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prayers please for FIL Larry with Alzheimer's

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Deleted member 23845

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All,

May I ask for prayers for my father in law Larry? His Alzheimer's has reached a point where the family, including my wife and I, really cannot continue care. We have him here at our house in Sugar Land right now. Stay is for two weeks. There is high risk. After two weeks, the plan is to place him in full time care in the San Antonio area near my wife's older brothers. The past six months have revealed an accelerated dementia with incontinence, confusion, erratic behavior, anger out bursts and other typical issues.

Stress on our marriage has been huge. Alzheimer's drains everyone.

Once Larry was a robust man, a drilling engineer with Shell, a great family leader and an interesting personality. Now all we see is a miserable remainder.

Anyway, we could use prayers for these upcoming two weeks, and the transition to full time care. I don't think it will be easy.

Thank you.
 
Best of luck, hope all goes relatively well with him.
Cannot imagine how difficult it must be for you and your wife.
 
Alzheimer's is a cruel disease. My mom "lived" with it for far too long and the toll it takes on the family is tremendous. The hardest decision was the one where I realized I could no longer care for her.

Thoughts and prayers are with you.
 
Really sorry to hear this. Elaine and I will have you and your family in our prayers.
 
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family
 
Sorry to hear of anyone going through this ****, both Larry and his family. My dad went that way, a lovable, happy guy everyone liked and the disease stole it all. At the end I realized a sad fact...we're kinder to our pets than we are with our fellow humans.

This will pass, and sounds like not too far down the road. I'm praying for you, brother.
 
After watching my Dad's Mom suffer from this, I pray often that I pass quickly and quietly in my sleep, preferably in a bed and not while driving... In the end, she didn't recognize anyone, even her husband of over 60 years. However, even when she was totally withdrawn and virtually unresponsive, we would hear humming a particular song... over and over again... "Jesus loves me this I know..." I'd like to think that no matter how bad it got from our perspective, she was never truly alone. :zen:
 
Tourmeister said:
we would hear humming a particular song... over and over again... "Jesus loves me this I know..."
Click to expand...

That's powerful stuff, right there. Looking back, what a comfort that must be.
 
All,

We have had a major success with Alzheimer's day care here in Sugar Land. Larry initially struggled with the change, but when I picked him up yesterday he was happy, had made friends, and one lady even escorted us out. Same experience today: the memory care experts, a safe environment, and activities matched to ability create some happiness. Anyway, I am grateful. Getting to this choice was difficult though. Next big decision is if and where to put Larry into full time care. I think it is time, but his sons and daughter (my wife) are struggling. Thanks for positive energy!
 
Prayers for all your kin. Each family that has to deal with dementia struggles.
Tough decisions, but to delay is also a decision with consequences.
 
Family is placing Larry into a memory care Alzheimer's full time care facility next Wednesday. It is best for his safety and happiness. Series of doctors make the recommendation: its time, or past due. Anyway, the transition is emotionally a challenge. Continued prayers would be appreciated. Thanks so much!
 
It seems you hear of this more often nowadays. I wonder if it has to do with the chemicals in the foods we eat, or exposure to something else? My mom had moderate alzheimers and I dreaded the thought of seeing her slowly fade to the point that she didn't know me. But, before that happened, she was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and within 5 weeks, she passed at 88yrs old. As much as I hated losing her so quick to cancer, I feel it was a lot better alternative than years of Alzheimers.
 
Update: we moved Larry to a second Alzheimer's memory care unit in San Antonio. This one seems to be a better fit. He celebrated his 79th birthday on 12/17. We will go see Grandpa Larry after Christmas, and hope he recognizes us. For myself, to be honest, it is a real blessing not to host him for the month of December. First time free in 8 years. I no longer am required to do Alzheimer's care, and Larry is safer, and happier. So, that is a huge positive change starting fall of 2016. We pray for a good 2017 for Larry.
 
Update on Larry: he has developed severe leg swelling, and the docs have put him on a blood thinner-clot buster drug. Walking has become increasingly difficult. I am concerned about drug interactions, and congestive heart failure. He had severe heart damage and a stroke from a tragic auto accident several years ago. His heart has a stent, but further stress could be a difficult road. Moving to a wheelchair also could be a step down.

Any prayers are appreciated. Thanks to all.
 
Another update, my wife just got back from San Antonio and visiting her dad and my BIL. Larry likely has liver cancer. We will know for sure next week after further testing. And his leg blood clots are worsening so he is in significant pain. Incontinence is out of control.

We continue to ask for prayers. Some big decisions are coming soon.

blessings and thanks
 
wanabeguru said:
still on our prayer list
Click to expand...

wana,

Much appreciated, I deeply thank you!

Larry had a false diagnosis for liver cancer. A second endocrinologist exam showed a screening exam was in error. Larry is still struggling adjusting to the Memory care unit. Incontinence is erratic and blood clots in his legs are problematic.

I am engaged in a daily and 3 week meditation and prayer effort for Larry. My main prayers are for Larry to remember his Christ light within, for calming of his anxiety, and for his doctors and care takers to make the best choices.

blessings,
Greg in Sugar Land
 
Sorry to hear, that is a tough situation. Prayed for you and your family today.


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