Losing a Generation

Following surgery my Mother experienced Post-surgical delirium. As we all went to the hospital to say Happy Mother's Day she greeted us as if we were siblings, and kept saying that my Dad was her Dad. She kept asking where Bud was. She was transferred to Roberts for recovery and the next day knew who everyone was. She even was self-aware enough to tell me that she owed Dad an apology. When I returned to the room they were sitting on the bed holding hands and giggling. She was back. Concerning, but understandable.

Psych Evaluation

There are 3 elements to my Mother's evaluation at the Memory Clinic. One is an MRI, one is blood-work and one is a psychological evaluation. Today she spent a few hours with Dr. Malloy and went through a battery of tests to determine her level of deficit. On the 25th we go back for the full analysis of her condition.

Shopping

My Mother used to be a career shopper. With 4 children she was the master of the sale and squeezed the most out of a buck. She also appreciated quality. she was also fun to shop with. There were stores that would have end of the season sales that would mark down every week or so. We would visit the store, choose our garments and wait to see how long we could wait out the mark-downs. We got some amazing deals and wore some stylish clothes. Since Mom's ambulatory issues have escalated she goes shopping less. She wanted a few summer things so I took her shopping today. We went to a few local stores that are familiar to her and we found a few cute outfits. She was happy and it was a nice time. She's not the bargain-hound she used to be, but it was still nice to go through the racks with her. It was fun.

Kelsey & Gregory's Wedding

After month's of doctor visits and health crisis we got a fun weekend at the wedding of my nephew Gregory and his new bride Kelsey. Bob & JoAnn convinced my parents to "car pool" with them for the ride to Annapolis. I was flying and they didn't want to do that. Their first stop on arrival was for waterfront cocktails so the ride went well. With assists from everyone they made it through the weekend. I did Mom's hair before the wedding and helped her get dressed. They even danced at the wedding. When they went the dance floor everyone gathered in case there was a fall. Fortunately we were not needed and once they were tucked in for the night we all relaxed. A successful family weekend.

Stress and the Brain

My Father has had Lyme's Disease for several years. This week it flared in his ankle and he could barely walk. In my Mother's concern, she has become more frantic and forgetful. When she is stressed she gets worse.

The Day Before the Memory Clinic

In the last few month Mom has been doing well. Mother's Day she was very good. She seems most prone to losing her words or a name when she is tired or stressed. She took a bit of a fall and bumped her head last week. 12 stitches later and she seems back to base line. In the course of the week, she thought that Dad was her Father for a minute. We had a little visit on Wednesday and she seemed OK. Her appointment at the Memory Clinic was delayed until tomorrow. I'm going to go with my parents for support and to see for myself what the evaluation tells us. I'm worried, but glad to know that we will have a diagnosis for what we're dealing with. Trying to be supportive of my Dad as his sweetheart slips away from him in front of his eyes. Yes, it makes me sad.

My Name

My Mother has forgotten my name. And sometimes who I am, even when she is looking at me. She still seems to like me.