I Believe...

"LIFE IS NOT ABOUT WEATHERING THE STORM, ...IT'S ABOUT LEARNING TO DANCE IN THE RAIN"

Monday, January 4, 2010

3rd post from January 2009 - MEDICATION

Today is January 4, 2010, below is my 3rd post for January 2009.   David's medications are the same except for the addition of Axona, which I added to this post.

January 4, 2009

I believe that David starting on medication as soon as possible was imperative . David's on Aricept and Namenda, each twice a day.   When he went to Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, they prescribed Aricept twice a day, and we'll continue doing this, until we see a decline. I really believe this has held his Alzheimer's at bay longer ........ He also takes Omega 3,  C and E, Men's Multi-vitamin, and Axona (coconut powder).

We've been lucky/blessed that David's never had any negative side affects from his medication, only good.
After he started on Aricept and Namenda,  I could see his sweet disposition returning.   I think  for him to know his diagnosis,  and not have to pretend or cover up his actions or feelings,  made life easier  for him too.

I think it's really important to have a full stomach when you take the pills. David eats a big breakfast, the same each morning.....sounds boring, but he loves it. Old Fashioned oatmeal with 4 prunes and honey, orange juice, coffee, and 2 slices of whole grain toast with peanut butter. After eating all of this, he then takes a Namenda and Aricept. After eating lunch, he takes his vitamins, and in the evening, after dinner, he takes a Namenda, Aricept and Omega 3.

Struggling to perform any type of task (when it was so easy in the past), can make the difference in a good day or a bad day for him.   I try to always be aware if he's having any problems with a task; if I can help him before he gets confused or frustrated, it makes a big difference. When he tries to do something over and over, it can change the entire aspect of how he feels about himself. I try to act very casual about helping him ..... I just happen to be walking by......and help him. When he does make a mistake, we laugh, and we've had some good laughs.

Back to real time, January 4, 2010.......and I say, "thank you God for medications!"

7 comments:

Papa said...

He looks comfortable and the sun is shining. That's good.

Moments of Grace said...

Dolores,
How wonderful to hear that the medications are serving their purpose in David's condition. As a nurse, I have seen it go both ways but, in David's case, we have God to thank that the meds are allowing him to be functional and continue to enjoy life.
If I may say so, you are also a blessing to your husband. Your love for him is so obvious and your unselfish giving, I am sure, makes all the difference in his daily life. God bless you, my friend, as you care for the one you love. We go in His strength, not our own. May His strength continue to be yours and may His blessings to you be abundant.

In Grace,
Marie

judi/Gmj said...

Very interesting reading, I love the Journal quality to these posts. hugs, judi

Vickie said...

Dolores - this is so helpful to my husband and me, and I'm sure lots of others out there struggling with Alz. My MIL is taking the same drugs. Not Axona yet. I need to check and make sure she's getting her vitamins, too. But the Aricept and Namenda have helped her attitude SO much. She was getting upset and beligerent and now she is happy and accepting of her condition and seems to be content.

Thanks for visiting me! I'm directing my husband to your blog...

Happy@Home said...

It's encouraging to know that there are some medications that are helpful. I'm glad that David is able to tolerate them. I think your kind and loving care are more helpful than any of the medicines, however.

Rebecca Nelson said...

Dear Delores...

Please pray I will always have the courage to share my faith...

Sometimes I worry my passion for Jesus will get buried underneath all the other things I love.

Bless you and David today. May your faith in the Almighty sustain you.

Love,

Rebecca

Vickie said...

Hi Dolores -

What did I do with the eggs? Why I ATE them this morning for breakfast! They were wonderfully tasty - you really can tell a difference between fresh and store-bought. I'm sorry I'm afraid I'm not going to share them with your dog and cat! I know, I'll give 'em my store-bought ones that I still have in the fridge! Maybe they won't notice the difference. I've been buying fresh eggs from a lady down the street until I can get my own chickens. Maybe this is a start!

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