Posted 2*12/24 (Notice the math problem built in the date here…)
Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. The Lord God planted a garden toward the east, in Eden; and there he placed the man whom he had formed. Out of the ground the Lord God caused to grow every tree that is pleasing to the sight and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. . . . Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it (Gen 2:7-9; 15).
Zoinks…I am very sorry I have been away from the KB lately. 🙁 There are very few places I would rather be! Off to “work” on this piece I go. 🙂
I found an interesting piece published this week that highlights a reality that we all need to be aware of: We all need help! This is the piece: LINK
At first glance, if you missed the news, Aduhelm, the first in a series of very promising drugs to clear Beta Amyloid, was quietly and kind of unceremoniously removed from production this month. It was the first drug shown to halt the progression of the disease in the right circumstances and with some possible side effects that must be mitigated. The good news is that it wasn’t removed because of unknown, excessive side effects or a failure to “work” as described. The reason it was pulled is because Leqembi works better. That is a great problem to have and I fully expect Leqembi will meet the same fate soon. The research pipeline is pregnant with a bright future.
I just found the above link interesting because of how an ultrasound could be used to help maneuver a drug through the brain’s alligator-filled most (aka the blood brain barrier) and apply the drug as needed. Just like comparing Door Dash to picking up the pizza yourself, delivery matters. Aduhelm could breech the blood brain barrier, but it cost it dearly in effectiveness, especially when compared to being escorted by an ultrasound.
However, this is first and foremost a caregiver blog, so I need to also remind you that YOU need help too. Sure, you can be the Lone Ranger caregiver and do it all yourself (“Hi Ho Silver, away!!!!!…from me you helper you!) However, you needn’t do it yourself and you can be a much better caregiver if you DON’T go it alone! Make a list of things that you hate doing, or, perhaps you don’t have time to do…and have it ready the next time someone says “Can I help you, in any way?”. More people than you realize want to help, but don’t know how to help best without being told. Be ready to tell them…then do not feel guilty in doing so! Not only are you worth it, you as a full-strength caregiver are better than you as a pooped out one! 🙂 If a $30-50K per year medicine is weaker without a much less expensive procedure’s help, you shouldn’t feel guilty getting help. You and your loved one will both benefit. 🙂
Another brief, sort of unrelated topic: Keeping our loved one busy. While this is NOT revolutionary, it was a huge ah-ha moment in my somewhat pea brain: sometimes behavior issues are boredom related in a way that having fun won’t fix. They want to be productive and not a burden, and just don’t know how to express it. I suppose I always knew this instinctively since we would give mom the same basket of towels to fold and refold and refold (after unfolding them and fluffing them again to warm them). However, we were created to work and be productive. If we give an honest appraisal, few things give us satisfaction like a successful day’s work! Adam and Eve’s fall only made the work they were already doing a toil… and a stinking drag, whereas before they worked for the joy for themselves and in fellowship with the One to whom the work was dedicated. When we “retire”, a word not found in the Bible or other religion’s holy books, many find ourselves bored and unfulfilled…because we were created to stay busy. So, if your loved one is getting restless, exhibiting behaviors that are not good, or wandering around, keep this in mind. In fact, do this:
- Make sure it isn’t a physical need needing to me met. (Food, drink, pain, toileting, etc…)
- Check their spirit/emotions- are they upset about something? Dig deep. Asking questions in this area is fine…not quizzing, but more directed questions: “Are you late for something?”, “Is everyone alright?” , “Where are ya heading?”etc… Is it a “Matter of Fact” attitude, or are they on a mission?
- If it is none of these things…maybe, just maybe, they are feeling like a burden and that they are not fulfilling their calling to help and serve. Find something they can “do” safely to “help” and let them help, even if imperfectly. Don’t be condescending… and always remember to thank them sincerely and lovingly! They are trying to love. Maybe they are trying to show their love language is service? It is worth checking rather than just dismissing it. 🙂
This stuff isn’t easy. If it was easy, we would never have a shortage of caregivers. Keep fighting the good fight, friends! Keep fighting to #EndALZ while you are at it. We get closer every day!
Update: Mom has been stable for a couple of weeks again. She had a sore that developed under and around her nose, but it is almost completely gone now. All things considered, it could be worse. I will see her tomorrow, Snowmageddon notwithstanding.
This was the group in front of whom I ugly cried on Memory Day last week. It is very hard for me to talk about my mom, grandma, and Uncle Joe without the waterworks starting up…and this day was no exception. They were a tremendous encouragement before, during, and after my mini-speech! More details on this event forthcoming this week. :)….hopefully…….sigh…….hopefully.