No sleep for the restless...

It has been a few weeks since the last post, but things have been really hectic. Late night trips to the bathroom and daily anxiety have worn all of us out.

Over the last 2 nights Mom's restlessness has reached epic proportions. Up and down, down and up is the constant theme. Last night one of the wonderful nurses from hospice came to visit until 2 a.m. She was then relieved by an aide who sat with Mom until 8 a.m. This allowed Paul and I to get some sleep. The DR has ordered a 24-hour aggressive pain and anxiety medication regimen to aid in relaxation and sleep.

It is getting much more difficult for Mom to swallow and do the daily things most of us take for granted. She really cannot stand for any length and she forgets to let go of things once she has hold of them. This makes for difficult transfers. Her appetite, which has been up and down over the last few weeks, has now dwindled to almost nothing. We're lucky to get her to drink Ensure.

Confused speech is more prevalent, she recognizes everyone, but it is sometimes hard for her to get the right name out. If one of us is not around, her memory is more fogged. For example, the other day, Karen mentioned me (I was at work) and Mom thought I was dead. She wanted to know if I liked her and if we got along. Imagine my surprise!!

I learned of a phase of dementia last night that I had never heard of before...terminal restlessness. Mom is exhibiting many of the symptoms but the nurse does not feel she is quite there yet. I can't imagine her getting worse, but then again, I try to focus on one day at a time.

You can check out the info at:

http://www.hospicepatients.org/terminal-agitation.html

We had planned on doing something really special for her birthday on the 25th, but right now she is in no shape to enjoy anything. I have just asked family and her friends to drop by for a visit if they can.

I know that many are praying for her and our family- just know that we appreciate all of it. I am trying to figure out how to add photos to this blog so that I can get her picture up...we'll see how that works out.


Take care all,

Sharon