Hi everyone
Managed to get mum all the way from Germany to India - flew British Airways and looking back, was lucky to have just about escaped the stringent security checks in the wake of the bomb scare. Can't imagine what it would have been like had we been caught up in that for it was quite a journey indeed on the 27th of July. Mum accused me of "killing" her on the plane and wanted me to "hand over the keys" so that she could go home. The dim lights in the aircraft did things to her, I guess. Then, in the loo, she was "pleased" to see her "friend" in the mirror and started a conversation even as she couldn't empty her bladder. Since we were sitting in a row of 3 seats, I had warned our English neighbour of my mum"s behaviour so he didn't mind at all when she sort of snatched a sandwich from his tray and put her used tissue in his. The stress of it all kept me from giggling. The nice assistants at Heathrow seem to know all about Alzheimer's Disease and were very helpful as I explained things before, after and during
But that was exactly a month ago.
And now, back in our old flat which mum had known before she came to live with me in Germany and after 4 weeks of "settling" down, mum seems to be near normal. I decided on a medicine holiday and she is actually doing fine. Doesn"t speak to her image in the mirror anymore: acknowledges visitors when they arrive and even has some decent conversation although she repeats herself: helps with peeling garlic and chopping veggies and has the presence of mind to say things like, "you have been of great service to me. I wish I had enough money to tip you generously for your services" - now that had me in splits.
I have a housekeeper now - so that has given me the much needed respite . When I return, say, after a trip to the Bank, and ask the housekeeper if mum "behaved", mum tells her to tell me that she didn't and that there was actually a "battle" !
Her appetite has improved and she is eating well which she hadn't been doing for over a year or so.
She is beginning to 'remember' events; the sights and sounds are stimulating her memory. All this in spite of the brain scan that has shown atrophy of the cells.
I have found some peace, at last, and am grateful for that. It has been a wonderful homecoming, shall I say to this 'Land of Miracles'.
Thought I will report this positive development, fully aware that it might change overnight but am presently, counting my blessings.
There is talk of setting up a branch of the Alzheimer's society in Bangalore, the city that I live in, and someone has asked me to be a part of it. In a country where child mortality, infectious diseases and cancer are priority, there is plenty to be done on the theme of Awareness of Alzherimer's disease.
Thanks to all for your support and encouragement and advice since I joined . I shall keep logging in as and when I can - am yet to install a pc at home.
For those going through a harrowing time, and from having been there myself, let me say don't lose heart - one never knows, things do change.
Lots of love from India
Sue Stimpfig
Managed to get mum all the way from Germany to India - flew British Airways and looking back, was lucky to have just about escaped the stringent security checks in the wake of the bomb scare. Can't imagine what it would have been like had we been caught up in that for it was quite a journey indeed on the 27th of July. Mum accused me of "killing" her on the plane and wanted me to "hand over the keys" so that she could go home. The dim lights in the aircraft did things to her, I guess. Then, in the loo, she was "pleased" to see her "friend" in the mirror and started a conversation even as she couldn't empty her bladder. Since we were sitting in a row of 3 seats, I had warned our English neighbour of my mum"s behaviour so he didn't mind at all when she sort of snatched a sandwich from his tray and put her used tissue in his. The stress of it all kept me from giggling. The nice assistants at Heathrow seem to know all about Alzheimer's Disease and were very helpful as I explained things before, after and during
But that was exactly a month ago.
And now, back in our old flat which mum had known before she came to live with me in Germany and after 4 weeks of "settling" down, mum seems to be near normal. I decided on a medicine holiday and she is actually doing fine. Doesn"t speak to her image in the mirror anymore: acknowledges visitors when they arrive and even has some decent conversation although she repeats herself: helps with peeling garlic and chopping veggies and has the presence of mind to say things like, "you have been of great service to me. I wish I had enough money to tip you generously for your services" - now that had me in splits.
I have a housekeeper now - so that has given me the much needed respite . When I return, say, after a trip to the Bank, and ask the housekeeper if mum "behaved", mum tells her to tell me that she didn't and that there was actually a "battle" !
Her appetite has improved and she is eating well which she hadn't been doing for over a year or so.
She is beginning to 'remember' events; the sights and sounds are stimulating her memory. All this in spite of the brain scan that has shown atrophy of the cells.
I have found some peace, at last, and am grateful for that. It has been a wonderful homecoming, shall I say to this 'Land of Miracles'.
Thought I will report this positive development, fully aware that it might change overnight but am presently, counting my blessings.
There is talk of setting up a branch of the Alzheimer's society in Bangalore, the city that I live in, and someone has asked me to be a part of it. In a country where child mortality, infectious diseases and cancer are priority, there is plenty to be done on the theme of Awareness of Alzherimer's disease.
Thanks to all for your support and encouragement and advice since I joined . I shall keep logging in as and when I can - am yet to install a pc at home.
For those going through a harrowing time, and from having been there myself, let me say don't lose heart - one never knows, things do change.
Lots of love from India
Sue Stimpfig