The new medication seems to be helping but there is a noticeable increase in the number of naps. Linda wants to go to bed after an hour of activity on many occasions. I called the memory clinic today asking whether the lab reports on the urine and blood tests have been received. Apparently not. Anything that goes to the memory clinic seems to take extra time. Usually our family doctor gets lab reports in 1-2 days. The concern is that if there is a bladder or urinary tract infection, I would like to get the medication treatment started. Focusing on extra water as suggested by the pharmacist when we picked up the first prescription may be a contributing factor to her improvement but it does increase bathroom frequency.
Our friends are a wonderful resource. Katie has been particularly helpful. She has taken Linda grocery shopping on Tuesday and for a walk today. Plans are afoot for a visit to the salon next Tuesday for manicure and pedicure. We’ve also talked about a trip to the golf range. Jeff joined Katie at our home last night after Katie finished the office work. Linda had gone to bed so we could enjoy a couple of 2008 red wines to compare. The conversation turned to “End of Life Planning,” which is something very much on my agenda. With Jeff’s experience as an ambulance driver for seniors, his interest and observations on the subject were very much to the point. This is not about Doctor assisted suicide but rather about what kind of heroics I don’t want should I lose my ability to think and communicate. We are too late in the process to formally initiate the plan for Linda so I will have to use best judgment and your advice as the process goes forward.
Alison has offered to help as well. She is taking the summer off before searching for another job. We bought the boys junior geocaching hand held devices which they seem to really enjoy. I have asked whether this might be a useful hobby for us. Linda loves to go for a drive. We are just back from an 1-hour drive on the back roads to Kars and back. The trick will be to include Linda in the search. So frequently, I get really involved in the project and Linda sits on the sidelines. Soon she is bored and wants to do something else or says “There is nothing in this for me.” This might be an easier project that the ‘Walk the Rideau Trail’ plan. Often we go to a launching point for a walk on the Trail and then Linda doesn’t feel like hiking.
Nancy and Roger continue to be a wonderful support. They are busy planning activities for us. One of their prime concerns is to look after me. They have the advantage that Roger can accompany me on an activity while Nancy undertakes a project with Linda. The painting has been a great success. I will send a photo of the most recent creation which was displayed at the OMMA show for HerbFest at the Herb Garden last Sunday. We are looking at following the Fat Cats through the baseball playoff season. An anniversary dinner is planned for Saturday.
With all of these supporting friends, I feel that I just might be able to handle the changes in circumstance for a while. I feel much more relaxed and able to cope right now.