Since FIL died in May MIL is progressing so very quickly! I knew that we could expect some decline after his death, especially since she knows she has AD and that is what he died of, but I never expected this much so soon.

Yesterday, was a long, sad day. She started out OK, but around noon she just became so confused. We had gone to Jacksonville (about an hour away) and when we got home she was telling me about this "ruckus" that the other people that lived here had while she was gone. (There is only DH, MIL, and me living here--and DH is out of state right now). She said she only knew about it because she heard them talking about it. It went downhill from there for the rest of the day. She's not sure who I am, but knows I'm supposed to be there and knows my name.

I was hoping today would be better, but she woke up with the same delusions. We're going to the Dr tomorrow so I'm hoping we can get something to help the delusions. I'm just glad we're not having anger issues and she's not trying to wander. (hope I didn't speak too soon!)

I thought I was prepared for this since we've already been through it with FIL, but it's like I've never been through this before and although I have the experience and knowledge that I didn't have with FIL it's seems like it's all new.

DH won't be home for another week so I'm feeling alone right now with no one to talk to. I talked to DH, but he gets upset since it's his mom and he can't do much on this end anyway.
Just needed to get it out somewhere and I know that I can do it here.

I'm so sorry Sherri that this is coming on so fast with your MIL. I guess in some way it is all new since she is different than FIL. I kindof think that because AD is so bizarre that no matter how much experience one has with it, it is still hard to deal with just because there is no reconciling it, no understanding it, no way to predict what will come next. AND, you have the very real personal attachment with your loved ones and therefore there is the grief involved of loosing that loved one all mixed in. It is just an incredibly hard disease to deal with and I'm so sorry you are having to go through it again, that is a great load to bear. You are an amazing daughter in law to be caring for your in laws, thank you for your example.

My mom was having horrible delusions and when she was on Aricept and Namenda they pretty much stopped. Not sure what MIL is on, but thought I would throw that in.

I hope your day is looking up and remember, just go with the flow, whatever that might be!!!

~Kelly~

Sherri, saying i'm sorry doesn't begin to cover what needs to be said. This disease is so very different from person to person that, like Kelly said, you really are never prepared for what comes. Mom's decline has been swift and still going. If you want a person to speak to let me know and I will give you phone numbers. You are never alone as long as you have this board.

Thanks Kelly and Linda for your replies.

MIL is currently on Exelon patch and taking synthroid for thyroid. She's also taking something to increase appetite but can't think of what it is right now. I read on the other board that thyroid problems and synthroid might be contributing to her rapid decline.

She seems to think we're in a hotel or something. She's decided we're going to stay the night and go home
tomorrow. I haven't told her we're going to the Dr tomorrow. Usually best to tell about an hour before we go--less arguments that way.

I know I'm not really alone, I do have friends and people I can talk to, but at the moment it just felt that I was
doing this alone. It doesn't help that DH has been gone since the 1st of the month and not due home for another week. I do appreciate this board and everyone's support--I don't post often, but I do read all
the time.

Thanks for being here!!

Sherri, you are in my prayers. Do you have someone to post guard so you can get away for an hour? B

Sorry about that, I can't imagine having to caregive without Hubby (who does it unwillingly lol).

I understand feeling alone, I can't talk to Hubby since it's his mom. I can talk to my Mom and everyone here and that's about all. I'm so thankful for this place.

Kat

Thanks ihelp and Kat.

Today we seem to be in a better place. Still going to the Dr this afternoon.

I'm thankful for this place, too. I have a couple of friends I can talk to, but they haven't dealt with AD so they really don't understand--although they sympathize and allow me to vent my frustrations.

Sherri,
I can add my "I'm sorry". Wish I could be there to help you but I and others are always here so you are never alone.
I found this is a good place to come for support.
Hope the doctor can prescribe something to help.