Lets look back:
2017 Journey begins and diagnosis……….Mum had seen a number of changes within grumpy which made her concerned regarding his memory. The issue we have is that grumpy has multiple conditions and as many people know some can mirror Dementia Symptoms and also the medication he takes could have had an impact. However, mum had to make an appointment for dad at his local GP to talk about some of his conditions and at that appointment she raised her concern. She wasn’t sure she would raise it as she was worried about Grumpy’s reaction. However, Grumpy also said he had noticed things that he was worried about.
The doctor on this visit was one of the ‘good ones’ (sadly the surgery isn’t that good). So there and then the GP commenced the initial testing. Which went similar to this:
- name and address was given to him at the start.
- asked him to count backwards from 20
- asked him to say the months of the years backwards
- showed him a selection of pictures and one of the was a crown and he asked which picture related to the royal family.
- He then asked him to tell him the name and the address that he had given to him at the start.
On speaking to mum after she said for some he did well, he did remember some of the address and name, he was able to get half way counting and for the months. However, he struggled with the picture question and could not explain the crown being part of the royal family.
The doctor then said he has some markers that could mean he needs further testing and that he would refer to the ‘Memory team’ (what it says on the tin I suppose). He also asked for medication review, and full round of bloods to rule out any other condition that could mimic Dementia.
Grumpy went along to the memory team with mum and sister Joanna which is really important to have as many people as you can that knows them. As we also see different changes which helps the professionals to see the bigger picture. He was also sent for a CT scan.
During the months that followed dad fell unwell, had a number of TIA (mini strokes), post stroke seizures, bouts of infections which meant lots of trips to the hospital (not always a positive experience). Not having a definite diagnosis was hard as the hospital did not meet his needs at the time and a lot of this was down to not having it in black and white. I felt they dismissed us which added even more pressure.
I am going to continue to write about Dad’s journey. This is just the beginning 2017 was a hard year. I am aware it is not over and that 2018……….onwards is going to have more hard times.
A few things to note:
- keep notes if you notice changes
- during the investigations do not forget to breathe
- once diagnosis comes do not think life is over there and then
- know that dementia is a terminal illness and this can be something we need to support people understanding
- a diagnosis does not mean someone does not have capacity understand so remember how they feel about the diagnosis
- depression is a common reaction
- compassion and empathy will help you to support someone.
- plan for the future
- before diagnosis consider Lasting Power of attorney for health and wellbeing (only comes in to action when the person loses capacity).
Will be back with more experiences and progression within Grumpy’s journey.
By the way ‘Grumpy’ is a term of endearment that all his grandchildren use (because he is grumpy but it a loving way).