It sounds like a good thing, until you pair it with an alzheimers diagnosis. 

It’s been a really difficult week, I keep thinking for some crazy reason  it just can’t get worse. My nurse brain knows it can. But my daughter brain hopes it won’t. That she will pass peacefully in her sleep soon. It sounds harsh, but I don’t know how much more her body can handle.

She’s not eating, barely drinking. And this week she’s been sick with diarrhea. Vomited once, and did not know how to vomit. I was sure she had aspirated at one point. My washing machine does 3 loads a day at this point.

She cannot be left alone, nor can we take her anywhere. I applied for FMLA leave at work, I’m planning on taking it periodically when no-one else can be with her for now. It sucks because I can’t use my paid medical leave. They want me to use up my PTO first then no pay. “Medical leave is only for my health, not family.” I thought that’s what filing FMLA helps with.. NOPE! It basically just guarantees I have a job when it’s up in 90 days 😒

Last night I texted Karen’s hospice nurse “Hi Cindy, sorry for the late text, just FYI,  she’s just been vomiting and very lethargic today, had just one diarrhea episode. No intake of food or water.  I had Zofran 4mg, I gave to her. Not vomiting since. Nothing else needs to be done right now, she’s resting comfortably,  just wanted to keep you informed”

I broke down in tears this week. I’m spending all my home time taking care of Karen. My family gets the leftovers. Sorry Shaun, it’s like nursing school all over again. You get to keep the little humans alive.

They gave me a list of nursing homes and said give it a look sooner then later because of the long waiting lists. I think we will start looking around on Monday.

Every day is different. Yesterday almost catatonic, wont acknowledge anyone, to into everything today like a two year old, pacing and yelling “I gotta go home!”

I don’t know how she has energy when I can’t even get two bites of oatmeal in her. Its mind boggling.

Published by KaGardn1

I'm trying to live the most meaningful and intentional life possible. Minimalist, Vegetarian, Fierce protector of a full night sleep, Mother, Wife, Daughter -caretaker, Sister, Friend, Nurse. Sharing day to day life with family and friends. A quest to minimize effects of Alzheimer's Disease. View all posts by KaGardn1