Re: What are the normal breath rates in the eldery?

[Guest guest]

I, too, am not familiar with that. Hopefully, it will give both of you some

relief and peaceful rest. Glad they were able to come up with a treatment.

Please keep us posted on how your aunt is tomorrow.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> They decided to give her amoxcillin rectally I don't know much about this, but

I hope it will give her the same relief.

[Guest guest]

I, too, am not familiar with that. Hopefully, it will give both of you some

relief and peaceful rest. Glad they were able to come up with a treatment.

Please keep us posted on how your aunt is tomorrow.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> They decided to give her amoxcillin rectally I don't know much about this, but

I hope it will give her the same relief.

[Guest guest]

That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

Re: What are the normal breath rates in the eldery?

I, too, am not familiar with that. Hopefully, it will give both of you some

relief and peaceful rest. Glad they were able to come up with a treatment.

Please keep us posted on how your aunt is tomorrow.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> They decided to give her amoxcillin rectally I don't know much about this, but

I hope it will give her the same relief.

[Guest guest]

That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

Re: What are the normal breath rates in the eldery?

I, too, am not familiar with that. Hopefully, it will give both of you some

relief and peaceful rest. Glad they were able to come up with a treatment.

Please keep us posted on how your aunt is tomorrow.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> They decided to give her amoxcillin rectally I don't know much about this, but

I hope it will give her the same relief.

[Guest guest]

You did the right thing by letting her sisters come. Hopefully, this is a time

when everyone can come together in support of each other. It's better to have

no regrets. Maybe you can get some rest...I'm sure you need it. You've been so

watchful all day; it's stressful.

Have a restful, peaceful night.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

[Guest guest]

You did the right thing by letting her sisters come. Hopefully, this is a time

when everyone can come together in support of each other. It's better to have

no regrets. Maybe you can get some rest...I'm sure you need it. You've been so

watchful all day; it's stressful.

Have a restful, peaceful night.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

[Guest guest]

You did the right thing by letting her sisters come. Hopefully, this is a time

when everyone can come together in support of each other. It's better to have

no regrets. Maybe you can get some rest...I'm sure you need it. You've been so

watchful all day; it's stressful.

Have a restful, peaceful night.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

[Guest guest]

The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray it

works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the syringe.

I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time & kind

comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a peaceful

restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother, and my

heart goes out to you.

Beth

Re: What are the normal breath rates in the eldery?

You did the right thing by letting her sisters come. Hopefully, this is a time

when everyone can come together in support of each other. It's better to have no

regrets. Maybe you can get some rest...I'm sure you need it. You've been so

watchful all day; it's stressful.

Have a restful, peaceful night.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

[Guest guest]

The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray it

works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the syringe.

I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time & kind

comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a peaceful

restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother, and my

heart goes out to you.

Beth

Re: What are the normal breath rates in the eldery?

You did the right thing by letting her sisters come. Hopefully, this is a time

when everyone can come together in support of each other. It's better to have no

regrets. Maybe you can get some rest...I'm sure you need it. You've been so

watchful all day; it's stressful.

Have a restful, peaceful night.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

[Guest guest]

The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray it

works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the syringe.

I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time & kind

comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a peaceful

restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother, and my

heart goes out to you.

Beth

Re: What are the normal breath rates in the eldery?

You did the right thing by letting her sisters come. Hopefully, this is a time

when everyone can come together in support of each other. It's better to have no

regrets. Maybe you can get some rest...I'm sure you need it. You've been so

watchful all day; it's stressful.

Have a restful, peaceful night.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

[Guest guest]

So glad the medication is there. I imagine the medication will work but wonder

if it might take a bit longer to notice the benefit. Don't be disappointed if

you don't see any change right away. It may take time. In the meantime, fluids

help to keep your aunt hydrated and help the bladder empty more often. All of

that can only be good.

Thank you for your kind words. At times, it seems my mother has been gone for a

long time. Yet, it hasn't been that long. I think it's the length of time this

journey consumes that makes the difference.

On a different note, I have four cats, one of whom has chronic kidney failure.

We're keeping him comfortable for whatever time he has left but it does pose

challenges with four geriatric cats on three different prescription diets.

We're about at the time of night where I start thinking of rounding them up for

their last feeding of this day and then trying to keep their tummies happy for

as long as possible. :-) That usually means about 5 a.m. It's like a 3-ring

circus but we love the little guys so do whatever we can to help each of them.

They're all rescues taken in at different times and get along very well. I'm

getting mentally psyched for the marathon effort to get all nightly meds lined

up for them and their last feeding. The countdown begins soon... :-) After

that, there should be peace...

Best wishes,

Lynn

>

> The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray

it works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the

syringe. I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time &

kind comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a

peaceful restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother,

and my heart goes out to you.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

So glad the medication is there. I imagine the medication will work but wonder

if it might take a bit longer to notice the benefit. Don't be disappointed if

you don't see any change right away. It may take time. In the meantime, fluids

help to keep your aunt hydrated and help the bladder empty more often. All of

that can only be good.

Thank you for your kind words. At times, it seems my mother has been gone for a

long time. Yet, it hasn't been that long. I think it's the length of time this

journey consumes that makes the difference.

On a different note, I have four cats, one of whom has chronic kidney failure.

We're keeping him comfortable for whatever time he has left but it does pose

challenges with four geriatric cats on three different prescription diets.

We're about at the time of night where I start thinking of rounding them up for

their last feeding of this day and then trying to keep their tummies happy for

as long as possible. :-) That usually means about 5 a.m. It's like a 3-ring

circus but we love the little guys so do whatever we can to help each of them.

They're all rescues taken in at different times and get along very well. I'm

getting mentally psyched for the marathon effort to get all nightly meds lined

up for them and their last feeding. The countdown begins soon... :-) After

that, there should be peace...

Best wishes,

Lynn

>

> The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray

it works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the

syringe. I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time &

kind comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a

peaceful restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother,

and my heart goes out to you.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

So glad the medication is there. I imagine the medication will work but wonder

if it might take a bit longer to notice the benefit. Don't be disappointed if

you don't see any change right away. It may take time. In the meantime, fluids

help to keep your aunt hydrated and help the bladder empty more often. All of

that can only be good.

Thank you for your kind words. At times, it seems my mother has been gone for a

long time. Yet, it hasn't been that long. I think it's the length of time this

journey consumes that makes the difference.

On a different note, I have four cats, one of whom has chronic kidney failure.

We're keeping him comfortable for whatever time he has left but it does pose

challenges with four geriatric cats on three different prescription diets.

We're about at the time of night where I start thinking of rounding them up for

their last feeding of this day and then trying to keep their tummies happy for

as long as possible. :-) That usually means about 5 a.m. It's like a 3-ring

circus but we love the little guys so do whatever we can to help each of them.

They're all rescues taken in at different times and get along very well. I'm

getting mentally psyched for the marathon effort to get all nightly meds lined

up for them and their last feeding. The countdown begins soon... :-) After

that, there should be peace...

Best wishes,

Lynn

>

> The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray

it works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the

syringe. I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time &

kind comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a

peaceful restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother,

and my heart goes out to you.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

I'd like to echo what Lynn said: it was the right thing to let family come in,

express their love, and see for themselves what's going on. Try to be kind to

yourself as well as family. Your dear aunt may not have much time left.

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'd like to echo what Lynn said: it was the right thing to let family come in,

express their love, and see for themselves what's going on. Try to be kind to

yourself as well as family. Your dear aunt may not have much time left.

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I'd like to echo what Lynn said: it was the right thing to let family come in,

express their love, and see for themselves what's going on. Try to be kind to

yourself as well as family. Your dear aunt may not have much time left.

>

> That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

>

>

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

So glad the medication is there. I imagine the medication will work but wonder

if it might take a bit longer to notice the benefit. Don't be disappointed if

you don't see any change right away. It may take time. In the meantime, fluids

help to keep your aunt hydrated and help the bladder empty more often. All of

that can only be good.

Yes she is taking in some by the syringe she has went a good bit, so I know it's

helping. She seemed a little more alert. When her sisters were getting ready to

leave, I started giving her icecream, she started eating it pretty good, they

were cheering her on, it seems to rally her. But after they left she stopped &

wouldn't take anymore. I wish they had stayed so she might have finished it.

Thank you for your kind words. At times, it seems my mother has been gone for a

long time. Yet, it hasn't been that long. I think it's the length of time this

journey consumes that makes the difference.

I know when my aunt passes on, I will seem like a lost child without my mother.

I won't know what to do with myself. She is my best friend.

On a different note, I have four cats, one of whom has chronic kidney failure.

We're keeping him comfortable for whatever time he has left but it does pose

challenges with four geriatric cats on three different prescription diets. We're

about at the time of night where I start thinking of rounding them up for their

last feeding of this day and then trying to keep their tummies happy for as long

as possible. :-) That usually means about 5 a.m. It's like a 3-ring circus but

we love the little guys so do whatever we can to help each of them. They're all

rescues taken in at different times and get along very well. I'm getting

mentally psyched for the marathon effort to get all nightly meds lined up for

them and their last feeding. The countdown begins soon... :-) After that, there

should be peace...

Best wishes,

Lynn

I have never had cats, it sounds exciting around your house lol. I can just see

the nightly meds lined up & the cats standing in a row that is so cute. I have a

white siberian husky he was given to me by the actress Crystal Chappell that

played on Days of our lives. She gave him to me about 6 years ago, because she

was moving to Calif, & wanted him to have the cooler climates back here. So I

took him in. Just a fun tidbit in case you have ever seen her on Days. It's been

a long exhausting day, my aunt is sleeping she has been tucked in. I still have

more kisses to give her & more prayers before I turn in.

God Bless You!

Beth

>

> The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray

it works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the

syringe. I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time &

kind comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a

peaceful restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother,

and my heart goes out to you.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

So glad the medication is there. I imagine the medication will work but wonder

if it might take a bit longer to notice the benefit. Don't be disappointed if

you don't see any change right away. It may take time. In the meantime, fluids

help to keep your aunt hydrated and help the bladder empty more often. All of

that can only be good.

Yes she is taking in some by the syringe she has went a good bit, so I know it's

helping. She seemed a little more alert. When her sisters were getting ready to

leave, I started giving her icecream, she started eating it pretty good, they

were cheering her on, it seems to rally her. But after they left she stopped &

wouldn't take anymore. I wish they had stayed so she might have finished it.

Thank you for your kind words. At times, it seems my mother has been gone for a

long time. Yet, it hasn't been that long. I think it's the length of time this

journey consumes that makes the difference.

I know when my aunt passes on, I will seem like a lost child without my mother.

I won't know what to do with myself. She is my best friend.

On a different note, I have four cats, one of whom has chronic kidney failure.

We're keeping him comfortable for whatever time he has left but it does pose

challenges with four geriatric cats on three different prescription diets. We're

about at the time of night where I start thinking of rounding them up for their

last feeding of this day and then trying to keep their tummies happy for as long

as possible. :-) That usually means about 5 a.m. It's like a 3-ring circus but

we love the little guys so do whatever we can to help each of them. They're all

rescues taken in at different times and get along very well. I'm getting

mentally psyched for the marathon effort to get all nightly meds lined up for

them and their last feeding. The countdown begins soon... :-) After that, there

should be peace...

Best wishes,

Lynn

I have never had cats, it sounds exciting around your house lol. I can just see

the nightly meds lined up & the cats standing in a row that is so cute. I have a

white siberian husky he was given to me by the actress Crystal Chappell that

played on Days of our lives. She gave him to me about 6 years ago, because she

was moving to Calif, & wanted him to have the cooler climates back here. So I

took him in. Just a fun tidbit in case you have ever seen her on Days. It's been

a long exhausting day, my aunt is sleeping she has been tucked in. I still have

more kisses to give her & more prayers before I turn in.

God Bless You!

Beth

>

> The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray

it works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the

syringe. I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time &

kind comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a

peaceful restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother,

and my heart goes out to you.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

----- Original Message -----

So glad the medication is there. I imagine the medication will work but wonder

if it might take a bit longer to notice the benefit. Don't be disappointed if

you don't see any change right away. It may take time. In the meantime, fluids

help to keep your aunt hydrated and help the bladder empty more often. All of

that can only be good.

Yes she is taking in some by the syringe she has went a good bit, so I know it's

helping. She seemed a little more alert. When her sisters were getting ready to

leave, I started giving her icecream, she started eating it pretty good, they

were cheering her on, it seems to rally her. But after they left she stopped &

wouldn't take anymore. I wish they had stayed so she might have finished it.

Thank you for your kind words. At times, it seems my mother has been gone for a

long time. Yet, it hasn't been that long. I think it's the length of time this

journey consumes that makes the difference.

I know when my aunt passes on, I will seem like a lost child without my mother.

I won't know what to do with myself. She is my best friend.

On a different note, I have four cats, one of whom has chronic kidney failure.

We're keeping him comfortable for whatever time he has left but it does pose

challenges with four geriatric cats on three different prescription diets. We're

about at the time of night where I start thinking of rounding them up for their

last feeding of this day and then trying to keep their tummies happy for as long

as possible. :-) That usually means about 5 a.m. It's like a 3-ring circus but

we love the little guys so do whatever we can to help each of them. They're all

rescues taken in at different times and get along very well. I'm getting

mentally psyched for the marathon effort to get all nightly meds lined up for

them and their last feeding. The countdown begins soon... :-) After that, there

should be peace...

Best wishes,

Lynn

I have never had cats, it sounds exciting around your house lol. I can just see

the nightly meds lined up & the cats standing in a row that is so cute. I have a

white siberian husky he was given to me by the actress Crystal Chappell that

played on Days of our lives. She gave him to me about 6 years ago, because she

was moving to Calif, & wanted him to have the cooler climates back here. So I

took him in. Just a fun tidbit in case you have ever seen her on Days. It's been

a long exhausting day, my aunt is sleeping she has been tucked in. I still have

more kisses to give her & more prayers before I turn in.

God Bless You!

Beth

>

> The medication is ampicillin 3x's a day for 7 days in the rectum. I just pray

it works. I have been giving her cranberry juice & water all day with the

syringe. I also been giving her popsicles. I really appreciate all your time &

kind comforting words, they mean the world to me. I pray that you have a

peaceful restful sleep as well. I know you are still grieving for your mother,

and my heart goes out to you.

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

Dear Beth,

Good luck with everything- I hope the ampicillin works, and that she finds some

comfort.... God bless you for everything you are doing.

Will keep you in my thoughts.

Helene in NY

(Mom 78, 12 years with LBD - now late stage)

> >

> > That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Good morning, Beth. Hopefully, you had some peaceful rest last night...as well

as your aunt. And, hopefully, today will be easier for both of you.

Yes, it gets exciting with four cats! As I wrote, they are all rescues, coming

into the home at different times. The oldest is 13 and the two younger ones

(brothers) are 9 with the middle one being 11. They're all so sweet but, as

they have aged, health issues crept into the picture much as it does with we

humans. They provide us much entertainment and enjoyment...not sure what the

house would be like without them after all these years. Probably empty-nest

syndrome all over again.

Good for you for taking the husky in! They're beautiful animals; again, you did

a good thing. :-) I'm certain you get much love in return for your good deed.

I'm not familiar with the program but am glad that Crystal trusted you with her

husky.

Have a good day. I hope all goes well with your aunt's sisters. This is a

difficult time for them not knowing what emotions they may be experiencing, too.

Since they have been out of the picture for a while, they will have major

adjustments to do.

Best wishes,

Lynn in FL

> I have never had cats, it sounds exciting around your house lol. I can just

see the nightly meds lined up & the cats standing in a row that is so cute. I

have a white siberian husky he was given to me by the actress Crystal Chappell

that played on Days of our lives. She gave him to me about 6 years ago, because

she was moving to Calif, & wanted him to have the cooler climates back here. So

I took him in. Just a fun tidbit in case you have ever seen her on Days. It's

been a long exhausting day, my aunt is sleeping she has been tucked in. I still

have more kisses to give her & more prayers before I turn in.

>

> God Bless You!

>

> Beth

[Guest guest]

It was very hard for me to let them come, I did it only for my aunt. As I know

she would want to see & hear them, even if she can't speak. I just think of how

many years she has been sick & they never bothered to come or even call for that

matter. I had to put that all aside last night. I would do anything for my

aunt!

I was exhausted & am still tired this morning, she slept pretty well, but I was

still up a lot checking on her. I gave her two of the antibiotics now I hope I

start seeing some positive signs today. She didn't eat or drink a thing this

morning. She acted like she wanted the juice with the straw, but just couldn't

take it up to her mouth. She sucked on a popsicle, and I just gave her some

juice & she was so thirsty the way she was going after the juice. It really

upsets me when I know she is so thirsty. I just hope she hasn't forgot how to

drink from a straw, I just can't believe it would happen that quickly she was

drinking a lot just a few days ago, that is why I think it's a UTI.

> >

> > That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the correct

name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does something. It's

so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that she would want me

too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even though I am upset with

them.

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you Helene for your kind words they mean a lot to me. I hope the

ampicillin starts to work today she has had 2 now, and I know it will take a

little time to get in her system.

God Bless,

Beth

> > >

> > > That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the

correct name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does

something. It's so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know that

she would want me too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her, even

though I am upset with them.

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Beth,

I wish I'd seen your message earlier, but I've been away from my email for

a couple of days. I'm so glad that Lynn has been here supporting you.

Not having children of my own, I do wonder what will happen when I am in my

last years. I am lucky enough to have terrific nieces and nephews, two of

whom have promised to be there for me as you have been for your aunt. (The

niece who promised is also a Beth.) It encourages me to hear of nieces

like you who make sure that aunts aren't left alone.

Everything you have done is what I am hoping my Beth will do for me -

EXCEPT exhausting herself with worry and sleep deprivation. There is one

additional thing that you can do, that I did a couple of months ago and

that I hope my Beth does for me. I kissed her goodbye, reminded her that

all those she loved, who had gone before her, were waiting to surround her

with love, that she had given those left behind what they needed to go on

and that she had a strong relationship with God and had nothing to fear.

It was the best blessing I could give her in her last hours and by

obviously relaxing after my words, she gave me her blessing.

You are a wonderful niece and your aunt is lucky to have you (which I'm

pretty sure she knows.)

Lynn, thank you for being her for Beth.

Blessings,

Kate

> **

>

>

> It was very hard for me to let them come, I did it only for my aunt. As I

> know she would want to see & hear them, even if she can't speak. I just

> think of how many years she has been sick & they never bothered to come or

> even call for that matter. I had to put that all aside last night. I would

> do anything for my aunt!

>

> I was exhausted & am still tired this morning, she slept pretty well, but

> I was still up a lot checking on her. I gave her two of the antibiotics now

> I hope I start seeing some positive signs today. She didn't eat or drink a

> thing this morning. She acted like she wanted the juice with the straw, but

> just couldn't take it up to her mouth. She sucked on a popsicle, and I just

> gave her some juice & she was so thirsty the way she was going after the

> juice. It really upsets me when I know she is so thirsty. I just hope she

> hasn't forgot how to drink from a straw, I just can't believe it would

> happen that quickly she was drinking a lot just a few days ago, that is why

> I think it's a UTI.

>

>

> > >

> > > That isn't the right antibiotic, I don't have it yet to tell you the

> correct name, someone went to pick it up for me. I really pray it does

> something. It's so hard to bear. I gave in & let her sisters come, I know

> that she would want me too. And I wouldn't want to take that away from her,

> even though I am upset with them.

> >

>

>

>

--

Kate Knapp, OIT

University of Minnesota

You were born with certain gifts and talents.

In kindergarten you were taught to share.

The world needs all of the gifts it can get.

Don’t be shy.

[Guest guest]

>

> It was very hard for me to let them come, I did it only for my aunt. As I

know she would want to see & hear them, even if she can't speak. I just think of

how many years she has been sick & they never bothered to come or even call for

that matter. I had to put that all aside last night. I would do anything for

my aunt!

*** It's always better to be the bigger person, Beth. And, it's best to live a

life with a goal of as few regrets as possible. You've covered both with your

decision. Over time, maybe the wounds can heal so that everyone can share

happier times in the future. ***

>

> I was exhausted & am still tired this morning, she slept pretty well, but I

was still up a lot checking on her. I gave her two of the antibiotics now I

hope I start seeing some positive signs today. She didn't eat or drink a thing

this morning. She acted like she wanted the juice with the straw, but just

couldn't take it up to her mouth. She sucked on a popsicle, and I just gave her

some juice & she was so thirsty the way she was going after the juice. It

really upsets me when I know she is so thirsty. I just hope she hasn't forgot

how to drink from a straw, I just can't believe it would happen that quickly she

was drinking a lot just a few days ago, that is why I think it's a UTI.

***With the first UTI that my mother got, shortly after her diagnosis and only

months after moving out of her apartment, she completely forgot how to walk.

She was so confused, she couldn't function at all. This happened with no

warning, too. It was one of the most frightening things I've ever experienced

with her. She bounced back after the antibiotics but, truthfully, she was never

the same afterward. It's amazing how much a UTI can affect our loved ones

struggling with Lewy Body (or any dementia).

I hope you can take the opportunity while your aunt's sisters sit with her to

get more rest. We have a tendency to move through this journey with our loved

ones, taking one day at a time and not realizing the toll it has taken on

ourselves. It's like the old story of the frog...(I'm terrible at old stories

so bear with me)...you put a frog in a pot of water on the stove and slowly turn

up the heat. The frog never realizes just how much trouble he's in until it's

too late. (My sons used to call my stores fractured fairy tales <smile>) We

don't realize the depth of our fatigue until we get a chance to take a deep

breath. Let your body and your mind rest for a while even if it's easier said

than done.

Best wishes,

Lynn