As you have been following Gregory's continuing journey with Alzheimer's, you will be aware that within the last few months the journey has been getting increasingly more difficult. This last two weeks has been very difficult with his having crying bouts, major confusion, restless nights of sleep, more difficulties eating, etc.
Up until now the Alzheimer's seems to have provided a buffer allowing him to be shielded from the day to day skills and memory losses and to live a calm, happy, contented life. That has changed during the last two weeks with increased bouts of depression, upset, crying, confusion, aimless wandering, defiance, and some minor aggressiveness.
The last week has seen periods of my not being able to comfort him, calm his upset, direct his activities, etc. It is as if the Alzheimer's has been running out of control. Up until now I have been able to support Gregory is a way that helped him keep calm.
This morning, after three very difficult days; he would not be calmed, was very angry, would not let me help him. For lack of better description he turned his discontent, frustration, and hatred on me, wouldn't let me come near him, didn't think he could trust me, and became fairly violent. (Obviously I did not take this personally knowing what Alzheimer's can do!)
The measure of taking action was "I was afraid for him and myself" so I called 911. Not long after police officers, paramedics, and an ambulance crew were at our door to help. Interestingly enough Gregory was relieved that someone else had come to help protect him from me. He cooperated with them getting him on a gurney, into the ambulance, and off to the emergency room. I followed in my car.
When I got there he was calm, but my arrival excited him again. They gave him a sedative to help calm him down, I left the room (knowing he was in good, caring hands,) and routine blood and other tests were done to rule out extraneous infections and other causes for the spike in "craziness." All of the test results are not yet back.
I am currently back at the condo for a few hours quiet time, Gregory is with his Companion Alaksh and was happy to see him, Gregory isn't as upset with me right now, and he will be in a regular room over night at the hospital with a "sitter" from 11:00-7:00. Further observation and planning will take place tomorrow.
I'll keep you in touch.
I pray that somehow this is a passing phase, and that things will at least get back to your regular normal, or at least the normal that you are used to. This sounds like it was an extremely tough situation to deal with. My heart is with you, Michael. I wish so much that there was a way to make this better for both of you.
ReplyDeleteThanks cousin. Afraid that it is not a passing phase but rather the passing of time. Gregory has been living with Alzheimer's for at least ten years that we know of and probably longer. I think he will level out but each "normal" is a new normal, no more regular. Love you.
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