The psychologist from the Memory Clinic rang yesterday, to give us the verdict. To give the short version - husband has no signs of Alzheimers or other dementia. However, he does have mild cognitive impairment with vascular attributes....in other words, the cognitive impairment is probably due to minor blockages or failures in the small blood vessels to the brain, caused by his heart failure (as seen on the brain scan he had). He scored quite highly though for anxiety and depression, as I thought.
The good things.....well obviously it's not dementia. And she said they have no concerns about husband carrying on driving.
She suggested a referral to Mental Health services, for managing his anxiety and depression. He's still adamant he doesn't want that, and I told the psychologist that the not-dementia diagnosis and the fact that he can carry on driving will both alleviate a lot of his anxiety/depression problems. As a matter of fact, when we came off the phone I could immediately see he was very relieved. He wants to do something today, as a small celebration, so we're going out for brunch - his choice.
The psychologist is going to send us a full written report, along with further info and leaflets. I don't know what happens next, we were both so relieved about the not-dementia thing that we kind of zoned out a bit after that. She did say something about letting his doctor (or possibly cardiologist?) know about the vascular issues....I expect it'll say in her report, which is also being sent to his GP for info.
So that's one big weight off our shoulders.
Betty's got her recurring ear infection again, in both ears this time, she's had one dose of stuff at the vets and has to go back next week for the 2nd. She also had her anal sacs emptied (they were full up!) - I'm glad the vet did that, else she might have emptied them on my bed again like she did once before 💩😱. And it stinks to high heaven.
I bent to pick Betty's water bowl up to refill it yesterday afternoon and felt one of my lower back discs pop out again - the same one, I assume, the pain's in the same place as before. So my lower back, right bum cheek and the back of my right thigh are really painful again, whilst my lower stomach muscles are spasming. I'm taking paracetamol 4x daily, along with a codeine when I go to bed, I'm also taking amitriptyline again at bedtime for a few nights, or I won't sleep. So a minor setback. There's always something 😖
Well, that's good news on the not dementia front, but a shame about your back. These things happen! Your husband (and you) must be so relieved that it's not some form of dementia and he can still keep driving. It was obviously worrying him more than he let on. I hope your back and Betty's ears soon recover, so you can all get back to enjoying life, pain and stress-free! xx
ReplyDelete'pain and stress-free' now there's a tongue in cheek statement! Hahaha oh that did make me laugh, K xx
DeleteWell, we can but hope!😁 xx
DeleteBest news for hubby and you, that's one worry taken away, our bodies are amazing, until we get older, then all it does is remind us how fragile they can be. Take care, enjoy your brunch and rest.
ReplyDeleteSo pleased for you both on the Alzheimer /dementia front, and the ability to keep driving must be a huge weight off your minds. Sorry to hear about the back though, that sounds very painful. I'm lying down with my own back pain right now so if misery loves company, you're not alone!
ReplyDeleteSuch good news and hopefully once he gets used to his new old self again he might be more willing to have treatment for his vascular issues, if they continue. Hope your pains and stresses will ease considerably now. xx
ReplyDeleteReally great news for your hubby and you!
ReplyDeleteHope Betty's ear problems clear up soon, poor thing!
hugs
Donna
. . . and BREATHE!!! What a relief to know he hasn't got dementia, but I hope he can be persuaded to take whatever advice is given regarding treatment/medication. Are there gentle exercises that you can use to deal with that 'popped' disc? Physio? Enjoy your outing and lunch today. Wishing you, hubby and Betty all get well very soon.
ReplyDeleteDespite your hip and back problems you must both feel like a weight has been lifted and I am so pleased for you - and you can begin to make more definite plans now for the future.
ReplyDeleteGood news for your husband, I'm sure that still being able to drive and it not being Alzheimer's may help his anxiety and depression. Good news for you too. Hope Betty's ears and your back will improve soon.
ReplyDeleteSuch good news about your Hubby. I am very sure that waiting did not help his depression or anxiety. I do hope your back improves very soon.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Such very good news about 'Him' but not so great about your poor back. I hope the back is a bit easier now, a few days later, and that you are feeling a sense of relief and a lifting on some of the anxiety. xx
ReplyDeletethe diagnosis is great news, however as only you know it isn't the pot at the end of the rainbow. I do wish both of you all the best, especially as like me you are having to manage physical pain as well as almost 100% of the household routine. I was also greatly relieved that DH could continue driving, otherwise it would mean I would have to get my drivers licence again.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this verdict will help a lot with your husband's anxiety and depression. Who wouldn't be depressed?
ReplyDeleteSuch goods news on the verdict, now you can move forwards and find ways of coping with the diagnosis that he has had. Sorry to hear about your back again, it's so easily done isn't it, just one wrong move and back to square one. :-(
ReplyDeleteI hope Betty's ears get sorted out, we have been back and forwards to the vets for four weeks now with Suky's ear, and we think that the new medication has finally cured the problem.