There is nothing like the crisp crunch of leaves drifted into piles

It has been a long time since I posted. Things are evened out somewhat. Jack spent a week in a Behavioral Center because he had made some statements about seeing his deceased mother, sister, and brother. This scared some nurses and they reported the statements to his primary care doctor who recommended a psych evaluation. At the end of the week I asked what they had discovered. The doctor said, "He has Parkinson's and some dementia that goes with the disease."

Since we have known this for some time, I felt the time had been a waste. However I was wrong. The doctor at the behavioral center and the neurologist, consulted and came up with a medication that smoothed out the emotional problems and didn't do much for the physical. But I had been told that when you work on one area the other will become a problem. Right now he does well enough if the gets all his medications regular and on time. Because the nursing facility hasn't had many Parkinson's patients they have had to be educated on Jack's problems with the legs. If he does not get his medication for Parkinson's at least an hour before Jack wished to transfer to his power chair and go to the dining room or anywhere else, the muscles in his legs freeze and he just can't move the legs. We are finally getting through to some of the staff that thought he was just kidding about being able to move. With several shifts and lots of changes it just seems communication isn't always effective.

Jack has also had a cyst on his right hip for a number of years. Earlier this year a surgeon told him it was not a problem and could be removed or not , he could choose and of course Jack said he would just cope with it. Most of the staff really didn't know about the problem and when he ask to sometime stand and reset in his chair.... they thought he was just being troublesome. Even one of the main nurses didn't know the cyst existed. Until I called her to come help me move Jack and look at the area since he said it felt wet. It began to drain and treatment has began to heal up this area. I am glad it is healing but it is very painful and the treatment also quite painful for Jack.

Just today he said his hands would not do what he wants them to do sometimes and he becomes very frustrated. He is finding these symptoms come and go and last usually less than a day. I quit taking him out because the ability to use his legs, his hands, and the sudden onset of fatigue created a greater problem than I could handle by myself. We miss our outings and I know that I could hire someone to go places with us but I still don't feel safe taking him out of the professional environment.

Jack has been in the nursing facility for almost eight months. It is still difficult for me to stay at home. I have breakfast with Jack almost every day and usually go in at least twice every day. There have been two days I have missed and those were very long for both of us. The professional care has really improved his condition. He had some really bad situations but generally he is so much better.

The cooler weather and the wind gusts that sent the leaves swirling across the lawn and creating piles of color, are both welcome. Maybe the change in the season will bring some new things to look toward.

God's Speed and Blessings.......