MEDICMOM316's SparkPeople Blog

5 1/2 Months Later [1-1-11]...

Sat, 1 Jan 2011 11:17:15 EST

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No Excuse.

I would like to say I'm not making any resolutions, but actually I am. Keeping with the K.I.S.S. [keep it simple, stupid] model, here is what I'm going to do this year;

1. To avoid further meltdowns and/or burnouts, I will take more time for me [away from the house, preferably] , and this is to INCLUDE EXERCISE!
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2. Choose my battles [that goes for everything from Mom with AD, husband's issues, and the ki...

Physical Therapy, Balance, and Alzheimer's

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:05:36 EST

I am happy to report Mom is doing very well with her physical therapy training. It seems fast, but she is already showing signs of improved balance and more strength in her lets [she can get on and off the couch and in/out of the car without assistance in only one or two 'tries'. This is a HUGE improvement.

For that reason alone, I would highly recommend pursuing some PT for an Alzheimer's person, provided he/she is in early-mid stage and can still understand directions. I think M...

Balance & Gait Problems

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 08:23:41 EST

Wow. I can't believe it's a month since my last blog. Time to get back 'on the wagon' again...

We're so proud of daughter for completing fire academy and earning her state fire firghters' license... that was a hellofa training and she made it; shows what determination she has; it is awe-inspiring, honestly.

As for Mom, we have gone to her neurologist and asked for some physical therapy to improve her balance and developing gait issues. He also thought this is a good ide...

Mixed Blessings

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:18:38 EST

The trip to Alaska with mom was certainly filled with mixed blessings. I am so grateful she is healthy enough to enjoy it-- and she did. On the other hand, it is sad to know she could never do it on her own and that may have been the last 'big' trip for her, depending on how her health [physically and mentally] declines.

We had fun; going on a train ride into the mountain tops, whale watching [saw over a dozen!], speed boat tour in British Columbia [fantastic], and a short tour of ...

FINALLY-- 25 Pounds Lost and Mixed Blessings

Wed, 26 May 2010 09:37:54 EST

Geez, it's been a long time in getting here, but I've finally hit the 25 lb. mark!
YEAH, ME! 334

I know exactly how it happened... I didn't go out to lunch at all this week! [That, and the fact I had no beer in the house all week... LOL]. Maybe that explains why it has been such a long week!

Getting ready for our trip to Alaska has mixed blessings. I'm excited about the trip, as I love to travel but Mom is getting a bit nervous. I have had to keep her 't...

Trying to Focus on the Positive

Fri, 21 May 2010 10:43:25 EST

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Aaahhh, it's been a long, yet productive week.

Getting ready for our upcoming trip to Alaska has kicked both Mom and me into a higher gear. She is getting worried over things [such as 'how will I get on and off the boat?' and 'Maybe I should just stay on the ship so I won't fall.'] and I am trying to get as much done both in the house and preplan for the trip [side trips and the like] as possible. It was very enjoyable talking with her about trips she's taken i...

It's Hard to Hold my Tongue at Times

Tue, 11 May 2010 18:30:36 EST

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Ugh. Mother's Day was a bust, as far as I'm concerned. I know, my own kids called and wished me a great day, but I got the most minimal of acknowledgment for the gift I scrimped to save for my own mother. I had a needlework piece she did years ago professionally matted and framed to match her room.

I have 5 brothers and she gushed, literally, all day over the cards they sent and the two bouquets she received [both can very well afford it, believe me!]. On the p...

Making Lists: Will it Help?

Fri, 7 May 2010 12:12:50 EST

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I have begun to help Mom make short lists in order to help her 'remember' things. She is becoming obsessed with little details of our upcoming trip and I confess, it is making me nuts, at times. In order to giver her some peace of mind, and a bit of self-reliance, I thought I'd try helping her make some short lists of things she wants to remember. Yes, we paid for our tickets; yes, we bought tiny toiletries; yes, you have enough 'piddle pads' [to last to the next dec...

Personality Changes

Mon, 3 May 2010 11:23:36 EST

Mom's personality has begun to change as of late. She is fast losing her social graces. She frequently speaks what's on her mind [which can be surprising, as I never knew she thought that way, as her comments can be bigoted, prejudice, and downright nasty]. I KNOW intellectually this is just part of the disease, not my mother. It isn't uncommon for people with AD to have swings in personality. I have often heard adult children comment that they didn't know their mother even knew such words ...

Helping Mom Keep on Task

Sat, 1 May 2010 11:07:22 EST

Ahh, helping/trying to help a person with AD is difficult, to say the least; we ALL know this! Today, I have been trying to help Mom choose her own clothes for our trip [which isn't until the end of the month, but why wait].

I admit, I'm a good packer, multiple uses, color coordinated everything, and layering is my motto when going cruising--- or traveling in general! Mom has certain outfits she wants to bring that don't match anything else. As we put things on the bed, I kept str...

New Day; New To-Do List!

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 09:36:23 EST

Hoping to get Mom outside in the 'garden' today. I've got a bunch of yews that need planting and it seems when she's involved, they do better [although I tend to get frustrated!].

We got confirmation for our Alaska trip today and she is already getting wound up over it-- need to shop, shop, shop! Personally, I don't care for shopping but I'm trying to be enthusiastic for her sake. She has so many clothes right now, it seems foolish to buy anything at all, but this may be [one of?]...

Trying to Find Balance

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:34:40 EST

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My mother asked me today if she could get some ice cream. It really struck me as odd, because I've always told her it's her home now, too, and she can have what she wants. Although she has Alzheimer's Disease [AD], she does have an inkling, at times, of some of the subtleties going on within the household. For instance, right now, my husband is trying to come to terms with the diagnosis of diabetes. WE have been avoiding and dancing around it for a few years and it seems we...

A Day to Myself. . .

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:19:07 EST

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Yesterday, I had the day to myself. My brother, in town from NH, took Mom to the casino in SW FL. She loves to gamble. It makes me nervous to take her to the 'big' places, so we've cultivated some 'friends' at local storefronts. They know she has AD and will check on her from time to time as it isn't busy when we go-- middle of the day! That gives me half hour to run to the grocery store, fruit stand, or what ever.

You would think that with a day to myself, I'd ...

Wandering Through WalMart

Fri, 9 Apr 2010 03:48:36 EST

I take mom out about 3 times a week, at least. She lives with us, so if I have to run errands, I'll ask her if she want to go along. Usually, she does. Today, I needed to get something for my poison ivy [any suggestions for OTCs?] and took her along.

She always want to 'pick up a few things' and although I encourage her to keep a list, naturally, she forgets to do this so I try to jot things down as she says she needs/wants them. Today, she had in her mind she needs a digital came...

Foot Drop

Wed, 7 Apr 2010 08:21:13 EST

Mom has recently developed a 'foot drop' as we call it. Saw a neurologist and he said it looks like fatigue and to keep an eye on it. It was hard for him to 'see' it because the office is carpeted, whereas our home is tiled and that slap, slap, slap really stands out. This developed after she was ill, but not right after... a few weeks, I'd say. Her balance is also off.

I'm wondering if it would be worth getting some PT to help with both these issues. She doesn't remember things, ...

I'll Admit It. . . I panicked.

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:20:34 EST

I'll admit it, I panicked when I turned around at Walmart and Mom was gone-- no where in sight. My first thought was 'she's gone to find the car' then 'she's gone back through the store for ... something'. No matter what her 'reasoning', when I turned to hand her her cane [which she now uses regularly], she was gone; no cane and her purse sitting in the seat of the basket [how many times have I told her NOT to do that!]...
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I grabbed all the bags, literally threw...

Getting Mom Outside

Sat, 27 Mar 2010 09:34:58 EST

It has been quite crazy around here. Husband and I are sharing support work for daughter attending fireschool. Doesn't sound like much, but we trade off being at her home [an hour away] to be ready when she gets in from her 'day' [which is more often than not a 36 to 48 hour stint of school/work/school/work/school... and then home for 12 hours]. We try to have a hot meal ready for her the minute she walks in and then we review what her homework is for the day [she needs to fit that in, too]. ...

New Scale -- Now What?

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:16:41 EST

I am interested to know what to do when one buys a new scale. Naturally, it does not begin at the same weight as the old one-- it's more. Should I just deduct the weight difference? Should I bite the bullet, add the weight and move on? What do you do when you buy a new scale? I don't see any way to 'change' the start weight or recalibrate the scale.
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Mom's Sleeping Issues

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:08:45 EST

We are trying everything to ensure Mom gets a good night's sleep; no caffeine after lunch, an evening walk, not napping after 3 PM, a healthy diet, even a glass of wine late in the evening, and as a last attempt, Tylenol PM. She still says she barely sleeps at night [although, when I get up to the sound of her coughing-- another issue-- she is sound asleep]. I hate to let her sleep too late in the mornings as I feel that throws any sort of sleep/awake pattern out the window.
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Whose Reality is it, Anyway?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:47:26 EST
Ahhh, the dreaded conversations have begun...
"Where did you put my pocketbook?"
"I had a $20 in here, where is it?"
"Yes, I've changed my underwear!"
"I already took my shower."
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Sound familiar? They are becoming so at our house. Conversations you never thought you'd have with your mother. I have always counseled people NOT to argue with someone who has Alzheimer's' because neither side will ever 'win'. By that I mean neither side will ever se...

A Need for 'Helpful Hints'?

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 06:48:45 EST
I have been so busy myself as of late that I have just realized why Mom may not be 'bouncing back' from her fall as soon as we expected; she has no real useful tasks to do nor anything that she'd normally do in her own home.

I'm hoping the weather warms some so she can get out and do some gardening. We sent for some hosta and daisies for her to plant. She's got a green thumb, as opposed to my 'thumb-of-death' as my kids say. She also feels quite compelled to trim vines from the tre...

So Busy and Getting so Tired!

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 10:29:43 EST
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What a busy day ahead and it's already nearly 10:30! My back has been bothering me and I will check it out with my arthritis doc later this week. I hope it won't deter me from doing the C25K program with my son. I am really getting psyched about it.

Today, after I get mom set for the morning, I'll hit the farm stand and then the market for a quick shop. I'd like to work on the drapes some more today AND I have to get ready for my first day on a new consulting jo...

Unexpected visit from M-in-L

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 11:57:47 EST
Barb stopped by yesterday [unexpectedly] and stayed the night. It was a good visit. We went to the arcade and played the slots but had to practically drag my mother out of there! Once a week is plenty of that!

Spent the rest of the evening watching videos and talking. Barbara is doing pretty well so far. This [today] will be the first time for her to go home by herself as there has always been someone at the house. It will be hard for her, I'm sure, but it is one step she has to ta...

Finally-- some sewing [me] time!

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 12:02:08 EST
I've made breakfast and walked around the yard with mom. I got her chair in the sun, applied the sunscreen, got her water, sunglasses, and something to look at/do. NOW it's time for some ME time! I am antsy to get the drapes done this week as a surprise for my husband. I would LOVE to get them finished-- but first I have to START them!

Off to the sewing table-- wish me luck!
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It Must Be Good Karma

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:16:15 EST
Well, it happened. My reputation has preceded me once again. I got a call from a long ago professional associate who is looking for a consultant... she thought of me! Wow. That still blows my mind. The thought of an overfed, long-haired, leaping gnome... wait, that's a song...

I guess I'm always surprised when people compliment me, either personally or professionally. I guess I just wasn't brought up to expect them. I HAVE to get over that.

Today's adventure will include...

Getting Organized

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:17:21 EST
It happens every time. I get a great idea, make the plan, even picture the outcome, but for some reason [I really know why], the task never gets completed. It seems there is one big thing that stands in my way-- lack of organization. Oh, I like to think I'm organized and for the most part, I am, but I drop the ball on the carry-through. Planning and starting are fine and dandy but the follow through... that's where the crap hits the fan.

There are a couple of perfect examples that...

In Spite of Myself~

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:14:07 EST
It's odd how we are so affected by the 'vibes' we get from things and people around us. Yesterday was one of those days when things went extremely well, in spite of myself.

Several good things happened. First, a good check-up for Mom. [Her recent fell, illness, and subsequent weight loss was reason for the impromptu visit]. I, on the other hand, had some problems and needed to have Dr.V check them out for me. Fortunately, it looks as though I'm on the mend].

Next, I got...

Trying to Find my Spark

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:08:26 EST
As you may, or may not know, we had a death in the family last week which threw all of us into a tailspin, myself included. I couldn't go to my father-in-laws cremation services because I have pneumonia, bronchitis,and a sinus infection. To top it off, my mom [with Alzheimer's] was very sick and weak then fell that night... she still isn't back to herself, frankly, neither am I. My husband has bee very understanding, but I still feel really bad about not being there with him and my kids.

Now it's time to heal

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:28:30 EST
My father-in-law passed away this week. My mom had food poisoning. I have pneumonia and a sinus infection. My husband is trying to cope with the loss of his dad, my children are under untold stresses that is reaking havoc with our health. Hopefully, now that things are beginning to settle down, mourning can begin in earnest, medication can relieve physical pain, and our hearts can begin to heal.

Whew. what a long week. I feel so bad about not being there for the cremation serices...

A Long Night

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:19:02 EST
What a long night-- and a look into what the future holds, most likely. While I wait here at home on word from my husband about his father [who has been moved to a hopice in central FL], I am caring for my mom who is having a bad bout with ... somthing. I think it could be food related, as it started right after we got home fron lunch on Saturday.

Anyway, she got very weak and ill. Then, during the night, she decided to use the bathroom without calling for me [I was sleeping on the...

Waiting for Bad News

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:19:32 EST
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It is Saturday morning and we've been waiting for 24 hours. My father-in-law has asked to be removed from life support and is suppose to be moving to a Hospice facility today if a space opens up. My children and husband have gone up to be with Grandma/his mom. I need to stay here for the time being to be with my own mother [who has Alzheimer's]. When the time comes, I will ask a brother to come and 'visit' for a few days, although I'm not happy with that thought either.

How Do YOU Communcate with Family?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 07:51:29 EST
After reading all the blogs about snow, I guess I shouldn't complain that I'm sick of the 'cold' weather here in SW FL, so I won't.

Looking at the weekend, I hope to get a lot accomplished. It was a crazy week with lots of paperwork and doctor appointments, insurance forms and taxes. My desk looks even worse than usual-- another 'to do' on my list of activities; clean off the desk!

I am planning on writing a letter to my brothers to 'fill them in' on what is going on wit...

Whiney Wednesday . . . whaaa!

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:29:30 EST
Finsih the taxes, strip the beds, follow up with the lab, call about being misbilled at the doctor's office, order the blinds, make the drapes, take Mom to the arcade, get final reports and assessments ready to send, meet with financial guy to set up IRA, plan lunch and supper, 'convince' Mom she's got to change before leaving the house, finish laurndy and hang out sheets, find out which meds are covered on Mom's new insurance-- call the doctor to change it, make sure to give husband some 1 t...

Weekend with Mom

Mon, 8 Feb 2010 08:03:43 EST
Well, here I sit on Monday morning, wondering why the scale hasn't moved-- again.

Spent the weekend home along [sans car] with Mom. Really wasn't too bad. We talked a lot. I got her out to walk every day and we played a few games. She's having trouble remembering the rules to simple games like UNO. She still kicks butt at gin rummy, though! We also did some yard work and she was loving that! I don't think she likes being out in the yard by herself anymore. I have also noticed that...

Has it been a week?

Sat, 6 Feb 2010 11:03:45 EST
Today I am trying to keep moving, as I have found that my best weight losses result from that single fact. D'ah! I have been walking nearly every day-- yeah me!

It's been an odd week. Up, down, all over that place emotionally and physically. We are still trying to get used to having Ma [my mother] living here. Her Alzheimer's has progressed and I guess I notice it mroe than ever and probably more than others do, as she is quite a BS artist but I can see right through it. My daught...

Taming the Jungle

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 08:48:38 EST
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Oh, those 'Christmas Pounds' are soo hard to lose! Especially when you don't try all THAT hard! LOL I worked out in the yard most of the early afternoon (a couple of hours) cutting, chopping, and otherwise trying to 'tame the jungle'. It was a very good workout and I felt tired afterwards. Did I congratulate myself with a nice cool water (yes) and then it happened... I had a cold beer. Big mistake. By the end of the night I had four beers. Not a good thing. Imagine if I 'b...

20 DAYS LATER. . .

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 09:55:17 EST
Geez, I've been really letting myself go! Stop! Stop! or should I say 'GO, GO!?

It would appear the articles, suggestions, and 'common' knowledge I read about on the SparkPage is correct. If you Blog, you will Lose-- but in a good way!

I am going to make every effort to blog much more often-- right now daily would be a good thing but should I strive for imprefection?

I will make a promise to myself right now: BLOG EVERY OTHER DAY.
No excuses.

...

Having Problems with Exercise Motivation

Thu, 7 Jan 2010 08:31:26 EST
Okay, I am watching what I eat (but not always in a good way-- I'm trying hard to be AWARE of what I eat is more accurate). I'm making Sparkmeals in the crockpot, throwing out the really crappy (aka SO not healthy/bad for us) food, and I'm trying to be busy when in front of the TV in the evenings.

So, why is it so hard to get motivated to exercise? I don't want to walk outside in the cold, that's a given. But what about the other things? Why can't I get myself to do some simple aer...

Trying to Hang in There!

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 09:59:01 EST
It is very hard to be motivated to walk when it's this cold! I know, I know, it is so much colder elsewhere in the world, but hell, I live here for a reason. . . it isn't suppose to be cold! My hands are sore, my feet hurt, I am bundled up even in the house and feel like a kid in a snow suit just to go to the mailbox! . . . and yes, I always have to pee right after I get all my stuff on (coat, scarf, gloves, hat...). I thought it was just a child thing... why is that?

Anyway, I hav...

Up 4 Pounds

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 18:02:38 EST
Well, there it is.

It could be worse but it also could be a lot better; like no gain or even a loss. My one saving grace, I'm sure, is that we took care of my two year old grandson for a few days and I, or rather, we, were in constant motion except for when he slept. What energy they have! It was a joy to spend time with him and I'm sure it helped keep my weight gain from being higher than it was.

Now I am honestly trying to get serious... again. I've joined the bootcamp...

I'm Still Here!

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:52:49 EST
... and unfortunately, put on a few pounds over the holidays. Seems like I'm not the only one. Oddly, it could have been worse. Being the chicken that I am, I will wait for the new week before weighing in, officially. Buck, buck!

I am looking forward to receiving the book and hope some of my 'buddies' ordered it as well, so we can have our own little book club. I tend to get lost in the big ones.

I am also thinking SERIOUSLY about the January Boot Camp. I wonder if Lehig...

A New Kitchen Gadget!

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:50:00 EST
I used to use a slow cooker all the time-- we are/were a big casserole and stew family. I think it has to do with living in the ever changing New England climate. I gave it up whenever I'd go on a diet because they tended to be heavy meals with lots of gravy or pasta.

I was just cruising the SparkRecipies and am happy to say I've found several 'lite' slow cooker recipes which I'm going to try ASAP, one tonight as a matter of fact. The ingredients in these rely more on herbs than t...

What Would I Expect?

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 14:08:44 EST
Yeah, I blew it big time, last week! GAINED 2 pounds. I also went out to eat 4 times and walked very little, if any. That is behind me now... as my husband says 'Onward Ever, Backward-- never!"

Good words for anyone trying to change their lifestyle to a more healthy one. It actually speaks to me on several levels. mainly, put it behind you and move forward from here.

So, that's what I'm trying to do. I'm motivated today-- walking, cleaning, trying to get things done and...

It has NOT been a good week-- on many levels

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 12:47:09 EST
Ahhh! What a week!
All three of us are sick but still well enogh to go out to eat! My mind was not 'in the game' and I overate and drank too much beer. There- I said it! I was a BAAAD Girl.

Now, I'm trying to move on. I may be dealing with a gain (yeah, let's face... I AM dealing with my first gain--ever!).

I've got to get over it, past it, and around it... let it go, for God's sake... I'm still feeling the 'poor me' syndrome because we're still not feeling well. Ho...

It Doesn't Take Long...

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:55:32 EST
Wow. It surely doesn't take long to break a good habit!

I, for some reason, most likely being lazy, have gotten out of the walking habit and boy, am I sorry! It really took a lot to get myself into the habit and just like that, I got out of it-- I LET myself FALL out of the habit. Now, I'm feeling like I've begun again (which, I suppose is a good thing-- at least I'm at it again).

The hardest part is getting up and moving when I'm not feeling so good. The good thing is ...

Resting on my Laurels?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:47:30 EST
Why am I having such a hard time getting my butt off the couch, putting on sneakers, and getting out for a walk? I can't seem to get out of my own way! Every little things seems to get me side-tracked and by the time I have time to walk... it's dark (I don't walk at night unless I've got the dog... and that's just around the block).

So what do I need to do -- or NOT do?

The answer is clear: I need to make my fitness and health a priority and get of my a#s! My brain kno...

20 Pounds Lost... Hooray!

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 20:50:43 EST
After having such a crap-tacular week, I am thrilled to report I've finaly hit the 20 pound mark!

It seems like it goes on sooo easy but comes off soooo slowwwly! Ain't that the truth!

It has taken me 3 months to lose 20 pounds. For me, this is a breakneck speed, actually. I have to say I owe a lot of my 'stick-to-it-ness' to my daughter. She has been an inspiration and quite a support duing times of weakness and my own methods of self-destruction.

Thanks Amy...

Letting the Dust Settle

Sun, 6 Dec 2009 13:16:09 EST
Have been home for over a day and still waiting for the dust to settle, as they say.

Naturally, there's laundry, but I didn't expect to feel so crappy. I feel a bit better today and with luck, I'll be fine tomorrow (I plan on laying low today). Mom's cough is worse than usual and she's sneezing, too, but won't take any cold medicine. Is it wrong for me to just give her some cold tabletsalong with her usual meds and not say what they are? Most certainly a 'Catch-22'

Came...

Food Wasn't That Big an Issue

Sat, 5 Dec 2009 10:53:40 EST
Well, we made it back in one piece! What a bumpy flight from Atlanta to Ft Myers... roughest I've ever had. Whew... home at last!

I was (pleasantly?) surprised that food was not my 'big' issue in Vegas. We ate a good (and healthy) breakfast each day and that carried me through til' the afternoon. I tried to drink water constantly (and still ended up with wicked chapped lips) and some sort of cold (damn that airplane ride-- as soon as we got started, I noticed A LOT of people coughi...

In Control in Las Vegas?

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:12:32 EST
Well, I finally booked a trip to Vegas for my mom (age 83) and my husband and I are going, too. It will be a different sort of trip with her along, I'm sure, but we needed to take her before she is no longer able to enjoy the trip.

Concerns, I have many, not the least of which is caloric intake-- I'm open for suggestions! Being a Mother Hen (as my daughter put it), I just do not feel comfortable leaving her alone for any length of time, so we, or at least one of us, will be with he...