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Really hope you get good news LadeeM...like was said before lot's of things can give some of the same symptoms...there are meds to slow down the progression too depending on age...MIL was diagnosed at 91...there had been symptoms before but I didn't recognize them, nor had her doctor.
Still waiting on the carpet...hope to get it installed next week. Went and ordered an OLD PEOPLES BED today...thermopedic and raises up and down like a hospital bed...hope elevating the head a little helps with heartburn...(as would staying away from spicy foods...what fun would that be) has a wooden frame so I won't have to mess with a bed skirt (hate those things) and can still use my old hand carved Indian screen for a headboard...one word to describe my mood today would be IMPATIENT...come on carpet!
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LadeeM is a TOUGH OLD BROAD. Ain't nothing gonna stop her! Prayers and love my dear friend.
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Dear Ladee M don't give up yet. I just did a search on parkinsonlike symptoms and found 11 other diseases with similar symptoms. Some of which are just as scary as Parkinsons or even worse but others could provide a not so bad explanation.How about Hypothyroid? Doesn't that sound better? You are overweight and tired all the time, is your hair thining too? Run with that.
the rest of the list is
Liver disease ? due to the alcohol
Brain infection
Brain tumor
Stroke
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning
Psychiatric disease
Essential tremor disorder
Progressive supraneulear palsy
It may be time to give up caregiving but it certainly isn't time to give up on life.
oh yes and # 12 would be the side effects of certain medications
Love and hugs
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LadeeM, I sure hope that your symptoms are a result of just plain old stress and not as you suspect. I really enjoy your posts. I only wish you were near me to help with my Mom. I'd pay you a decent wage and would treat you kindly. Wishing you good news and sending you hugs. I usually just read posts, but you are a competent, warm hearted caregiver.
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LadeeM I hope you get a clean bill of health from Dr.. I'm sending a huge hug and will be with you in heart my AC friend.. Hugs..
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Yes Book, I'll let ya'll know.... it may not be this at all, but too many symptoms to ignore any longer.... the twitches and spasms are just getting on my nerves... especially when I am sculpting.... my hand jerks and shakes and I have a gnome head with a huge gash in its face !!! Guess there would be a market for such ghoulish crap, but not my thing.... lol
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LadeeM, I somehow did not see your post. Before AC upgraded their system, when I hit on the News Feed, "Caregiver How are YOU", It usually opens to the last page I was reading. With the new upgrade, it seems to get stuck on comments several pages ago (example comments 18350-18359) for several days. Or, it would open to the last comment made on the thread. When I backtrack, I find commentors that I did not see earlier.

I'm sorry about your suspicions of Parkinson. I sometimes watch my finger twitch all by it's own. Twice when I was driving, I suddenly realized that my head was swinging left and right as I was driving. Unnerved me - but not enough to go see the doc. I only panicked when one of my eyes would start twitching uncontrollably. I was going to clinic for that when SIL said that it's normal. That that's what happens when you're stressed out. So, I never went and got checked. Anyway, I did see a neurologist when I thought I was gettind demetia due to my forgetfulness.

Since you've been an experienced caregiver for about 30 years, I'm sure you recognize the signs. wow.... (as in unbelievable)... You will update us, right? {{{HUGS}}} of support.
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Chrissy, thanks. All I can say about sister's inlaws signs of dementia - karma. Let's see if Your sister will step up for her in-laws what she wouldn't do for her parent. My oldest bro was like that. He bought a car for his wife's brother who was caregiving his wife's parents. They took out loans for his wife's side. He helped with his wife's parents' house/yard what he wouldn't do with ours. His wife's family meant something to him, while his own parents and siblings meant nothing. I'm soooo curious how your sister will react now.
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Jealousy, rears it's ugly head sometimes with my Mom too. A few weeks ago, she thought the agency caregiver was a girlfriend of mom's husband. I had to laugh, though mom was quite serious, but not too terribly upset. Had to tell her what would that cute young blonde want with an old guy like him! LOL!
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Well ya'll... going to the Dr. Monday... pretty sure I have Parkinsons..... deep sigh..... have all the symptoms and all the jerking and twitching is getting on my nerves..... I wanted to quit work, but not like this..... so will let ya'll know.... I'm not even scared... isn't that sad.... too f**king tired to be scared...
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Chrissy I feel your pain! They just know I'm here!
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When I got the option to get fulltime work at my parttime job I told my brother well u wanted me to work more so now you are going to need to step up and take care of mom along with her caregiver. I know he won't think of things to help him so now i'm just giving him "chores". If he complains I don't care anymore I tell him I live with her you always get the option of going home. I dont regret caring for her Im just not going to be dumped on by my siblings anymore.

Book...i'm sorry about your siblings sounds like they are just like mine. My sister lives a few hours away and were able to get with her family with mom for easter. But most of the time noone is around the just know i'm here so they think they have no worries. I put updates on facebook for my mom and mostly its just certain friends i know that even comment and funny its never my family. I have tried for years to change them but its all wasted energy. When I was a teenager I remember my father telling me my siblings are lazy and selfish...guess he knew his kids well. My sister's inlaws are getting dementia now and she is in denial. Says its just being forgetful but i think she will have a rude awakening soon. I also understand about the pampers/depends. My mom goes through several a day now, she keeps putting them on inside out too which leaves the padding on the outside. You need to plan your trips give you a break. Going to work is my break right now. Everytime I plan a trip something happens to cancel it unfortunately. Hugs!!
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Assandy, I had to chuckle at your mother being jealous of your daughter's attention. That is just like how my father is when people make me laugh. He doesn't want me to laugh - only by him. If a family member makes me laugh, he becomes verbally abusive/mean to me in front of them. It got to the point that they try not to make me laugh when in his presence.

I went to the caregiver's monthly meeting today. A friend told me that if a cg doesn't attend these meetings, the program will not provide respite for them. These meetings are for the cg - and we need to support it by attending these meetings. So, I finally went today - since I'm off. We had bead-making activity for bracelets. I made a colorful one with my favorite color - purple. Since I'm thin, I had small beads in purple, and red, oriental blue.

The beadshop also provides massages. It was covered by the caregiver program but I didn't take advantage of it. I did get a card because the masseuse told me that she does have clients who are very ticklish. She charges a regular massage of $10 for 10 minutes. or $45.00 for 30 minutes. I'm seriously thinking of using her services for my constant neck and shoulder pains. If you want the deeper massage, it costs more. Next month's caregiving meeting will be on Physical Therapy. I work that day. So, I'm going to see if I can get my 1 week off around that time. Except the 17th is close to GRT payment which is by the 20th. So, I need to figure out how to do this.
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LadeeM this job sucks all the time! LOL
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Assa, so sorry you didn't get to be with your daughter today.... this job sucks so bad sometimes...... and ya, ignore her...... I feel bad for you that there is that added stress for you today... hope your daughter is doing ok..... sending you lots of hugs and prayers for 'ears that can't hear nonsense'....
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OMG Mom does not like that my daughter is getting all the attention today.. She's driving me crazy... She's acting like a spoiled child.. I'm just ignoring her...
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Book -yes make plans to get away for even a few days -you need it and deserve it-I am so sorry your Dad is such a mean man. Afew days away would help you tons right now.
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3am...and he's talking and accusing, lecturing... I need my sleep...going try...
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I'm getting over having a stomach virus. I'm not surprised that I got sick. It's been a busy week with work and taking care of Mom. I'm feeling better today and a family friend is taking care of her all day. She had appointments 2 days in a row. One of them was for a PET scan and an MRI. We were there for 4 hours. The rest of the family thought we were in and out and that we were late getting home because we went out to eat or shopping. Lol! I wish! The next day she had and appointment to get the results. I was a wreck because we were kept waiting almost an hour past her appt. time and I was afraid the we were going to get bad news. Both tests were negative thank goodness.
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Assande - I a sorry you could not be with your daughter at least your husband was. I am sure your daughter understands. Take care of YOU!!!!
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Book - I am so sorry about your siblings. It hurts and you ask when are they going to change. Well, they're not. My brother has to live with the guilt that he was not there for my Mom. I on the other hand have no regrets concerning mom. You will have no regrets concerning your Father. Veronica had a good idea. Europe is a great place to go. Buses and trains and the rail will get you where you want to go. I hope that will get away soon. I went through menopause and it was not nice. One time at Thanksgiving I got so hot that I wanted to tear my clothes off and run down the street. I would have given anything for a pool at those times. But what did help was when I was home I jumped into the shower and turned on the cold water. lol Take care of YOU!!!
Red - I hope you get your carpet soon. It will be nice for you to get back to your life. Take care of YOU!!!
Nothing new about the painting. I tried to file a complaint yesterday and police said that they could not do anything. It is really complicated. He told me to get an attorney. Right, I am not rich. I called the local better business bureau and filed a complaint and am waiting to hear back from them. Ya'll take care!!!
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Book time for some deep breaths. You can do it. We all love you here. Can't help with the Pampers I am afraid. they were not around fifty years ago. We hand made little pads we called "Incy pads" We were give a roll of white cotton wool a roll of brown and a roll of gauze to keep it all together. Permanent blisters on you hand from all the cutting till you formed a callous.
yes get away anywhere. Can one of your clients tell you how to get around in some of these exotic places. Why not go to Europe for the whole month there are youth hostels which are cheap and other travelers will help you get around. There are also rail and bus passes that can take you anywhere for a reasonable price.
Ask Country Mouse she at least lives in England. Even take a bus tour of interesting places they do it all. bed and breakfast is a big industry there. Go girl go. You deserve it and you need it
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Thanks Assandy and Gladim...I'm just getting so tired of being island-bound. I want to travel. To visit places. I book people to leave the island, and I am sooo envious of them. I'm just so tired of doing pampers day in and day out. :::: I think it's time to contact Roomie and ask if she can cover for me in the weekend. I might ask her if she can do this once a month. Maybe if I get away once in a while - stay at fave sis's home, it might ease my yearning and dissatisfaction of life. My problem is that if I fly to Hong Kong or Cairns Australia, I will be arriving late - close to midnight. With Hong Kong, I will need to figure out how to use the subway to the station closest to the hotel, and then take a taxi to the hotel. With Cairns, I will need to find a taxi to the hotel. Japan is worse. I will need to travel by the subway - which is complicated. I'm still brainstorming.

The other day, when he made a mess with his pampers, I just stood there staring. My mind went blank, and I just stood there staring. I Did Not Want To Do It Any More. I stood there without talking or moving for about 2 or 3 minutes. And the mess wasn't that bad. I don't know how far I can go before I break. I can't stand him. At least mom couldn't talk and call me names. I'm going to be okay.

I think I'm going thru menopause. For the past few days, everywhere I go, it's hot. It's so hot. I might have the beginnings of hot flashes. I'm not sweating. My body's temperature is not hot. I'm just hot inside, uncomfortable hot. I think I will need to go and dig up my Japanese folding fan and carry it in my purse. I'd better go now and look for it. I might forget. Later... thank you!!!
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Book, you have done so well for your folks. Do not get depressed about that, they wouldn't want that. I have had to take the attitude with my siblings that I do not give a flying rats A**. What they think or do, they are just who they are, and not much I can do about that.
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Book thank you!

Hate yourself? You have to be kidding! You are a wonderful caring person, it's everyone else that's messed up.. You have no regrets you've managed to dig yourself out and keep going. That is a quality that I envy.. Plan your trips, you deserve each and every one..
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FYI, father is back to touching inside his pampers. 2 straight days in a row of finding "messy" clothes and bed pads with his "dirt" and not 'poop'. I'm sooo tired of changing pampers. I'm beginning to hate my life. sigh.. depression must be sneaking up on me.... That's the only time when I hate everything, even me.
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Assandy, {{hugs}}.. I know what you mean. I'm sorry that you couldn't be there for your daughter. When my favorite niece was getting married, I wanted to attend but everyone was going and no one wanted to babysit father. So, oldest sis volunteered to stay home, and I cried. I was soooo grateful to her. She knows that the my fave sister's 2 daughters view me as their 2nd mama.

When mom passed away last year, all my 7 siblings were going to attend her funeral. No one wanted to stay home with father who did not want to go. Guess who was going to stay? Me!!! Me - who spent the past 23 years of my life staying home to help dad caregive mom. Yet, THEY all were going to her funeral, while I stayed home. I am soooo bitter against all my siblings.

A while back, I wanted so badly to go to the states and be with my siblings. Since then, my mind have been going back and forth. Practical vs Wish. Lately, I've been remembering how my siblings were at mom's funeral. Something in me, the trusting, loyal person - became disillusioned. I truly never thought my siblings would be like the siblings that I read here on AC. I've learned the reality. As I remember mom's funeral, the greediness of my siblings, I realized that deep down, I am no longer the Me of years ago when I flew to Colorado and we took the car ride to Vegas. I realized that I truly have no desire, at this time, to be with my siblings. I'm still hurt and still disillusioned. So, this weekend, I'm going to plan my 4 week vacation and spread it out one week at 4 different months. I was toying with the idea of flying to Hong Kong for the weekend but hotel is expensive now. I've never been to Manila, Philippines but I've heard too many scary stories about going there. Japan is too expensive. Buying a ticket to Hawaii is about $1500.00 and that's not even including the hotel. I could always get the nerve to go to Korea except the political situation is scary. So, I'm stuck to being here. Plus, I need to start saving like crazy.
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Venting!

My daughter is having surgery today (nothing major) and my husband took the day off to bring her.. I wanted to be the one to take her!! BUT NO I have to be here with my Mom. If my husband stayed and I went, then Mom's morning would have screwed up the whole day... I have 6 siblings and can only depend on 1 of them to help care for Mom and she's not available today..I know it's not major surgery but I'm her Mom and she's never had surgery she wanted ME to go with her... This is the stuff that my siblings don't even have to consider when they have to make arrangements. They just do what they want, when they want! It pisses me off....

By the way not 1 of them called Mom on Easter!!!
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Reddog, I hated the garage sale/estate sale idea. People pawing through all your memories is upsetting. Give it to cousins so at least you see it again. We hired a painter to strip peeling wallpaper and repaint faded walls. A 1400 sq ft house cost $3250 for a professional painter. So think of all the money you saved. We are too old to do it ourselves.
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I have spent 3 days cleaning an empty room and bath...Everything from the ceiling down has been either washed or painted. I'm so tired I don't know if we're extra dirty or I'm just extra old and slow...probably a combination of all 3...Now impatiently waiting to have the new carpet installed...they said probably within a week...then we can move back into the house...and back to at least semi normal...did give up the idea of a garage sale this weekend...going to wait till we are moved back into the house so there will be more room to set stuff up and move around out there...hugs to all...
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