I had to switch from BPI and went with Hallendale. I gave myself the first Hallendale shot about 10 minutes ago and initially it was normal, and now I'm sitting here with stinging at the injection site. I've seen other people say this, but I've never actually experienced it. Anyway, I hope you all had a lovely Independence Day!
From what I can see, it's common that the specialists we sometimes need are in short supply, which leads to loooooooong wait times to get an appointment. This is only going to get worse in the US as the baby boomers age and no one's done jack to ensure we have enough of a system for them in place for the last phase of their lives.
In your medical portal, check if there's an option to be put on a wait-list. We got in to see a neurologist 6 months earlier due to a last minute cancellation.
I'm just curious because I don't know what's normal. My Mom was referred by her PCP to the psychology clinic that gave the initial dementia diagnosis. Since then, 3+ months ago, he hasn't seen her at all. He/his nurse practitioner keeps saying that she needs to see the neurologist, as does the psychologist, to get the specific diagnosis. We've said repeatedly that the earliest appt we can get for the neurologist is the end of 2026. Coincidentally, my Dad is also a patient of the same PCP.
I guess I find it odd that since getting such a massive diagnosis, and flagging multiple safety issues (elopement, sleeping problems, hallucinations, etc.), the PCP isn't reaching out to see either of them. Or to make sure my Dad is doing well, since there's solid evidence of the toll dementia care takes on people.
My Dad is the primary caregiver for my Mom, and I live far enough away that I can't easily help. I figured that one way I could help was to go the legwork of finding help and services. He's so overwhelmed he's spinning wheels. And he hasn't setup anything. I called home help places and sent one his way. He cancelled the setup visit when my Mom was in a bad mood and hasn't set it back up (insists he doesn't know what type of mood she'll be in so how does he set that up?) He hasn't looked at the meal delivery companies I found for them. He hasn't tried the CBD oil I got for her extreme agitation. The house isn't locked up yet despite her leaving the house multiple times.
Yesterday apparently he got overwhelmed and went to the local park to get some peace for a minute (totally understandable), and during that time my Mom left the house and couldn't get back in. Luckily a neighbor saw her and helped her call my Dad on her cell phone (actually it's a miracle she had her phone considering she leaves it everywhere).
I suppose this is mostly a vent post, but if anyone has any ideas, I'm open to them!
My Dad is my Mom's main caregiver. He found a local day program attached to a memory care facility. They visited it once and both liked it, but since then, she has adamantly refused to go. She really needs the socialization and my dad needs the break. Any tips on this?
I just learned about the RAZ memory phone, which looks promising. Anyone have a recommendation specifically that is simple, controllable, and has features good for someone with severe hearing impairment?
Hilariously brilliant use of perspective
Ok, I've got my renewal meeting with Dr. Lee soon. I've been on BPI but obviously need to switch. I've had 0 issues with nausea so I don't think I need B6. I've never tried B3 but some say the niacinamide makes it stronger? But also potentially breaks out your skin *or* potentially gives you glowing skin (lol).
Current options are (per the awesome Ms. Cassie):
Apothecary-no additive- up to 6-month BUD
Hallandale- no additive- 90 day BUD
Optio Rx- contains niacinamide (B3)- 90 day BUD
Seven Cells- contains niacinamide (B3)- 90 day BUD
Given the recent shenanigans with the pharmacies, when should we plan to have the follow-up appointment in relation to how medication much we have left?
My Mom has a general diagnosis of dementia. She has hallucinations and often gets generally agitated when she sees things. So far we've managed to see a psychologist who confirmed the actual dementia diagnosis, and her PCP. Trying to see a neurologist but the wait times are nuts. The psychologist said she wouldn't prescribe anything until she knows why the hallucinations are happening.
We we tried to press for antipsycotics to be prescribed, the PCP said that there's a higher risk of death. He clearly doesn't want to prescribe anything. But are there meds that can help? Anything else that's generally helpful?
The new is reporting that the UAE is leaving OPEC, which feels like a big deal but I have to admit that I'm not entirely sure what this means. Does anyone have more of a sense of this?