Dementia and fainting spells.

 

Each day, when I get up, and return to my computer, it is a time to review the last day. The day in which I must search for something that is of value, not for me to remember, but will be interesting to you, the reader.

Living with Dementia gives me the material to write about. What should I expound upon today. Is it the golf game, the long nap, the cleansing shower, grocery shopping? Sweetie's attitude, her behavior, the giving of CBD as a preventative? 

All in all, we had a very good day. Started with a dose of CBD before we left for the day and one more just before bed time. Just felt like the right thing to do. She was just a little off and I knew it wouldn't hurt. 

After our round of golf, we stayed and talked with my old friend. Sweetie stood during this time. When we got to the car, she started fading and almost fainted. When I got her home, she went straight to bed and stayed there for 3 hours. When I went to check on her, she was laying in bed with her eyes open. I wonder if she is just waiting for me to come and get her. 

When we were in the parking area, I asked a lady to if she would return my cart, because I couldn't take the cart back and have Sweetie walk back to the car, and I couldn't just put her in the car and return. She agreed to take the cart back. At the same time, she was giving me suggestion on how to prevent Sweetie from having her fainting spells. Amazing what people think will help. I've learned to "Smile and Nod." They don't live with Dementia and what works for them, won't work for Sweetie. Good intentions are signs of trying to understand what I going on. 

Driver is teaching me how to be a good listener to those that want to help. There is always some clamor of those who care about others. I know I do it myself. Yet, on this Road to Dementia Town, there is enough road noise that can be distracting. Frustration isn't a virtue  that I can afford to have. The "smile and nod" reaction is enough. I can weigh the advice later, and see if it is helpful or practical. It is on these Road trips that we discuss the value of the information. One of the things I've learned, is what works today, may not work tomorrow, or next week or month. Dementia is always on the move, and that it is between me and my Driver as we travel down the Road to Dementia Town, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. You too, Shiny Side Up. Love Ya, and God Bless.      

She was a happy camper.

 

I am having one heck of time this morning with the mechanics of the blog. I am fighting trying to get it to do what it has done in the past. I don't like change, and then when I get the change understood, it doesn't seem to work that way again. Sounds like it has a form of Dementia of its own.  

We're still on the none CBD mode, I was tempted to use some last night. She had her stone face on and was just ridged emotionally. When we got ready for be, I found out why.

Her bowel movements are not a normally timed event. She will have somewhat of pre bowel movement for several days. Leaving deposits in her pullups, and I have to clean her up. Then one morning, it will be the time she passes the big turd, and it is over for a few days. 

Yesterday's movement happened, and I thought it was done. She wasn't, because that night, I found out what she had been sitting on. In the shower, there it was, and her poor bottom was bright red. Washed her with warm soap and water to clean her up, and I could tell she was a happy camper. 

I had checked her during the day, and saw a spot on her pullups and didn't think too much of it. I beat myself up for not being more attentive to what was going on. Even the second time I checked her, the spot had not grown and again I discounted it. So for about 6 hours she was sitting on that which was irritating her and at the same time, she couldn't tell me what was wrong. I feel so stupid and I've learned a valuable lesson. See a spot, check it out. 

One good point is that she got two showers yesterday. At least she started and ended the day with a clean bottom. 

My Driver is always making me aware of the Easter Eggs that the day produces. That was one of them. Clean bottom. I know how I feel when I get out of the shower, clean as a whistle and there isn't anything that feels better. If you think that is good, just wait for the day to end, and see what is in your basket. Time to head down the Road to Dementia Town. Basket in hand, cool sunglasses on, and my Driver sitting tall and official looking behind the wheel, knowing the road ahead, we're off. Doing the speed limit, and as always, Keeping our Shiny Side Up. Come join us, I know I'll see you, because you too will have Your Shiny Side Up. Love Ya, and God Bless. 

Buffalo

 Family is important to me. 

I am so glad we were able to make this trip. I would like to make another one, but I think it would be pushing my luck. Not that we couldn't do the physical part, the drive, the new place to sleep, eating and all, its is it a necessary thing to do?

As it is now, Sweetie can ride in a car indefinably. She seems content to sit and watch the scenery go by. Just a note, last night, we took a drive and past a field and buffalo were out grazing. To the north of Albuquerque, is the Sandia Indian Reservation and I'm sure the buffalo were on Indian Property. I've seen buffalo before, but never this close to town. Got excited. 

Yesterday was another non CBD day. I'm not sure what is going on with her. She also went down for a nap after lunch for 3 hours. I woke her up, being afraid that she wouldn't sleep through the night. We were up later than normal, with the drive and all. Got to bed around 8:30 and she went to sleep easily enough. 

I have a doctor's appointment at the VA this morning, and will get her up as normal. Going to have to mask her while we are there and as long as I'm wearing one, she seems content to wear hers. 

After the doctor's appointment, we're going to head to the zoo and see if it is open. Went by it last night and didn't see any barriers up or signs saying it is still closed. I hope it is open and, if it is open, it will give us another destination when we want to get out of the house.    

Destination, is someplace to arrive at, Driver says it is the journey that is to be enjoyed. And that is what He is trying to teach me each day I get in the car with Him as we travel down the Road to Dementia Town. Yes, we have stops along the way, but we haven't arrived at our final destination yet. As long as Sweetie has breath in her, I'll be there to take care of her, and my Driver will be there to strengthen, and encourage me to do my best. As we travel down the Road to Dementia Town. Cool sunglasses on, and we are Keeping Our Shiny Side Up. Lets hear it for Keeping Our Shiny Side Up today. Gotta love it, Love you and TTFN, God Bless.