Wow Carol and Leah I have talked to you both many times. I just read your post Carol and your comment Leah and wow, sorry I said it again but really I have been setting here waiting for the home health care office to open so I can call them and ask why Rays anticotic hasn't been deliverd yet or the medication to reduce the fluid in his chest. I don't really know what to say or what to do. Leah you know me better then anyone what do I do. I don't know if to keep my mouth shut and let nature take it's course or fight for the medicine. Part that selfish part wants the medicine. The intelictual part says let him go. He still has some good days but they are less and less. He is eating less and I am having to fight him harder to get him to eat. Is this it is it time to just enjoy his time left and then let him go. this is so hard. How can he still have those rare moments that I see the man I married but now fear is showing the signs that his body is shutting down. He is so quiet now. the angry stranger has almost completely left he only appears when he thinks someone is hurting me. I am closing my eyes trying to see God lift him in his arms. I sometimes feel I am keeping God to busy because I look down and see only one set of prints because right now he is carrying me. This is the only way I am surviving this and all of the wonderful people on this site and bless her heart my young granddaughter. I have to go I found my answer. I have to write a post Thank you both Connie
My Husband unfortunately passed away on the 8th of April 2011.
He had been suffering with Parkinsons disease for a long time. But I did not realise that Dementia is a terminal illness, and so when he died and the Death Certificate said that he had passed away due to Parkinsons Dementia and Aspirator Pneumonia. I was very surprised, particularly as he had only been in hospital for 6 days, and had been tested by our GP for dementia in March, just 4 weeks before he passed away, he had answered ALL of the questions given him.
Again I did not realise that Dementia can work so quickly, he went from being able to use a urinal bottle to being completely bedridden and in nappies all within a few days. My family, including myself could not believe how rapid the decline was.
Can enyone out there tell me if this is usual, or maybe they have had the same experience?
Even though he is no longer here he was much loved and after 51 years of marriage it might help me to come to terms with this!
I am so sorry for your loss! That had to be an awful shock.
I've never heard of this rapid progression for dementia, but there are many differences.
I wonder if he also had an infection or something - but the doctor should be able to explain all of this to you.
Please see if there is some grief counseling available to you. You've been through a very painful time.
Blessings,
Carol
Yes, he did have an infection, which the Doctors had said was caused by fluid in the lungs. I am told this is why the death certificate mentions aspirator pneumonia.
It was more the rapidity of the Dementia which took me and the rest of the family aback. Parkinsons Dementia was also sited as a cause of death on the certificate.
This is why I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this type of Dementia which kills a person so quickly.
I'm sorry for your loss. It must have been very hard.
When I read your post it sounded so familiar. My dad has Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia. He too is decling so fast. I didn't know dementia took a person so fast. He is still walking but has frequent falls. They are playing with his meds. to try and help him. My mom placed him in a nursing home In Feb. (extremely difficult decision) and he was somewhat coherent then, but now he does not make sense of anything.
My father suffered from Parkinson's for many years and educated himself about the disease along with the rest of our family. We never knew about the dementia. I guess we didn't do enough research. His neurologist never mentioned anything.
I too wonder if the speedy decline is common.
My parents are in their 51 rst year of marriage as well.
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Carole, playing the "coulda, woulda, shoulda" game will drive one crazy. You are right. One can only be get educated as much as possible and make the decision armed with the knowledge you have. I read your articles and the ones of the other experts not to drive myself crazy, as I have vascular dementia, but to help educated my husband. He needs to know what "may be" in the future. Please continue educating ALL of us -- those with a form of dementia and/or those who are giving care to loved ones. Thank you!'
Leah
Thanks for your comments, Leah. They are always so uplifting.
Carol