental illness in old age. Nearly everybody knows somebody who is a carer or has a dementia patient in their family and circle of friends.

The first major indications that something more than lapses of memory and the mislaying of days and times of day was wrong came a couple of weeks before Christmas. Beloved became quite agitated about our preparations for the festive season, pushing to go shopping for more and more groceries and drinks. As there were only the two of us, no family or friends expected, this was slightly odd. His daughter rang and I told her that her dad was uncharacteristically restless. We suspected an infection which needed treatment. When mild dementia sets in, an infection will send the patient completely confused, apt to go ‘doolally’ as an acquaintance, whose husband has Alzheimers, calls it.

A few days later I went up to Beloved’s bedroom to wake him for his morning bath, as his carer was on her way. He was not in his bed. In the gloom I peered into the room and saw a white form on the floor, partially naked, with a blanket pulled up over the legs. He had obviously, at some time during the night, got up, started to undress and fallen. I tried to get him to his legs. No luck. The carer came and tried too. Still no luck. I had, however, already called an ambulance; we are advised to do so if a patient has fallen and can neither be moved by others nor lift himself up. After making sure that nothing was broken or otherwise damaged two burly paramedics soon manipulated him upright again and began a series of tests. Beloved was shaking with cold. The first thing was to warm him up. Through chattering teeth he repeated several times to all assembled, i.e. me, the carer and the paramedics, that he’d been trapped under the wardrobe and had been unable to extricate himself. As warmth returned he wondered what kind of house he could possibly have landed in where wardrobes trapped people and carpets were laid on walls as well as floor.

The tests showed no abnormalities and it was decided that he should stay at home, where he would be able to recover in a calm and comfortable environment, rather than be shunted off to hospital where he’d probably have to wait in a draughty corridor for hours before any medic could deal with him.

So that’s what happened. We were just a few days away from Christmas.


38 comments:

  1. I am so sorry. Dementia is among the cruelest of illnesses. The person you knew is gone or only intermittently present. I hope you can continue to find solace of a sort in writing. And my thoughts and heart are with you.

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  2. I am very sorry, Friko. I think you are doing the right thing by continuing to write as hopefully others will be able to reach out to you - you are certainly not alone.

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  3. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for sharing your dark passage. Having traveled such a road not long ago, I know it is a long and difficult way, but not without some rewards along the way, and not the end of life as we can know it. I will be holding you in the Light.

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  4. Sorry to hear about your troubles, but I hope you definitely keep on blogging here. Because, you know, this is the real stuff of life, the stuff worth writing and reading about. It might even help you, in the long run, to continue sharing here. And the rest of us can gain some greater understanding of dementia, or of you or... people. Humanity. Aging. Thank you for writing this.

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  5. I am so sorry. It is, however, good that this man has people caring for him.

    I hope they find a cure for this...soon.

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  6. I'm glad you're going to continue to write. It's important for you, and important for all of the unknown others who are struggling with this terrible disease, searching the internet for comfort and advice -- for a sense that they aren't alone.

    My personal experiences with dementia are in the past now -- at least for the time being -- but you've mentioned things I remember: the involuntary laughter at the absurdities that arise, for example. I'm glad you were prepared enough and wise enough to call the ambulance. There are times when we simply must depend on others. It's not a weakness; it's the way life is.

    I'm glad he was able to stay at home to recover, too. I hope all has settled a bit now, and that there wasn't any lingering physical trauma. You keep writing, and we'll all keep reading. Why would we not?

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  7. Keep up with your blog for some good reasons. Writing can be a therapy so writing about your situation can help you. I know that you will receive all kinds of on line support. people understanding and making a few suggestions can go along way to make for a better day. many of us have friends in beloved's condition. the more experience shared the better. Happy New year! You've made a good choice.

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  8. You poor soul: you must have been beside yourself with worry...and despair at what is to come.
    It is, as you say, your world. You blog or not as you feel.

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  9. Thanks for sharing g your journey with us Friko. You must be devastated. How heart breaking. Keep laying your words down. This is life too and your world.

    XO
    WWW

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  10. Thank you for sharing. A hard journey with no map.

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  11. I would be very disappointed if you stopped posting. I hope I never go through what you are, but if I did, I would find it very helpful to destress by writing, especially as you can see, www people are supportive and do actually care.

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  12. Yes, dear Friko. We do care. I have been following your blog for years. Remember many of your well written stories that you told in happier times. I have always been impressed by your sincerity, your honesty, and the fact that you care. The post about the turkey you couldn't give away comes to mind.
    I do hope you continue to let our shoulders help with your burden. Surely it must lessen your load just a little when you talk about it?! How true the statement above about the hard road with no map! Each of us has our own journey; sharing experiences and insights helps us all. Sending you warmth and love through the air!

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  13. I'm sorry to read this, Friko. Dementia is a cruel disease, full of uncertainty and puzzlement. Beloved is a fortunate man to have you care for him. I hope you will continue to share the reality of your life as it is, in the hopes that you will find some release in writing, and hopefully, the knowledge that many people care about you and your life.

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  14. Dear Friko - thank you for sharing with us ... I do feel for you, but I am glad that did not come my way. I have been thinking about you both ... and we here are so glad to see you put a post up ... telling life like it is for you: we learn from these things. Blogging is a funny occupation to many, but offers so much insight that we wouldn't get in the outside world - I've learnt a lot this week from other friends with experiences to tell - they all help me.

    My thoughts and love to you both ... Hilary

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  15. This is your space to do as you will, Friko. You will need it, or not, in the days ahead. Dementia is a thief, the cruelest of illnesses. All my good wishes from Lockwood, Christine

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  16. Dear Friko ~ Sharing what you are going through is very therapeutic. It will also help others in the same situation, or who may go through one like it in the future. Plus, you will receive lots of love and encouragement from your dear readers.

    I am so sorry you are having to deal with this horrible disease.

    Love, hugs & prayers ~ FlowerLady

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  17. I won't stop reading you ever, and I hope you manage to find bits and pieces of time to continue writing. My mother had Alzheimer's, and of course K had dementia unrelated to aging as you know, but neither of these situations approaches the particular heartbreak that is yours. Losing your spouse in increments to this godawful thing is, well, awful. My heart aches for you both. xxDeborah

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  18. Ive enjoyed your blog for a while now. I hope you dont stop. I love blogs as they make me feel so not alone and that many of my feelings are normal as we age. I follow another blog called "one of life's little surprises" from a lady who is in your same situation. I think you could relate very much to her blog. Even though I have not experienced dementia in any family member and my husband has already died, it nevertheless is a devastating problem that will increase as the boomers age. I saw a hint of brain change when my husband died of brain cancer, but nothing like dementia. I am sorry for what you are going through. Life seems to get so much harder as we age. I think continuing your blog will be some therapy for you. It can be therapeutic for others as well. My thoughts are with you.

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  19. Among the many reasons I follow your musings, Friko, are your honesty, humor,, and wit, often amid times of trouble. Rest assured, I will not stop reading you and I thank you for your willingness to continue writing, in spite of your current troubles. I hope in the process, your writings will help you through, and I know it will help others.
    Thank you for sharing. My own thoughts and prayers go with you and I wish you peace amid the turmoil.

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  20. Hi Friko. I just discovered your blog. It sounds like we are both living in a world with dementia, but you are further along the journey than I am. I am so sorry for what you are going through. The journey with a loved one with dementia is so challenging and very discouraging at times.

    Thanks for sharing. I know that by writing I feel like my soul has been lifted. And it does wonders to know that other readers are kind and caring. I hope you continue to blog, and I hope you can find some peace in your world.

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  21. I didn't know what to say when I first read your blog last night. There were no comments, and now there are 20, all of which I've read and now I can echo so many of their thoughts. Please continue to blog and tell those of us who are aging and dealing with our own difficulties how you will continue to cope. You are such a gifted writer, and I think it would help many of us to hear your reflections. Certainly it will help me.

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  22. Please don't stop blogging - this is so relevant to us all now. Far from losing followers it wouldn't surprise me if the numbers climb. If it helps you to continue, please do; it helps many of us too.

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  23. Dear Friko, I am very sorry that your world has now gained a most unwelcome aspect. It seems particularly cruel that your Beloved's dementia should have increased as Christmas drew near. His being able to remain at home is certainly good for him, though certainly changes your life dramatically.

    As ever, your writing is very strong and you've been able to describe the changes to your own life very well. I am a greedy reader and am very glad that you have decided to continue writing this blog under the same title. Thank you.

    At my age, I've known and know many people whose lives have been affected by the lives of others. I also know and have known people who have affected other's lives. There are so many ways in which these connections develop and change. The future is a very foreign land. Personally, I become more aware of this daily.

    It is my honor to consider you a friend. I so wish that I lived close enough to do more to assist you in practical ways. Instead, I will admire you from my part of the world and definitely wish to stay connected hereabouts. xo

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  24. Thank you for fearlessly sharing with us. As we age, heck, as I age, fears arise. You are someone I feel I can look to. You are real and honest. And I value you tremendously. Simply losing you feels very sad, but perhaps that is only selfish on my part. Whatever you do, see how many of us care about you. So if you can, please continue. You may be accomplishing more than you realize that way. Aloha Friend <3

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  25. Like the others here have said, I won't stop reading your blog. Dementia will become more and more widespread as our society is growing older. Who knows, my Mum and Dad could be dementia patients one day in the not too far away future, or I myself can end up with it one day.
    It must be very painful for you to see your Beloved in that condition, knowing that while there are things that can be done to make life a little safer and easier in spite of the illness, you can't really expect things to improve to the point they were before.
    Deciding to keep your blog going, even with little time at your hands, is probably helpful in that it keeps you in touch with so many others who care about you, myself included.

    Liebe Ursula, ich wünsche Dir von Herzen alles Gute für die ganz gewiss schwere Zeit, die vor Dir liegt, vor allem Mut und Kraft. Und mit Mut meine ich, auch 'mal zu erlauben, dass es DIR schlecht geht und dass Du mutlos, müde und sehr traurig und/oder wütend sein wirst - und dafür kein schlechtes Gewissen haben sollst.

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  26. It is still very much Friko's World. Life changes, on that we can depend. I will still be listening intently and honored you are sharing your life. Love and hugs from Fargo.

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  27. First of all, I am so sorry that dementia is now part of your life experience with Beloved. It is an insidious disease that robs people of their sense of safety and joy and their provides their caretakers with profound sadness and concern. It saddens me that this is now a part of your life.

    But I hope you will continue to write. If there is any one thing I have learned in nearly ten years of blogging is that the community is a supportive one and we need support, particularly as we dance that life dance and have to learn a new and complicated routine. And I think writing can be healing, spewing it out to a group of people who care enough to read, to listen, to be there in spirit even if separated by thousands of miles. If you find the need to express frustration, have at it. I doubt you would lose a single follower.

    And in fact, as others have mentioned, your sharing may well bring others to your nest who are longing for someone who understands them and their circumstances. Who knows? That could be any one of us at any time. While other friends are dealing with this issue (and Alzheimer's, much the same), it has yet to strike me personally. But as cyclist Rick has often reminded me, he has had more skull fractures and concussions than many and we all know what that research says. So, one day, while I hope your story and mine won't intersect, it well could. I do my best regularly to learn more about this. I know -- that's selfish. But I think all of us of a certain age must be aware of what could happen to our friends and loved ones -- and ourselves. So for many reasons, I hope you will write when you can, when you need to. You know, even if you never hit publish, it might be what you have to do for you.

    Meanwhile, sending cyber hugs across the pond in hopes that you will feel the warmth and support.

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  28. I am with your other readers who want you to keep writing. I've had some difficult times myself and have thought about giving up blogging, but somehow it is a part of who I am now in these elder-years. Hopefully you can sense the thoughts and prayers of your little community around you. Blessings from Dalamory

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  29. So sorry, understand health issues, keep writing, it will help you with the sharing and maybe someone else. sending prayers and a hug...

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  30. Very glad to read that your beloved did not have to be taken out of the home & was able to recuperate with you & the carer available.
    Liebe Grüsse
    B

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  31. We are in Sicily, and our internet is dodgy at best, so I have written you by e-mail in the event this comment doesn't post. We have not ourselves had yet to deal with anything like what you now face, but from friends who have, if this is of any use at all, please give yourself permission to take care of yourself, as best you can. Lots and lots of love to you, Beloved, and Millie, too, from us both.

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  32. Oh Friko, my heart breaks for you. I've been away from blogging for quite some time, with an occasional post just to confuse the issue. Attempting to get back, and also check in on old favorites, of which you are one. Hang in there, grumpy or not. My step-mom of nearly 30 years passed of complications of the dreaded Alzheimers. She was young, 65 at onset, and surprised us all with the sudden severity. We're fearful that two friends/relatives are also suspiciously showing signs, at much too young an age. Sending warm thoughts your way.

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  33. My advice is to continue blogging, right here. In your world of flux, you could use something constant and yours and something you have control. And you need support - I am glad to see you are surround with such here.

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  34. I have always enjoyed reading your blog because you express so many feelings and situations that we all experience. I wish I could express my feelings in such a way. Keep on writing , it will help you in this difficult time . Being a caretaker is a hard job. My heart goes out to you.

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  35. Poor man , so terrifying for him . And for you to realise that you can't protect him 24 hours a day .
    Let's hope that the rest of the winter can be cosy , relaxed and adventure free .

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  36. Please do not apologize. You need to write and hopefully, though most of us are not geographically close, we can at least offer the kindness of support and encouragement. Hugs to you both!

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  37. Dearest Ursula, i totally support you and do write all you need to as it will be a way to get a bit of cyber support that you surely could use. I too have a hubby now not really in a real world though he claims to be. I find it hard to see and now I realize I have to be strong for two dependent adults. Right now hubby is going through a scary spending spree and I am powerless to stop it. He is allowed to drive but I find him to be like a teen, reckless. So much has changed yet he has no real clue. He claims he is at his best in life yet he has become totally self centred and needs to go up to strangers for affirmation of his great looks and character. It is both sad and comical as strangers play along with him. I know your hubby is now more advanced in his dementis but mine is only a matter of timr as there is no reversal just as I have no cure for my vision. Aging can really be heartbreaking. I shall be a folloer of yours as long as my body gives me the ability. And I do often think of you and send vibes of good wishes.

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  38. That's so hard. I've watched my father's decline with Alzheimer's, more from afar, and can't imagine the day-to-dayness of it. Of course you must write about it.

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