Hello out there, I'd like to know if others feel there's an unwritten law in the medical profession which states over 65's with Alzheimer's should be disregarded? I often felt like the child sent to buy an ice cream,only to find on returning home there's a sold sign and the family has moved! I can take a hint. Up to Sept '99 my wife and I were attending monthly appointments with a psychological specialist when he was moved to a new post he informed me future appointments would continue with a specialist at Hereford. Early Oct. I phoned their Mental Health Dep and was advised there would be no more appointments. Asked why I'm told she is 65 and we don't see over 65's. She was 65 on the 7th! Over three years ago after removing her from a nursing home I refused to be housebound. It meant me taking my wife every where with me, lifting her into the car from the wheel chair. I applied for a disabled badge. This I was refused because she was on the lower rate of mobility allowance (£15 a week) as she was over 65 she was ineligable for the higher rate catch 22. I expect it's because I lift her. I did get the badge after visiting their office and told them of my intensions to may them give me one. Once a year I see a medical person when I chase up her flu jab.
On the 6th April '06 I raised Jean from her nap before tea. Now I have learned to be very gentle and bring her mind to the present. That day she opened her eyes in fright, I believe she was witnessing a horror of the past, she stopped breathing. Rushed to A&E with tube up her nose (couldn't open throat) and needle in hand. Had her cloths cut off and was resuscitated. I was advised should she relapse she would not be reventilated. Two days later after explaining our situation it was agreed I could have her home. I'm then expected to take her home, but they did get the point, her cloths cut up in a plastic bag and her in an open hospital gown plus a stretcher case. Three weeks later 'she' receives a letter: "Your Doctor has asked me to arrange an X-ray examination for you. Would you please attend the X-ray Dep etc. Please report and bring this letter with you!" It's not the hospital's fault but some GP who hasn't seen her in years. The GP's surgery is a few minuets walk, where I asked who had arranged the X-ray and was told you'll find out at the hospital. I had words with the hospital and explained the situation and told them she was fine. They in turn said to forget about the X-ray. These are but a few of the strange things I have encountered and I can tell you others have nothing on Monty Python. One girl believed she could get the Nobel Prize for curing Alzheimer's. I could write a book which would make you cry and laugh but one book at a time. Hang in there and God bless. Padraig.
On the 6th April '06 I raised Jean from her nap before tea. Now I have learned to be very gentle and bring her mind to the present. That day she opened her eyes in fright, I believe she was witnessing a horror of the past, she stopped breathing. Rushed to A&E with tube up her nose (couldn't open throat) and needle in hand. Had her cloths cut off and was resuscitated. I was advised should she relapse she would not be reventilated. Two days later after explaining our situation it was agreed I could have her home. I'm then expected to take her home, but they did get the point, her cloths cut up in a plastic bag and her in an open hospital gown plus a stretcher case. Three weeks later 'she' receives a letter: "Your Doctor has asked me to arrange an X-ray examination for you. Would you please attend the X-ray Dep etc. Please report and bring this letter with you!" It's not the hospital's fault but some GP who hasn't seen her in years. The GP's surgery is a few minuets walk, where I asked who had arranged the X-ray and was told you'll find out at the hospital. I had words with the hospital and explained the situation and told them she was fine. They in turn said to forget about the X-ray. These are but a few of the strange things I have encountered and I can tell you others have nothing on Monty Python. One girl believed she could get the Nobel Prize for curing Alzheimer's. I could write a book which would make you cry and laugh but one book at a time. Hang in there and God bless. Padraig.