Hello,
I am new to this board and could really use some support about now. Are there different stages of Lewy Body Disease, or is it the same as the Alzheimers? My Mom was diagnosed back in 2006 with this horrible disease. I took her in for evaluation because of hallcinations and the report came back from the Doctor as Diffuse Lewy Bodies. I was told that it had probably been going on for some time because memory loss usually starts about a year prior. My Dad had passed away in 2003 after being married for almost 58 years. I can't imagine the trauma from that. You loose your soulmate after all of those years and have no one to go to bed with and wake up with. He was her life.
Okay, now back to my story. When I was in there on Wednesday for when she was having an ultrasound done I noticed some torn paper on the floor. I didn't pay much attention to it at the time because I was focused on sitting on the bed with her holding her hand. My Mother over the past year has been going in and out of conciousness. She will just lay there and not hear you or feel anything. At first I was told it was mini TIA's but now find out it is part of the disease. I am aware from what I read that this Lewy Bodies advances more quickly than Alzheimers, is that right? After about 10 minutes she came out it and then fell to sleep. Her vitals were normal.
After she went to sleep, I went over to the paper that was on the floor. Come to find out, it was my Son's picture torn up. I broke down. She had just spoken with him on Sunday. I take my cell with me because he likes to talk with her. She seemed fine and even asked him how were the kids? I realize that this is part of this disease, but really had a hard time with it since she loves my son so much. I also could not locate my sister and her daughters picture. (No big loss) but won't get into that.
Just when I think that I have my emotions under control, it seems something else happens. My Mother and I used to do so many fun things together and yes I do have wonderful memories. I think that is why it is so hard seeing her like this now. She can still talk but most of it makes no sense at all. She curses and says words that would never have been in her vocabulary before. She is unhappy and depressed. She is on Celexa, baby aspirin and a mild diruretic. She does have congestive heart failure and chronic Atrial Fibilation. So if she were to fall and break something she could not be operated on because she would die on the table.
I guess the reason for me writing is because, I can't for the life of me understand why these beautiful people have to go through this. And yes, when you say it is harder on the caregiver that is so very true. I have been to therapy over and over. I realize that the life span of this disease is shorter because of the advancement, but are the stages the same as with Alzheimers the same and do you have to have every symptom on the list in that stage? If not, then my Mom would be in the last stage.
Well, I have been longwinded enough for a first timer on here. I wish to pray for all of you caregivers out there because it is not an easy thing even though they are in a facility you are still the one facing every crisis and every change that they go through.
Thank you one and all and any feedback is certainly welcome.
Be blessed
Hope