A Deadly Combination
Dementia and Diabetes are not a good match.40 total reviews
Comment from Rosalyne
Hi, Shari.
You are a very strong and giving woman! What you're going through is a huge adjustment in one's life. Caring for a loved-one with dementia is life altering as is diabetes. Combining both together is a continuous challenge. You've shared so well the frustrations and challenges you face daily with both diseases. Throughout, you've kept your humour, which shows so well in your last sentence. I burst out laughing reading the word, PRICK, a double edged sword.
Best of luck in the contest!
Bye
Rosalyne :)
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Hi, Shari.
You are a very strong and giving woman! What you're going through is a huge adjustment in one's life. Caring for a loved-one with dementia is life altering as is diabetes. Combining both together is a continuous challenge. You've shared so well the frustrations and challenges you face daily with both diseases. Throughout, you've kept your humour, which shows so well in your last sentence. I burst out laughing reading the word, PRICK, a double edged sword.
Best of luck in the contest!
Bye
Rosalyne :)
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Thanks so much, Rosalyne for the fabulous six. I'm glad to hear this made you laugh--my intent. Humor always gets one through.
Comment from humpwhistle
So that's what that me! All this time people have been calling me a prick, I thought it was a term of phallic respect! Boy, is my face purple!
I didn't have to deal with diabetes, too. But I recognize the denial, and the yearning to be right for once.
Hard to be so dependent.
I'm glad you're working to maintain your sense of humor, Shari. It will carry you a ways.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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So that's what that me! All this time people have been calling me a prick, I thought it was a term of phallic respect! Boy, is my face purple!
I didn't have to deal with diabetes, too. But I recognize the denial, and the yearning to be right for once.
Hard to be so dependent.
I'm glad you're working to maintain your sense of humor, Shari. It will carry you a ways.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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LOL. Prick is also slang for the one-eyed monster, but not one of respect. Thanks for the insightful comment. It's a long road ahead (no pun intended)
Comment from boxergirl
Patience and humor do go a long way in dealing with our aging loved ones. Your story takes us through a perfect example of this, especially with the humorous ending. Hang in there, Shari. 8-)
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Patience and humor do go a long way in dealing with our aging loved ones. Your story takes us through a perfect example of this, especially with the humorous ending. Hang in there, Shari. 8-)
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Thanks, BG. It's not always easy. But it could be worse.
Comment from w.j.debi
How patient you must be to help him through each day and still maintain your humor. A well written essay, documentary,(not sure what to call it), but you use descriptions and dialog to excellent advantage in telling the story.
Best of luck in the contest. This has to be a contender.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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How patient you must be to help him through each day and still maintain your humor. A well written essay, documentary,(not sure what to call it), but you use descriptions and dialog to excellent advantage in telling the story.
Best of luck in the contest. This has to be a contender.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Thanks, w.j. It does take a lot of patience. Thank God I find refuge in writing. Wish hubby had a hobby beside watching TV.
Comment from Eigle Rull
Perfect! I have Diabetes type 2 also. This describes the testing down to a T. I applaud you. My father-in-law had Dementia also. My mother-in-law cared for him for years - by herself. It was a never ending job of pain and suffering for her. But she loved him so much that she couldn't put him away. Family finally intervened and he was put into a nursing home where he out lasted her by six years - as a vegetable.
You are a fine woman and a loving wife - obviously. However, remember your own needs also, my friend. Don't try to do it all by yourself.
This piece was better than excellent. And even as a sad piece, you ended it with the kind of humor I find in a lot of your writing - FUNNY. I loved reading this. I also read it to Marcia, the daughter of the parents I described. It brought some tears from memory, and some laughter from your humor. Thank you, my friend, for sharing it.
Always with respect,
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Perfect! I have Diabetes type 2 also. This describes the testing down to a T. I applaud you. My father-in-law had Dementia also. My mother-in-law cared for him for years - by herself. It was a never ending job of pain and suffering for her. But she loved him so much that she couldn't put him away. Family finally intervened and he was put into a nursing home where he out lasted her by six years - as a vegetable.
You are a fine woman and a loving wife - obviously. However, remember your own needs also, my friend. Don't try to do it all by yourself.
This piece was better than excellent. And even as a sad piece, you ended it with the kind of humor I find in a lot of your writing - FUNNY. I loved reading this. I also read it to Marcia, the daughter of the parents I described. It brought some tears from memory, and some laughter from your humor. Thank you, my friend, for sharing it.
Always with respect,
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Thank you for the warm and caring review, Eigle. Thank you for sharing your story too. Trust me, if it gets too much, I'll know enough to put him in a nursing home ten minutes from here.
Love that you shared it with Marcia. Thank you too for the exceptional rating.
Comment from sibhus
Seems like a tough row to hoe, there Spitfire. At least you have that biting wit of yours to buck you up. A well written piece that makes for an excellent entry for the contest. It's really wonderful that you are supportive of Frank, I just hope that you have a support system as well.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Seems like a tough row to hoe, there Spitfire. At least you have that biting wit of yours to buck you up. A well written piece that makes for an excellent entry for the contest. It's really wonderful that you are supportive of Frank, I just hope that you have a support system as well.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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I do, husky. Heck, I even had a fellow writer offer to take me to lunch for a reprieve. That would be fine except that he's a divorcee. Hubby wouldn't go for that. L0L
Comment from maggieadams
What a touching story, ending with humor. Shari, you are an angel as dementia never goes away and the patient becomes more fearful and angry as it progresses. It is hard to see their independence fade. I hope you are getting some support and care for yourself. This piece connects to the reader and deserves the six.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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What a touching story, ending with humor. Shari, you are an angel as dementia never goes away and the patient becomes more fearful and angry as it progresses. It is hard to see their independence fade. I hope you are getting some support and care for yourself. This piece connects to the reader and deserves the six.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Thanks, Maggie. Admittedly, I was hoping for some sixes on this--my reward. LOL. Right now, he's still in denial, but boy does he get paranoid about little things!
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You deserve more than a six-star review...you deserve a big hug and lots and lots of kudos. Hang in there. I dealt with my dad for four years...it was tough.
Comment from Sasha
How my heart goes out to you. My mother fortunately had passing dementia but even then times were very difficult. I recall days when I actually considered packing my bag and leaving for good. But those moments passed and we somehow got through the tough times. Her dementia often lasted a few weeks then disappeared as quickly as it arrived. My fear was always wondering when it would reappear again. Great work with this and I sincerely wish you all the best in the contest too.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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How my heart goes out to you. My mother fortunately had passing dementia but even then times were very difficult. I recall days when I actually considered packing my bag and leaving for good. But those moments passed and we somehow got through the tough times. Her dementia often lasted a few weeks then disappeared as quickly as it arrived. My fear was always wondering when it would reappear again. Great work with this and I sincerely wish you all the best in the contest too.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Interesting, sasha. I notice that Frank has good days and bad days. I didn't know dementia could even do a vanishing act for weeks at a time. That's encouraging as is your exceptional rating.
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My mother had a rare form of dementia. It was caused by urinary infections; something I had never heard of before. Apparently it is also genetic so I have told everyone I know that if they every catch me talking to telephone poles to get me on an antibiotic fast!!!!
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LOL Do they even have telephone poles where you are? I took Bendryl once and started talking to my refrigerator!
Comment from adewpearl
he opened and steps in - stepped in - avoid shifting verb tenses
I'm laughing at your darkly funny humor in the closing
You explain in excellent detail the diabetes testing procedures and the intake of insulin and how your husband, due to dementia, is now starting to forget and get things wrong
I like that you retain a sense of humor about what must be a very taxing and frustrating part of your life as you obviously love your husband and want him to get the proper care even when he is fighting you every step of the way
Brooke
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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he opened and steps in - stepped in - avoid shifting verb tenses
I'm laughing at your darkly funny humor in the closing
You explain in excellent detail the diabetes testing procedures and the intake of insulin and how your husband, due to dementia, is now starting to forget and get things wrong
I like that you retain a sense of humor about what must be a very taxing and frustrating part of your life as you obviously love your husband and want him to get the proper care even when he is fighting you every step of the way
Brooke
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Thanks for catching the tense shift (no pun intended) It does get frustrating sometimes, but we love each other enough to get through the battles without blood. :-)
Comment from Dean Kuch
My father, who was very recently diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease, also has type two diabetes. He is 76 years old, and his sharp mind and keen wit has always been one of his greatest attributes. Now, sadly, he will slowly lose his mind, and that is nearly more than I can bear to even think about.
The ending of your story had me rolling, Spit! At least you are able to keep a great sense of humor throughout the situation, although I imagine it's not as easy as you make it appear to be. As I am the only son of three still living in Ohio, I imagine I'll find out just how easy it really is myself when my dad calls me for help. I just hope I'm able to do so as well as you.
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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My father, who was very recently diagnosed with the beginning stages of Alzheimer's Disease, also has type two diabetes. He is 76 years old, and his sharp mind and keen wit has always been one of his greatest attributes. Now, sadly, he will slowly lose his mind, and that is nearly more than I can bear to even think about.
The ending of your story had me rolling, Spit! At least you are able to keep a great sense of humor throughout the situation, although I imagine it's not as easy as you make it appear to be. As I am the only son of three still living in Ohio, I imagine I'll find out just how easy it really is myself when my dad calls me for help. I just hope I'm able to do so as well as you.
Comment Written 04-Aug-2014
reply by the author on 04-Aug-2014
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Hey, my hubby is 76 too. Usually a person has dementia or Alzheimer's a few years before it's noticed. I hope you and your father are close. That helps a whole lot. Even with that, there will be days when you lose it. I do, but always apologize as does he. You might want to buy a ten dollar paperback called The 36 Hour Day by Nancy Mace and Peter Rabins. It helps me a lot in learning how to handle his temper. BTW he's in denial.
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Thanks for the tip, Shari, and I'll buy that paperback book. Yes, we are very close, my dad & I. We always have been, that is why it is so hard to conceive.
