8-17-2019
I have to say that I am relieved. We have had nearly two weeks at home that have been relatively stable. Dennis is doing so many things that seem different than the usual LBD heaviness, not that it is all gone, but he feels better much of the time. That makes it easier for him to think, converse, and go places. He watches TV, eats regular meals, sleeps at night for the most part.
Last night he came in, puffing and panting and looking a bit haggard. He said he had just run on his usual walking route. I asked him why did he run, and he said “because I can.” Okay. This is the guy who would hardly walk more than a few feet two weeks ago. He’s decided that he should push himself to exercise, knowing that he will not want to do it, but should for the benefits it provides. He decided he should learn where the dishes get put away in the kitchen so he could help with clean up. He’s been shaving himself and doing a much better job of it.
His vision is still pretty bad, he still has some obsessions with how he’s feeling and reports almost minute by minute. His whistle is gone, or his bathroom time didn’t go well, or he has no feeling on the right side of his face – stuff like that. Every now and then he worries about the electricity thing, that it will come back again when the water table rises. But over all he is doing so much better that it gives me a much more pleasant life. I cook meals, garden, fix the condo up a bit, visit with my mom and brother’s family, take walks and bike rides by myself. I feel somewhat normal, even with the limitations of our situation.
He’s looking silly on purpose. Just thought I’d let you know.
Once last week, we loaded up the lounge chair and went out to Round Lake. I set him up near the water at the boat landing where he could watch people and boats. He even shelled peas while he was there, although I would not give him the job again unless he gets a little faster at it. I was able to take a long walk and swim before we came back home. It was a lovely afternoon. I want to do it again.
The question I have is, “how long will this last? It’s an evil disease from what I hear from others. We have been blessed so far that he has not been so confused as to get violent, has not had hallucinations, and has not been so debilitated that he couldn’t move, eat, speak, etc… We’ve been dealt a merciful hand and I am grateful.
Hope in the Face of Dementia 