Dementia alongside other illnesses
Unfortunately recently I have succumbed to the cold virus that seems to be gripping the Uk, add that do dementia and its a whole different ball game.
Its bad enough having hallucinations and seeing things that aren't there without having a high temperature, a banging headache and all noises being amplified even louder than normal. With dementia, all noises and visible actions can be distorted in the most horrible ways, they become louder and bigger, all around you sometimes seem to spin around so fast all you can hear are sounds you barely recognise, you can't quite make out what you see. Add that to having the flu or a really bad cold and its a very heady mix.
Its hard enough for carers to figure out sometimes what's going on (Or try to do) or find out how the person with dementia is feeling at the best of times without the coughs and colds but for the person with dementia who probably has depression as well it sometimes feels like its the end of days. I am sorry, I know that sounds dramatic, but speaking personally when all these things are compounded into one it's the worst feeling in the world, you can see no way out of it, high temperature, hallucinations, coughing, feeling so rough, hearing things, seeing things and still so confused at what's going on can bring even the strongest person to their knees.
I am not ashamed to say when i have been at my lowest i have begged for permanent sleep during these times, you can see no way out, you can't imagine what it feels like to feel better, or see any better days ahead and if you do? You still know that the cold/flu may go away but the dementia won't!!
I have not written this because i feel sorry for myself, but to hopefully help others to understand how people like myself feel when another illness kicks in so you can all be aware of it
Hope this helps
Norrms xxx
Unfortunately recently I have succumbed to the cold virus that seems to be gripping the Uk, add that do dementia and its a whole different ball game.
Its bad enough having hallucinations and seeing things that aren't there without having a high temperature, a banging headache and all noises being amplified even louder than normal. With dementia, all noises and visible actions can be distorted in the most horrible ways, they become louder and bigger, all around you sometimes seem to spin around so fast all you can hear are sounds you barely recognise, you can't quite make out what you see. Add that to having the flu or a really bad cold and its a very heady mix.
Its hard enough for carers to figure out sometimes what's going on (Or try to do) or find out how the person with dementia is feeling at the best of times without the coughs and colds but for the person with dementia who probably has depression as well it sometimes feels like its the end of days. I am sorry, I know that sounds dramatic, but speaking personally when all these things are compounded into one it's the worst feeling in the world, you can see no way out of it, high temperature, hallucinations, coughing, feeling so rough, hearing things, seeing things and still so confused at what's going on can bring even the strongest person to their knees.
I am not ashamed to say when i have been at my lowest i have begged for permanent sleep during these times, you can see no way out, you can't imagine what it feels like to feel better, or see any better days ahead and if you do? You still know that the cold/flu may go away but the dementia won't!!
I have not written this because i feel sorry for myself, but to hopefully help others to understand how people like myself feel when another illness kicks in so you can all be aware of it
Hope this helps
Norrms xxx
