I don't even know where to start with this post. 

My Grandma has been battling dementia for a couple of years now (she is in her late 80's).  The disease came on quickly and has progressively gotten worse.  To make matters worse, she refuses to take the medication that would slow down the effects of the disease.  She claims that the medicine causes side effects (she also tried to claim that her osteoporosis medication caused side effects).

She no longer knows who I am or any of the other grandkids.  She confuses my mom with my aunt or forgets who they are completely.  And now she has gotten to the point where she doesn't recognize Grandpa.....her own husband.  It is so hard when I see her because she asks who I am.  Imagine having to introduce yourself to your own Grandma every time you see her.  And I know that she gets so frustrated because she can't remember.  

She was taken to the hospital last night.  Physically she is doing great for her age but mentally she is a mess. 


My mom and my aunt are devastated and worn out.  They have been taking care of EVERYTHING!  I feel like this has hit me like a ton of bricks today.  Please keep my family in your prayers.  As of right now we don't think that my Grandma will be able to go back home to their farm.  :-(   I am hoping we will find out more during the day today. 
My Grandma and Grandpa with us on our wedding day

Comments

Corinne said…
oh I'm so very sorry to read this today. My grandmother is also battling the disease, yet thankfully she is taking the medication..but it's not 100% curing her.
I will for sure keep you and your family in my prayers. I do not understand to the extent what you are going through, but I do understand parts of it, and it is heartbreaking.
Laura Ann, my prayers are with you and your family!
Marian said…
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers
Cat said…
Thinking of you!
Hilary said…
Aww, Laura, that's awful! I'll keep your family in my prayers.
jessica lynn said…
ohhh nooo! she is such a cutie! hopefully you get some good news today and time with friends this weekend will take your mind off of everything for a few hours! xo
Bren said…
hope everything works out! right before my grandpa passed he had a stroke and lost a lot of his memory. i also had to introduce myself to him and that was so hard so i know how you feel...not easy to deal with! hope you are doing ok!
Reading this post really hit home for me... my grandma is also suffering from dementia and it is getting to the point where i have to come to terms with the fact that she will never be the same woman again. I don't even like to talk about it because it makes me want to throw up - that this is the reality and what can happen at the end of someone's life. I am so sorry that you are going through this with your grandma too - you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ams said…
I am SO sorry that you are going through this love. You know, we went through this exact same thing with my grandma. It is so so so hard to watch... I struggled really badly with it - almost distancing myself from her because I was scared, and didn't know what to do. Anyway, I don't have any advice except to continue loving her... I always feared that my grandma was able to sense MY fear and I didn't want that. *Hugs* and many many prayers to your family... xo
Heidi said…
I'm so sorry you are going through this! My grandpa had the same disease, he has since passed, but I pray that you and your family have strength and lots of love during this time!
Jennifer said…
So sorry to hear about your grandma. I remember my Great Grandma Leah going through Alzheimer's and it was heart breaking. If you or any of your friends want to help the fight against it you should look into joining a QUASH near you!

http://www.alz.org/quashnow/
Sarah Elizabeth said…
I'm sorry to hear about your grandma. My grandpa had alzheimer's which is pretty similar to dimentia. My only advice would be to be thankful that you still have your grandparents and that they were able to see your wedding. All of mine have been gone for at least 3 years now, and I'm only 22.
i will be thinking of your family in this difficult time.

on a lighter note....i'm loving your new blog design!
What a sweet picture!

I'm so sorry to read this. My grandfather had Alzheimer's, and it's just really, really hard. There's no way around that. She is so fortunate to have such a devoted family, and I ache for all of you. Hugs & prayers to you.

Popular Posts