Thank you for the suggestions of husband wearing a watch with an alarm function. He does have a couple of watches, at least one of which has an alarm, however, he just never wears them anymore, hasn't done for a couple of years. I don't know why, I'll have to ask him - probably because he feels he just doesn't need them anymore.
The psychologist's written report arrived a couple of days ago, I've read and re-read it, it was quite long. It gave a very detailed explanation of all the oral and written tests husband had done, using quite technical language. I didn't really understand a lot of it and had to keep googling. I know a copy of this report was going to husband's GP, but as the letter was addressed to husband with a cc to GP (and not to GP with a cc to husband) why couldn't it have been written in terms that a lay person would understand?
I have to say I'm quite disappointed - well, we both are, it gives no recommendations or help. I know there is no drug treatment for cognitive impairment (CI for short)....apparently, the drugs used in certain types of dementia just don't work for CI. Husband has been discharged from the Memory team - it's like he's just been told "Yes you have CI of a vascular nature due to cardiac problems - Bye then". And that's it. End of. So we're left floundering with no support, or even any advice on how to cope with his (and thus my) day to day problems. The only leaflet enclosed with the report was one on how to delay the onset of Alzheimers.
I think sometimes medical professionals forget that patients are actually humans with lives to live, and aren't just test subjects.
I guess the only thing I can do is to sit and google.
Oh, what a bummer! I do wish medical professionals, would use layman's terms when speaking or writing to you. It's like the 1950's, when doctors told you "not to worry your pretty little head about it." Thank goodness for Dr Google. I know there's a lot of nonsense on there, but sometimes, you can stumble across some useful stuff, too. xx
ReplyDeleteSo very thoughtless and annoying of them. Does your surgery have a nurse attached who could go through it with you? I find our practise nurse very approachable and helpful. xx
ReplyDeleteSo often these days Google is our answer, hubby has been given a few letters with results from various departments, speak to his doctor, tell him your hubby is still in the same place, the stress it is giving you, and ask him, what next. Getting old is not a diagnostic answer.
ReplyDeleteWe are hearing (across the Pond) that England's healthcare system is really in need of a serious overhaul. I'm so sorry it seems to have failed you two, as well!
ReplyDeleteIf you can afford to see a private doctor, maybe that would be the way to go? There are so many things to help with your husband's problem.
Big hug
Donna
What would we do without Google for a lot of our medical knowledge these days. I find myself checking it more and more, especially this week when I've just been prescribed a tablet that turned out to have lactose in it and raise the heartrate ... something I definintely cannot take.
ReplyDeleteI'd be inclined to write back to whoever sent those letters to you and hubby, stating exactly what you've written above. Explain that you need to know, in layman's terms, what is wrong and importantly, advice on how to cope, get support, possible medication, etc. And to your own doctor - how are you supposed to deal with the very wearing day-to-day results of your husbands illness.
ReplyDeleteI assume since it is going to his GP, he may have some suggestions, since he is his doctor...maybe the ones who did the tests aren't schooled in the right things to recommend to your husband... just a guess. I agree with Rambler above. They offer interpreters for languages why not one for doctor speak. Yes, always check and maybe now recheck what husband is taking to see if side effects of one of the meds could be worsening symptoms. Never ever take for granted they are right. A mistake was made in my husband's care that ended up killing him. A cancer med was given that he should have never been given. Doctors just oversee things sometimes and slip ups occur.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs x
ReplyDeleteSorry - but I sent you an email full of unsolicited advice! Just trying to help as ever!
ReplyDelete