Talking Out Loud

[LixyChick]

I dunno if I'm just talking out loud or asking for advice but I feel a need to share again...so here goes............

Earlier this week I got a really disturbing late night phone call from my brother-in-law (BIL). He works shift work (he's a cop) and so he called when he thought he might catch me. I don't even know where to begin with this so it might seem chaotic in explaination. I'll try to make it as clear as possible.

Seems my eldest sister (50), two years my senior, has developed short term memory loss and is showing signs of dementia. In fact, I wasn't all too shocked to hear this news, but I was extremely sad to hear it spoken out loud. As you know, Mr. Lixy had been sick and hospitalized recently. When I spoke to my sister on the phone about it she didn't seem to hear me or care about Mr. Lixy's condition, but instead just babbled on about something trivial till I called her attention to what I had just told her. This isn't the first time that we've spoken and she didn't seem to hear my words at all. And come to find out she does it with everyone...more and more lately.

But that isn't the crux of it. BIL told me that around May 1 she was in a really serious accident in which she plowed into the rear end of an SUV and deployed her airbags and totalled her car. When she called him (on duty) and he asked if she was ok and did she call 911 she just calmly said yes and yes. She never mentioned if the people she hit were ok...she wasn't upset in any way. This is NOT sis's usual behavior. Normally she would have been crying and pacing and trying to help others, etc. She just sat and waited till BIL came and picked her up to take her home...never mentioning the accident or where her car was to him again.

A close friend of sis's told BIL that on their recent trip to the shore (prior to above accident) sis was driving like a nut when suddenly she slowed down and stopped in the fast lane. When the friend questioned sis, sis acted like she was still driving till the friend made her look at the dash and sis realized she wasn't moving.

On Memorial day sis was talking with BIL and right then and there she pee'd her pants. When BIL pointed it out to her she denied it till he showed her. He told her to shower and went to find her in the shower with her underwear and shirt still on. He got her out, removed her clothes for her, and told her to shower again. She got back in but never turned on the water again...just exited a few minutes later and dried and went into the living room. Sis had been diagnosed with a bladder infection earlier that week and just refused to believe it and didn't take her meds. BIL had to do something to help her so he had her admitted to the local hospital. She is in there now, from Memorial Day, and hasn't questioned it a bit. Again...NOT like sis at all! Doc[s] have again diagnosed her with a definite bladder infection but haven't diagnosed anything else as yet.

One night BIL was sitting with sis in her hospital room and sis was drinking a small glass of water. Even when the water was gone sis continued to mimick the drinking all through their conversation. This went on for about 45 minutes before BIL questioned a nurse as to if they noticed this behavior.

Sis had a hysterectomy recently (bout a year ago) and has been on meds to control mood swings and depression. I don't think she is on HRT...but using herbal therapy instead. She had a "mental breakdown" several years ago...but I don't know the details. She never shared the full details and so I thought it private and I never asked. Sis has always been a tad peculiar in that she laughs at nearly everything she says, even when it's not funny. There are other quirks that add up to a complete her. My mother had a mental disorder (paranoid scizophrenia) that I was certain wasn't hereditary but I knew us kids could exhibit subsidiary conditions...such as myself being an obsessive/compulsive sort of person in some areas of my life.

BIL's sister told him to call me...that I should know what's happening. BIL thought my sis would be better by now, but she isn't and his sister thought he should tell our side of the family. A couple of times when I spoke with him I was sure he was on the verge of tears. He loves her so much and I think he is feeling a bit of shame about all of this. I told him I could supply him with any family history he'd need to help sis. He's been in our family for almost 30 years now and he knows us pretty well, but I wanted him to know I'd do ANYTHING I could to help.

I love this man like my own brother! He gave me away at my wedding to Mr. Lixy! My dad was dead and my brother was MIA (later found to be dead as well) and he was next in line in my family to do me the honor, in my eyes. I love my sister too but we've never really been as close as I am to my baby sis. That's not to say that I don't care...I DO...but I just ain't as surprised at this revelation as I think BIL is. I feel helpless because he doesn't want me and my sisters to visit yet till he speaks with the doc's and finds out if it'll help or hurt to see us. This is where I think he feels the shame. I think he really doesn't want us to see sis in this diminished capacity now.

His friends at work know sis very well and keep telling him to take her to a better hospital for diagnosis. The doc[s] at the hospital she's in now said they won't stand in his way if he feels he should do it, but they need time to get the answers right and sis seems comfortable in her surroundings now and they don't know how she'll react if BIL moves her. I think he was asking for advice and I told him I trusted his wisdom and he'd know if/when it was time to move her.

I'm scared for her and for him! I'm scared for me too! As I said...I'm just two years younger than her. Oh geezzzzzzzzzz...it never ends...does it? One of the saddest aspects of all of this (other than my sister's well being) is that BIL and sis were going to retire soon. He's been on the force for over 20 years and can take a nice pension soon. They sold their house to their son and were going to travel the country and see America before they settled down on a recently aquired piece of property near his family home in Deleware.

Life sure has a way of kicking you in the ass when you aren't looking, ya know?

Thanks for listening once again!

*HUGS*

[Cheyanne]

(((((Lixy))))))

My first instinct (wrong or right), if I were in Bil's shoes, would be to take her to a specialist. What she has "could" be diminished capacity, or something else like a chemical reaction to medicine, turmor or something else. Until a specialist is called in.... ???? you guys really dont' know.

As far as moving her - if she does have diminished capacity - she probably won't really know as long as some familiar items are around her (i.e. Bil - flowers, anything she sees as color etc that is similar).

There is a medicine for Alzheimers that has has some good results in a certain percentage of the population... again, a specialist would know what would be best for her on that.

Lixy - all I can say is Cobalt and I will continue to keep you and yours in our thoughts and prayers.

[JassWolf]

Wow. I know I'm entirely new to you, but please accept my sympathy. And no, I"m not a medical professional.

But if she was mine, I'd surely want her checked, immediately, by a psychiatrist (not psychologist) to get a diagnosis. And if there is a better hospital, and her current doctors are as clueless about what is going on as you and BIL describe, then he needs to get a move on to get her the help asap, I'd think.

Your explanation was very clear and logical.

I understand BIL's embarrassment, but he really needs to get over himself and help the woman he loves so much. It is clearly something that is beyond the people she is presently with .... He needs to be upfront with someone and maybe give them a copy of the post you just wrote, so they know how pervasive all of this is.

There are tests, simple ones, to distinguish among Alzheimer's, demential, emotional disorders, chemical disorders, and so on. At her age, it is likely (or at least we can hope) that if he is able to get her someone who can prescribe for psychotic lapses in behavior, it may be able to be controlled, or at least reduced.

Good luck to you, and to your family.
JW

[LixyChick]

Oh (((((Chey & Cobalt)))))...TY for talking out loud with me!

I added/edited something to my original post (in case you missed it).

Yes...I totally agree with you about the specialist[s] and I know in my heart that BIL will do EVERYTHING that is in sis's best interest. He'd fall on a sword for her if he thought it would help. That's how devoted he is to her. I promise he isn't procrastinationg with any false hopes. He is an extremely intelligent man and has a heart of gold.

We too are thinking early signs of Alzheimers. It's been discussed and I don't know as of this moment what the diagnosis is. I'm giving BIL space till I can't stand wondering any longer. I want to know and yet I don't...if that makes sense.

I cry...and then I think, "This is silly...you don't even know what she's dealing with yet. Stop making mountains out of mole hills"!

I'm almost "sure" they are running every test in the book...but as I said, BIL hasn't called me in a couple days and so I don't know the details yet. I think I'll call him later today if I don't hear from him first.

Love ya!

[Pita]

(((((((Lixy))))))) I will pray for your sister and BIL. She defiantly needs real medical attention. This is just awful and I can only imagine how you must feel. I have a sister so I know how strong that bond is.

[Steph]

(((((((((((Lixy))))))))))

I hope he takes her to a new doc asap.

Her driving sounds quite scary. She needs a specialist.

[LixyChick]

JassWolf...Hello! And may I say...WELCUM TO PIXIES!

TY for your concern and for taking time to reply. I agree with you wholeheartedly and I assure you that BIL ONLY has sis's very best interests at heart when he demonstrates shame and embarrassment for her. I've rarely known a man who loves his wife as much despite the numerous quirks, ups, downs and in-between's they've had in their life together. He is truely devoted to sis and I trust his judgement completely!

I just know he has thought of everything you have said about her care. He'll deduce the situation and do what's best for her...to the best of his ability. There are better hospitals to take her to (not that the hospital she's in sucks) but they are out of his state and so he wants to get the best help in the immediate vicinity if he can. If he can't...he'll take her to the ends of the earth if necessary!

TY so much for the good wishes and I hope to see you around the boards!

[fzzy]

(((((Lixy))))) Don't really have anything to add to the above posts, but hope you know I'm sending positive thoughts your way ... Also hope you have some answers soon ... waiting can be the worst in such times, it leaves so much time to the imagination!

[LixyChick]

TT...TY so much! Yes...a sibling is hurting and we all feel the pain! As per my usual self, I am about to say something odd here. I've always wondered what it was like to look at the world through "rose colored glasses"...as my sister might be doing right now. I know she isn't in any physical pain and so I am hoping this is bliss for her till/if we can bring her back! When Mom used to stop her medication and "go off the deep end" (you had to be there) I would watch her like she was a science experiment. She seemed to be having a really nice time (most times) in that "world of her own". To know me is to know...I try to make sense of everything in a very scientific way. Oh shit...am I babbling? *hugs*

Steph...I know...I know! She's "safe" in the hospital now...but I gotta wonder what she does when she's driving around. When I called BIL the other day (on his cell) he pulled over to talk to me. Him being a cop and all...guess he has to, huh? LOL! Anyway...when he told me he was pulling over and to hang on a moment I got to wondering..."Was sis talking on the cell when she rear ended that SUV"? Things that make ya go hmmmmmmmmmmmm???? Thanks sweety...I know you're right. I'll get more details later today! *hugs*

fzzy...Just your hugs and thoughfulness are plenty to add! I'm not the most patient person on this planet (as you probably know), but I'm trying to wait for BIL to get a hold of me. He's stretched so thin these days, as you can imagine. I'm trying my best to wait for him to come to me! *hugs*

[jennaflower]

(((Lixy))) My heart breaks for you... and I will be keeping all of you in my prayers... I offer you my shoulder when you need it...

HUGS..

[imaginewithme]

Not sure what to say except to send you a hug!

[jseal]

LixyChick,

I wish there was something I could do to help. Here's hoping that all of you get the answers you need soon. Hang in there, I'm sure that the doctors will figure it out.

[Oldfart]

It's sad how often people plan for retirement, only to find that the partner develops something to throw cold water on the parade.

All the more reason for us to enjoy life now, there may not be a next week.

Our thoughts are with your sister and BIL.

[Lilith]

DR. Lil needs to put in her :2cents:

I have a serious suspicion it's not Alzheimer's. Don't ask me:shrugs: The bladder thing and her bizarre not just forgetful behavior have me thinking it is something else. I know I don't know shit but I really think she is have almost blackouts not memory lapses from your descriptions.

Here is a good bit of infor on Early Alzheimer's

http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2400/2498.asp?index=9592%20

((((hugs))) I'm glad she has such a loving caring family to care for her when she can not care for herself.

[LixyChick]

My family is a plethora of "fruitcake" activity! JHCOAB! Where does it end? You can't begin to know what's happening with my baby sis and her youngest, and too, her oldest son! Not to mention...the sis right below me in age? HOLY SHIT! Her family is going to hell in a handbasket!

I'm feeling isolated and scared beyond my wits! My life seems so "normal" that I am just waiting "for the other shoe to drop". I know kharma peeps! I know I can't have this "peace" forever. I can't come away from this unscathed. Selfish thinking? You betcha! I'm THERE when they need me...but I'm paranoid (a bit of Mom???) that my turn is next! I put out good! Am I ALWAYS going to get good back? I think NOT!

*ducks the bad kharma*



jenna...I love the stuffin's outta you! Your shoulder's have held me on so many occasions! Please don't let your heart break for me. Instead, keep those prayer's and good thoughts for sis, and somehow know that she can feel your concern! Read my last sig quote. I thought of "us" (Pixies) and especially you when I grabbed it. *hugs*

IWM...Gratefully accepted and right backatcha! *hugs*

jseal...Just knowing you wanted to "talk out loud" with me is soothing! TY hun! Here's hoping...right along with you! *hugs*

OF...True dat! If we could only know "then" what we know now........yada, yada, yada! TY for your concern sweetums! Ya know I love ya for that! *hugs*

[LixyChick]

DR. Lil needs to put in her :2cents:

I have a serious suspicion it's not Alzheimer's. Don't ask me:shrugs: The bladder thing and her bizarre not just forgetful behavior have me thinking it is something else. I know I don't know shit but I really think she is have almost blackouts not memory lapses from your descriptions.

Here is a good bit of infor on Early Alzheimer's

http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/docs/2400/2498.asp?index=9592%20

((((hugs))) I'm glad she has such a loving caring family to care for her when she can not care for herself.
Damn Lil! I REALLY think you hit it on the head! All has to be considered...but I failed to mention I would get really bizzare phone calls from her at 12am and think to myself. "SHIT! She knows my hours...doesn't she"? And in those calls...(mums the word)...she sounded drunker than a skunk to me. On numerous occasions she's asked me to get my father-in-law (FIL) to make up a list of wine making potions. He makes lotsa homemade wine. I considered a "cover-up" on her part...to her husband and kids. I've probed all possibilities...especially what you said! I've wondered...since she is a wife of a cop, do they forego all the "tests" in his consideration. This might be something BIL isn't willing to share with me. But, again, I may be out of the park here too. I'm making a note of what you said and when I talk to BIL I will mention it all! TY! *hugs*

P.S. Not to say that I think ALL "blackouts" are caused by alcohol...just that you jogged some memories of past bizzare phone calls that I didn't mention to BIL and I doubt he knows about.

Can you say "functioning alcoholic"? My dad was one...even if he didn't think beer was a drug!

[jay-t]

Lixy you said your sis was on several meds,get a list of them and take it to a pharmacist to see if some are reacting with others.We had to do this with my mother- in- law she was taking what the Dr told her to but it was making her higher than a kite due to a couple of drugs reacting with each other, acting like a narcotic,Taken alone they were fine,just not together. It costs nothing and its a place to start.I will add you and family to the prayer list.

[LixyChick]

Just spoke to BIL and he is furious!

The hospital sis is in is a bit understaffed. BIL knew that, but also knew there were pretty good neurologist's aboard so he took her as local as possible. Hey! Can't blame him there.

They've been running tests, including a recent MRI which they took yesterday morning. Had the MRI done in the morning and he waited...and waited...and waited, till 9pm and he couldn't stand it any longer. He called the doc who was to read the MRI and the doc told him he spoke with BIL earlier that day. BIL said, "Yes...but only to tell me you were doing the scan". Doc proceeded to rant on about how understaffed the hospital was and that sis's case wasn't one of trauma (bleeding, head bashing..etc) and he's doing his best in this situation. BIL could'a KILLED MRI reading doc (who had no answers).

BIL went to head administrator (he can do that sorta thing by flashing his badge) and told of doc's bad "bedside manner". Administrator agreed of the bad behavior and appologized profusely...still with no MRI results. I understand having shitty hospitals in a local area...I've been there, done that! We've ALL had this experience at one time or another...eh?

Well...BIL made some calls to a few "friends in high places" and at this moment has an ambulance on stand-by and a better hospital/doctor staff in view. The red tape he is running into as of this moment is from the A.M.A. (American Medical Association). It's past 3pm now and the A.M.A was supposed to respond to his request for a transport/change of medical staff as of 2pm. No word yet! If he doesn't get their okie dokie then their medical insurance won't cover the transition.

BIL is taking sis to Christiana Hospital (Deleware)...tops in it's field of teaching and also neurological diagnosis. Next choice would have been Jefferson in Philadelphia (which isn't out of the question), a bit a ways away, but one of the very best hospitals in the country.

While I was on the phone to BIL he was with sis in her hospital room. He asked if I wanted to speak to her (foregoing all previous apprehension). I nearly shit me fekking trousers! I wasn't sure what I was leaping into. She got on the phone and was as wide eyed and wondering as a 4 y/o. "Hi hun...how ya doing" I said. "I'm great" she replied. "Have your kids been up to see you...Do you want me to come and see you"...I babbled on. "Yes...and they brought my grandbabies...who wanted some gum...did I have gum hun? (she puts the phone down on the bed...BIL tells her to pick it up...sis is on the phone)...Oh...Yes...but I told them not to swallow it...it was spearmint I think (puts the phone down again)...or was it peppermint"? BIL tells her to pick the phone up again...sis is still talking to you. "I'm going back to my trailer today. ______ (<---insert BIL's name here) has my clothes all packed...'cept what I'm wearing *giggle, giggle, giggle*. Did I tell you about my roommate? Did you call me on my cell phone? Here's my number (puts the phone down again). _______(<---BIL's name) what's my number? _______ (the number without the last 4). I know your cell number...it's ok. I'll call you. OK, she said, want my number? What's my number _______? Oh look! Cookies! I asked, "Did someone bring cookies for a snack"? They look fattening, she said. I've lost a lot of weight recently. I need new clothes. "Did I tell you I'm going back to my trailer today? It's nice out...but the sun isn't shining. I said, "It's sunny here, in Pennsylvania (trying to keep up with her fast paced conversation). We're passing it down to you. Should see it soon". It's 74 degrees here today (puts the phone down again). BIL picks it up and sighs. "Are you ok", he asks. *SIGH* Yes BIL, but I'm soooooooooooooooo worried about you!

So here's the deal...BIL IS in action and moving her to a "better place". Dunno what I'm missing from Memorial Day but I just know I'll catch up as soon as I can sit down with him face to face.

TY for listening!

*hugs all around*

[scotzoidman]

Lixy, I feel for ya so much...sis' behavior sounds so much like my daddy's during his last few years it's not funny (not that it ever could be)...they diagnosed it as Alzeimer's, but I know for a fact you can't make a positive diagnosis until the autopsy, & none was done...a few months after his death, I read an article in some kind of newsletter I was stripping up (you know what that means I was doing LOL) that described the symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure, & about 90% of them fit...there are so many different things could up with sis, & at 50, I would think that Early Onset Alziemer's might be one of them...all I can offer is hugs & sympathy, & I think maybe the best way for you to get thru this yourself is to give BIL as much time as you can spare to talk it out, & that way maybe you can stay informed, & not feel so helpless sitting there worrying...I know you've got a full plate with Mr Lix, so be good to you as much as you can...

[LixyChick]

jay-t...TY (((((Hun)))) I think if I lived closer I could come in and "help out" more. I just feel like I trust my BIL so much in this case that I shouldn't overstep my bounds. As I said, he's been with us for as long as I can remember my sister dating and he knows us/her so well that I'd trust him with my life...so I trust him with sis's! TY for your concern! I just love that I/we can talk it out here! *hugs*

[LixyChick]

scotz...Not knowing is worse than knowing...or is it? Shit hun! I'm freaking out over here! The more I hear the less I wanna! Was it The Loving Spoonfuls who ask "Do You Believe in Magic"? I want a magic wand...damnitalltohell! TY for reflecting! I hope I didn't dredge up too many sad emotions for you! *hugs*

P.S. I know you did your "stripping" without music!

[scotzoidman]

scotz...Not knowing is worse than knowing...or is it? Shit hun! I'm freaking out over here! The more I hear the less I wanna! Was it The Loving Spoonfuls who ask "Do You Believe in Magic"? I want a magic wand...damnitalltohell! TY for reflecting! I hope I didn't dredge up too many sad emotions for you! *hugs*

Not at all darlin'...as it's been 14 years since he left (& longer than that since his mind left), I can say I'm used to it now...as you well know, you never get over it completely...I'm mainly concerned that you may be feeling overwhelmed right now, & just wanna reassure you that you'll be ok, & that we all are here to help anyway we can...even if it's just to listen to ya think out loud...

PS, I'm pleased to inform you that when I strip now, it only involves clothing...

[Fangtasia]

I have mental illness in my family...goes way back.....both my sisters have been diagnosed...1 for ages since her 20's....my last sis was 42 when it came out in her....i aint that far away....and it can be damn scary

It could be a number of things Lixy...i just hope they find out soon for everyone elses peace of mind

[rabbit]

(((lixy)))

Sounds like BIL's getting after it pretty good. That's whats needed first and foremost...good medical attention to figure out what is wrong.

Be strong.

:)

[PantyFanatic]

I am so pleased you have been able to ‘talk out loud’ with our family here, Lixy. :) I know how hard it is to deal with inter turmoil when you are bouncing off the walls alone. I can share the knowledge of the situation, but in truth, I do not know Bil or your sister and I can only share the feelings of the person I do know. Thank you for letting us be part of an important concern of yours. Now you have to just hang tuff as you are hoping for him. You are there for your sister and him and we are here for you. :console:

[Oldfart]

I am hearing a word here that goes with Congestive Heart Failure and a number of other conditions, hypoxia.

If you're not getting enough oxygen you can sound and act drunk, then if you add alcohol or other breathing depressants, the sufferer can vague right out.

Tests can range from checking whether beneath the fingernails has a blu-ish tinge to blood oxygen metering over a period.

Some conditions can also decrease the lungs' ability to extract oxygen without cough or discomfort.

[osuche]

Lixy....my great grandfather and my grandfather both had alzeimers and had some of the same symptoms. However, both of them were very aware of their environments, they just thought they were in a different time.

Dementia can be caused by many things, and I am happy BIL is getting another set of opinions.

Lixy....I hope I will not step on your toes here....but IMHO you are too worried about stepping on BIL's toes. She's your sister! And....BIL might appreciate some help and a shoulder to cry on, even if he doesn't always admit it. Just make sure -- should this be something fatal, or she slip away mentally -- thet you don't end up with any regrets about what you didn't do or didn't say. Life is short, and we never get to spend enough time with the ones we love.

One of my greatest regrets in life is that I didn't get to see my dad before he died.....and I've tried to make it different with the rest of my family.

(((((Lixy)))))) I know your life is so full of responsibility and care right now. I wish I could share some of the burden. Please take care of yourself, sweetie.

[dicksbro]

Lixy,

Both my mom and my wife's mom suffered from dementia which later proved to be Alzheimers. While it was hard on us, the blessing was that they were in their worlds and didn't seem to feel troubled or concerned by their condition.

Neither really remembered who we were, although by their smiles it was clear they "knew they knew us from somewhere." We were just thankful for the time we had to sit with them and be as close as possible for as long as they stayed with us.

Again, we will offer our prayers and hopes that with advances in medicine, maybe the doctors can help to delay the effects. In any case, if we can ever be of any help to your with you hubby or your sis ... or anything for that matter, you have only to ask. The prayers of course, come as a free bonus!

Lot's of love and hugs coming your way. Please give hubby our best.

DB

[LixyChick]

scotz...(((((scotz)))))

Alassë...TY for talking out loud with me! I worry that I'm not far off from falling over the edge at times too. I told Mr. Lixy yesterday that I'll try with all my might to keep my mental health normal. He kidded and asked, "When's that gonna happen"? *hugs*

rabbit...I'm hoping, now that she is moving, the answers will come. TY for caring! *hugs*

OF...I'll mention this to BIL. I know his suspicions but I know he's open to all suggestions. *hugs*

osuche...You haven't overstepped at all! I know regret and I promise I won't let that happen ever again! As soon as sis is settled in her new digs I'm headed there. Probably tomorrow, but this week for sure. I didn't see my dad before he died either. I know of what you speak! TY for your concern and well wishes! *hugs*

db...You are so sweet to share with me. You're words and prayers are such a comfort to me. Accepting those hugs and love and sending um right backatcha! Hubby sends his best too! *hugs*

[BigBear57]

Lixy Darlin Huggggggs. This has such a familiar ring to it I just had to add my little bit in. I'm presently dealing with a similar situation with my brother. He's a diagnosed scizophrenic. He's OK as long as he's taking his meds. My Dad had them prescribed as shots so they could be monitored. Of course governmental buget cuts and changing mental health professinals come along with all their "knowlege" and change things up. They change his meds to pills for him to take on his own and he's either stoned to the gills or off in his own little world. Any way... whatever they do find I hope they get her treatment in line and things work out. You know I love ya and will be keepin' you and yours in my prayers. I've been away for a bit but I'm back and I'll keep an eye on posts. If ya need an ear... just yell Hon.

[wyndhy]

((((lixy and family)))) i have nothing to add, just support and hugs and hopes of peace of mind for you all.

[LixyChick]

Bear...I've missed you! Sorry about your brother...I know about it well...my mom had paranoia on top of it. TY for the wishes, hugs and love! I love you too ya know! *hugs*

wyndhy...Amen to that! Peace of mind for sis and BIL especially! TY sweety! *hugs*

[dm383]

(((Lixy)))

I don't quite know how I missed this before. To paraphrase another post, I don't have anything to add to the terrific suggestions/ideas already made, only that your sis is added to my prayer list as of now. (You were already there, Lixy!!)

As several folks have said, there could be any number of causes to your sister's symptoms, and it's good that she's getting moved to a better hospital for (hopefully) a more definitive set of answers.

I'd also endorse osuche's comment about "stepping on BIL's toes". I can tell you from my own recent experiences with my dad that there are definitely barriers to (most) guys asking for help, or even a hug....... so don't hold back, 'K? (as if, I hear the multitude cry!!)

We're ALL here for ya, kid, like th^ey all said.......

......Love YOU too.

DM

[LixyChick]

dm...Oh dm! I DID NOT WANT TO ADD TO YOUR CONCERN! Hold me close in your thoughts, as I will hold you in mine!

I do have a minor update...

Sis was moved to Christiana Hospital in Deleware and BIL is sooooooooooooo pleased with the reception and care! They have ruled out Alzheimers. They are looking to a chemical imbalance and haven't ruled out a tumor....though they haven't found one with all usual technology. Doc's and nurses are in love with her and she is doing as well as can be expected in her circumstance.

Gonna visit this upcoming weekend. NO ONE can stop me! I know no one will try and stop me!

TY all for the advice and for caring!

((((EVERYONE)))))

[musicman]

(((LIXY)))- enjoy your visit...and here's hopin' for all good things....

[PantyFanatic]

:thumb:

:molest:

[Lilith]

I know this is whacked but pituitary or adrenal glands. That was my first thought. I didn't want to say it for sounding like a kook but it's still bugging me.

[scotzoidman]

... I didn't want to say it for sounding like a kook...
Why let it stop ya now?



:gb:

:jacques:

[Lilith]

:boobs:

now it's jacked ;)

[dm383]

dm...Oh dm! I DID NOT WANT TO ADD TO YOUR CONCERN! Hold me close in your thoughts, as I will hold you in mine!

.................................

TY all for the advice and for caring!

((((EVERYONE)))))

Sweetness, no WAY are your worries a burden to me...... so don't even think it!!

You're always in my thoughts hon.......... believe it.

DM

[LixyChick]

Not whacked or kooky at all Lil!

I wanna mention all possibilities!

LOL@scotz!

Awwwww dm...I believe!

[osuche]

*bump*


Lixy...how is she?

[imaginewithme]

*bump*


Lixy...how is she?
good bump!

[dicksbro]

It was a good bump. Lixy, we love you to pieces.

[LixyChick]

Hi guys...sorry I haven't been around!

Not much time today and sorry to say...not good news either.

Sis was transferred to Christiana Hosp. and now is being transferred to John's Hopkins in Maryland. They have narrowed her dementia down to one of two. Both are extremely rare.

Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease is one they are looking at. They call it CJD for short.

Pick's disease is the other.

Both are fatal. CJD is the worst of the two.

I'm sorry for the lack of time today. I'll BBL to explain more. TY for caring!

(((((EVERYONE)))))

[osuche]

((((((((((lixy))))))))))))))

I'm sending you strength and hopes that John's Hopkins has a "better" diagnosis.

[sodaklostsoul]

(((((((((((Lixy))))))))))))

[PantyFanatic]

SHIT! :banghead:




not what I was hoping to hear :(

[dicksbro]

((((((((((((((( Lixy )))))))))))))))

Wish we were close enough to be at your side. For sure our thoughts are with you!

DB & Mrs. DB

[wyndhy]

(((lixy)))

[Lilith]

Lixy I'm so sorry.((hugs))

[scotzoidman]

What they ^ all said...


Times infinity...

[lizzardbits]

Creutzfeldt-Jakob?!?! Crappety crap crap! Did she have a corneal transplant ever? Oh Gawd, I hope that it is NOT that. I hope that Lil's hunch is right and it is hormonal and it can be treated by medication.

Much love and prayers to you and your family

[Coaster]

Damn...................... (((((((((((((((((((((Lixy)))))))))))))))))))

Luv you girl... be strong!

[Aqua]

((((((Lixy)))))))

I'm sorry to hear this news and I pray that you get a different, and treatable, diagnosis from Johns Hopkins.

[jennaflower]

Lixy.. ((Hugs)) prayers... and my shoulder and ears if you need them... I will keep you all in my thoughts...

[jbh3]

Lixy, if you are planning a trip to Johns Hopkins(or you're already here) I will gladly keep you company,hold your hand,talk.........whatever you need....I am 10 minutes away.

[dm383]

((((Lixy))))

I feel for you hon. Give your sis BIG hugs from me, and all of us. And give a load to yourself, too.

We love you girl.

DM

[LixyChick]

(((((Everybody)))))

Sis never made it to Johns Hopkins. Damn insurance company would only pay for one day and they'd have needed her to stay longer for tests. I don't see how these insurance companies can continually get away with this kind of shit...but that's another story.

BIL is going to seek local groups that are doing studies on CJD and go from there. In the meantime sis is still at Christiana.

TY for your support everyone. It helps to spill my guts sometime!

[dicksbro]

You feel free to share with us anytime, and if you ever need to call, you know we're here. God love you, Lixy. Take a big hug from the two of us.

[LixyChick]

UPDATE...

Sis has been tested and tested and they know what it's not. It's not CJD or Pick's (the worst of the worst). Trouble is they still aren't sure what it is. BIL recently changed sis to another neurologist and he suggested testing for encephalitis. I'm not sure why the two spinal taps didn't show this if it is the case...but then I'm not a doc and so I'll leave it to them.

Sis has been a bit better since she came home. BIL took her to their doc and he took her off some of the heavier meds that they had her on in the hospital...to control her, I guess. She needs constant attention and so BIL has her in an adult day care. Sis thinks she is working there and she "helps" care for the other clients who have different stages of dimentia due to aging and/or disease.

At one point she thought she was pregnant and talked of having her baby girl soon. I guess she'd forgotten she had a hysterectomy over a year ago and can no longer have a baby. She's mentioning the baby less and less lately. We didn't stop her from talking about her pregnancy because we didn't see that it was harming her in any way to believe it. It actually seemed to soothe her.

Well anyway...we aren't sure of the cause of her dimentia and we don't know her prognosis but we have hope that she may recover fully or at least to a functional level. It doesn't seem to be fatal like we intially thought, but we still can't be sure. She seems more focused now and BIL says she seems to get better every day. There are some days that are worse than others but BIL is such a rock and he is dealing with her in the most loving way anyone can.

What the future holds is a mystery for sis for now. But then...isn't life a mystery anyway?

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!

[PantyFanatic]

Thanks for the update, Lixy. It doesn't sound like she's out of the woods but that is the best news since this thread was started. :console:

[scotzoidman]

As long as they keep on eliminating what it isn't, I suppose that's making progress...eventually they'll narrow it down to something...have a big hug out of petty cash in the meantime, (((Lixy)))

[osuche]

(((((Lixy)))))