My mom was diagnosed with parkinsons back in 2007, at first it was managable. She was living at home herself, then moved in with my sister, she twice had someone out doing personal care at home, then the last time they said that she required more care then at home. All us kids work so it was hard to be there and work. Sooo mom made the decision to go into a nursing home in April 2010, at first it was hard but mom had been at the same nursing home once before when she was diagnosed so it wasnt so hard for her.
Its very hard to see what I see on a weekly basis, I live in another state and go to see her every saturday and get her around for the day. My brother and his wife do sundays because weekends are always busy for the girls and this way mom isnt waiting to get up and around. I have seen changes from the time she went in there, the disease is just taking over. The tremors are worse, she chokes alot. She drools, gets the stone look, is forgetting things now. This is not the same woman I remember raising me, a once 200 lb stout woman is now 110lbs. Its so hard seeing it and the changes every week.
We celebrated my moms 73rd birthday on wednesday, she was in a good mood. Then on thursday I call her and she says I cant walk, well they had started therapy with her a few days prior and made her a one assist because she almost fell. She went to therapy that day, and they were able to put some weights on her legs and she was able to walk a little.
Today I went to see mom, and one of the girls stopped before I went in her room, she said have u seen your mom yet and I said no, and she continued to tell me that mom was crying and asked her to get her around instead of me, because she didnt want to see her that way. So I went in and I said whats up with that mom I always get u around on saturdays, and she started crying I said mom its not worth u getting upset over, I said eat your breakfast. She went on to tell me that she was afraid she would fall or would hurt me by lifting on her.
She then a bit later asked me to take her to the bathroom, got in there and she said im afraid, and asked me to get an aide instead so I did what she asked of me. She is very depressed, I was just shocked when I went in there I never thought my mom would not want me to get her around, but I respect her decision, I know its her pride and her dignity so I dont stand in the way of that.
It affects everyone differently, Im just hoping and praying when its her time she goes to sleep and doesnt suffer anymore. She is on what they call comfort care, so she dont have to do anything she dont want to do.
Its all up to her now. So sadly like most here, I have to sit and watch my mother fade away. I wish I could just take it all away for her, I would do it in a minute! I try not to dwell on things, and have come to terms with I cant fix this one, but it truly sux to see your parents like this, nothing can prepare u for it.
I guess I needed to vent all that, I have some experieince in the disease with mom so Im here for others as well if u have questions I might be able to answer I will do my best.
Thanx all for letting me get that all out.....
Sky1968