I have to get some exercise. When I was working full time we had to start wearing our uniform shirts tucked in and needless to say I had a few pounds to lose. Well after a lot of eating habit changes I lost 40lbs. I started eating 6 small meals a day instead of eating 3 large meals. It worked. Of course I also had to cut back on soda's , chips and sweets. But now I am home all day with mom and all I want to do is eat.
Well, I bought a stationary bike. I can ride my bike while I read the paper or watch TV. And Mom can talk to me or just talk . She talks a lot to no one. But I can answer her anyway. Sometimes I am bad and just say yes not really listening to what she is saying and she yells "You want me to leave!". I need to pay attention because sometimes she is really taking to me and knows whats going on. I love those days.
Now I just have to make myself get on that bike. I have a treadmill too. It is very dusty.
Well, I bought a stationary bike. I can ride my bike while I read the paper or watch TV. And Mom can talk to me or just talk . She talks a lot to no one. But I can answer her anyway. Sometimes I am bad and just say yes not really listening to what she is saying and she yells "You want me to leave!". I need to pay attention because sometimes she is really taking to me and knows whats going on. I love those days.
Now I just have to make myself get on that bike. I have a treadmill too. It is very dusty.
I so appreciate your visit ... you and I have tons and tons in common! Dads passing away too early, Moms with Alzheimer's, caregiving and all the joy/stress that comes with it. Take care and enjoy your weekend ... get yourself out on that bike!
ReplyDeleteMy Mom, too, has Alzheimer's, my Dad has Parkinson's. They are both in an assisted living facility, but can't live together. My caregiving is in the area of taking them to doctor visits, staying with them for hospital stays, visiting -- and I feel guilty that they are not here in my home. Mom is 88 - Advanced AD now, wheelchair bound, incontinent, and now not wanting to eat and losing weight.
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart.
Those days when your Mom does know some of what is going on are very precious; cherish them. Good luck -- I wish you all the best in this terrible long goodbye ---- Cass
Hi Karen! I found you through the Alz Facebook. You and I have so much in common, I feel like I know you. Too bad you don't live closer so we could share our "crying like a baby days", and celebrate our "Mom is actually talking to me days". THANKS for sharing and making the rest of us feel a little less alone. Hugs, Mary
ReplyDeleteGood morning Karen,
ReplyDeleteIt's easy for me to remember your name..... Karen is our daughter's name.... I still love the sound of "Karen".
Good for you to be getting on your bike! We really need the exercise to relieve the stress when taking care of our loved ones with Alzheimer's.
I hope you have a good weekend.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Hugs to you....