Sunday, October 13, 2019

The sun is finally out and the wind has died out around here. It was not pleasant the prior three days which really impacts my mood.

Late Friday I had a long call with the speech therapist who did an evaluation of DH. As a result I did more reading about his form of dementia. Apparently it is quite rare but almost always occurs early onset in the late 50's. He has Logopenic Primary Aphasia with Alzheimer's Disease. The aphasia is part of the Frontal Temporal Dementias. Basically the disease starts with the aphasia in all communication areas (Speaking, understanding, reading, writing) and is later joined by the memory issues of Alzheimer's. This was true for DH but he wasn't diagnosed officially until he had all components (some people are first diagnosed in the aphasia phase). Basically DH is going to go fully mute as he loses his memory and the last stage will be essentially like regular Alzheimer's. But the challenge in his facility is that they haven't dealt with anyone still able physically but with little ability to communicate. They try to speak to him in sentences and DH has absolutely no idea what they are saying. So they attempt to get him to move physically (pushing him down into a chair for instance) which he resists because he can't comprehend why. It was somewhat easier at home because we had a routine, he could probably pick up on my gestures, and I had learned to point and use one word (point at the chair and say "sit", similar to commanding a dog). The speech therapist was going to try to use picture cards to see if they help. I found them online for essentially every function including the motions needed in the bathroom. I hope it helps. But I do wonder how long he has before he starts to lose his ability to swallow. That's last stage usually and everything has progressed so quickly the last couple of years.

Anyway, enough of that. DD came down Friday night and we had a fun yet late night with the cousins. Yesterday DD had two friends bring a truck and trailer help her with the remaining furniture stored here (mostly a huge, heavy sleep sofa). That was big progress for her. And side-benefit: they are going to take the day sailer (boat) marooned in our backyard as they have the equipment and the storage space Yeah! I've been trying to give it away for two years.

I went to a condo townhouse open-house yesterday: gorgeous place with beautiful finishes and tons of light through beautiful windows. No water view but the place and the development were really lovely. AND it has a garage. Lots of the condos here do not. The place was as large as my house and has both an upstairs and first floor master. Interesting future option. Today I'm looking at another place with a river view. It gives me something to do on weekend afternoons and food for thought.

Have a sunny Sunday!

Good morning! Liz we use different systems for communication in my field also. I'm not directly working with non verbal students these days, but when I did, consulting with our speech therapists was so helpful.

Hoping for a peaceful morning reading the paper, and then may be even a nap before our show tonight.

Still dreary here, forecasted to warm up by the time we have some days off.

1. Within Range: two over
2. General Wellbeing: 7 on SS
3. 10,000+ Steps: 4129
4. Fitness: housework
5. Self-Care: saw therapist Friday, scheduled gastro
6. Fun: got an Instant Pot

Two pounds over my range. My local store stopped selling Siggi?s skyr yogurt and often doesn?t have Fage, my back-up. I broke down and bought an Instant Pot. Now, I?m trying to search for all of those great Instant Pot Greek yogurt recipes I previously ignored ! If you have one, please reshare ! I?m thinking of the Fairlife cold start. Reflux is better but PharmD DD says 40 mg. Pantoprazole twice a day is way too much. To keep the reflux down, in addition to that, I am doing Prevacid, Tums and Alka Seltzer, so I got an appointment a week from tomorrow with a new Gastro. The guy who did my colonoscopy was an internist and being I have so little stomach left, I really want a specialist who can help me take care of it.

When I saw my therapist Friday, one of the issues we discussed is that I am struggling to follow through on plans/goals because DH is so unmotivated. I've allowed myself to be negatively impacted. Tai Chi had petered out after one visit (the Master was in very poor health and arrogant..I did have trouble respecting him), we?re not walking the dogs together, bowling died a slow death? on and on. She suggested I commit to what I need to do for me, and set clear boundaries/consequences. These activities are important to me and I will do them with or without him. I discussed the plan with DH, and one of the things I miss the most is swimming. DH and I went and toured our nearest YMCA. They have a fabulous lap pool they are able to keep at 83 degrees because they don?t have a swim team. They offer lots of water work out classes, Zumba, Yoga, Tai Chi, have an indoor track, Silver Sneaker and other senior programs. We rejoined, and Diane, let?s hold each other accountable for USING OUR MEMBERSHIPS !

I'm health club shopping too. I need to actually go look at one instead of thinking about going to tour it. There is a women only gym near my work, but not on the way home. I belonged to it in the past and I did like it. The best I ever did with working out was when I belonged to a a Fitness 19 that was on my way home and 1/2 mile from my house. I went directly after work. Sadly, it has closed. There is a new Anytime Fitness that has opened also very close to home, this is the one I need to go check out.

The YMCA sounds like a great option. We belonged to one when I was staying at home with the kids. I didn't mind driving then, and we used the pool all the time. And so many options!

Yogurt is my favorite InstantPot use! It's so easy. I pour in a big bottle of Fairlife low-fat or whole depending on what you want and the first time add a big dollop (a few tablespoons) of store bought plain yogurt and whisk it in. Then set the InstantPot to "yogurt" and 9 hours. Let it cool and put in jars. For the next batch, just use the last few tablespoons from your last batch for the starter.

I agree with your therapist that it is most healthy for you to set goals/plans and continue with them if YOU have the enthusiasm. DH can know he is welcome and maybe it will motivate him sometimes but if you are getting benefit JFDI (is that the right abbreviation???).

I'm home! Whew. I did fly first class because I have decided I am too tall to fly coach anymore and I can afford it, but ended up seated next to a screaming one year old and her very nice, stressed mother. What a nightmare! I had the worst headache by the time we landed. Her squirming and screaming for 4 hours made me realize why motherhood is best left to the young moms. I can't imagine that at my age! Or as a single mom. (Shudder)

Loved sleeping in this bed. I forgot how much I liked it! I still haven't unpacked, but I need groceries more so that's first. I did weigh myself this morning and it's not good, but I figure being here is a fresh start. So healthy choices it is. I'm off to a decent start with coffee and a protein shake this morning.

The leaves on the way to the airport were beautiful. I've never been there late enough to see them like that. But given it was 41 degrees and 30 mph winds, I was happy to go. It's gorgeous and going to be 77 here today. Yay! But I miss Ferg. He's in good hands, though. My dad's wife is awesome and taking care of him.

Hugs to all...

Welcome home! You are a good couple hours from the fires, right?

Yes, safe and sound!

Good morning! it is a lovely autumn morning here. A little chill in the air, but quite nice. I like crisp mornings.

Today there is grooming on the docket. Then I really must do some chores! I did not have a chance to shop for lunch foods last week. I want to make sure I'm more prepared this week.

Went to a family dinner last night. Ron and his 5 siblings and significant others and kids still living at home. Ended up being a crying fest as each person was asked to remember Cookie and Paps, Ron's deceased dad and step mom. The food was average, the service just okay, and the patio heater kept turning itself off. Add in all the drama and it was a perfect **** storm of a burdensome night.

Diane O., I am a proponent of bringing the milk to 180 or so degrees to kill any bacteria lurking in the milk, then allowing it to cool back down to below 110. once it's cool I add the starter (a dollop of yogurt) and set the instant pot.

To those of you looking at gyms, exercise, etc.... remember to do something you love and, above all else, strength training is the 'anti aging' miracle cure!