VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[AllisonScussel]

I'll give the readers digest version of my situation:

My 75 yr old mother was just diagnosed with Lyme Disease. She had suffered symptoms almost 2 yrs ago, and her doctor at the time, didn't think she had it, claimed he tested for it and the results were negetive.

FFW June 2008 and her sympoms reappeared, bull blown. Her new doctor verified she has advanced LYME disease. She is on a potent anti-biotic, plus other meds to regulate her heart. While she's undergoing other tests and in very good care, I'm wondering if there's anyone who knows what else can be done for her. Since she is a senior citizen and was bitten by a tic almost two yrs ago, what can I expect? What can I do? She lives 150 miles away. My brother & sister in law live right next door to her, but can't be there 24/7. I can only visit on weekends because of the distance.

Any advice would be appreciated. Please respond through my email linked below.

Thanks Much!! Allison

[Audiogal]

I can't help with your question, Allison, but I am sending up a prayer for your mother's recovery.
_________________
Mary

[Diane Havens]

Yes, Allison, thoughts and prayers,
_________________
Diane


Veni, Vidi, Voci
http://www.dianehavens.com

[Lizden]

Hey Allison,

SO sorry to hear about your mom.
Welcome to the Family Caregiving world.
(Been living it for 13+ years)

I'd start with the Lyme Disease Foundation: http://www.lyme.org/
I'd also see about making sure your Mom's Dr. is specialised in Geriatric care....Meds & Diseases have different side effects & reactions with the older population.

In terms of care, check with your Local Area Agency on Aging to see if there are any home care agencies that might be able to offer some help even a few hours a week.
The Eldercare Locator can help with local services: http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp

If you need support, the National Family Caregivers Association is a GREAT resource: http://www.TheFamilyCaregiver.org

PM if I can be of any help.

Peace!

Liz
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

[AllisonScussel]

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! For your prayers and help. LIZ, the links you gave are huge and informative.

My mom is a very young, independent 75 yr old, so to see her go from a lively individual to one who is extremely tired and helpless is devestating. Her current doctor is awesome. The doctor she had prior was recommended by my sister in law b'c they work out of the same hospital, but I still question the tests he had done in 2006. She was bit by a tick in August 06. My sister In Law removed the tick and cortorized the bite.

My mom definately needs help a few hours a week. She can still drive, and in most cases, better than the average 25 yr old. But between doing the dishes, getting laundry done, and basic home care....she can use some help a few hours a week. She tires too easily. For example; she'll go to the grocery store and buy supplies. Then she'll leave the grocery bags on the kitchen floor because she forgot about them. Did I mention she has early dimentia too? It's very difficult to care for her with so many miles in between us. Having Lyme Desease is the icing on the cake.

NJ has what they call the "hippo law", which prevents the doctors from telling the children about their parents health care unless the parent approves it. I can call her doctor tomorrow, but would probably be denied any information because of the stupid hippo law.

However LIZ, you're information is super valuable!! Thank you again ten fold. And super thanks for the prayer requests from everyone else.

{{{Cyber Hugs}}} Allison

[Lizden]

Allison,
She's in NJ?
Where?

HIPA (Health Information Privacy Act part of HIPPA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act...TOO many acronyms!!!!) can be a pain, but if you have a good relationship with her doc it shouldn't be a prob.
(I like calling it "hippo!" 'cause it can be so un wieldy!)

Another NJ resource is Caregivers of NJ:
Caregivers of New Jersey
35 Beaverson Blvd. Bldg. 11
Brick, NJ 08723
P: 732.262.8020
www.njcaregivers.org

Does your mom have all her papers in order?
Durable Power of Attorney for the Financial stuff?
A Living Will/Healthcare proxy/Healthcare Power of Attorney for the Medical stuff?
If not, that's something to take care of. Make sure you get an ELDER LAW attorney (They'll have CELA after their name - Certified Elder Law Attorney)

I KNOW this is A LOT to digest.
My mom was a vibrant 78 year old before her stroke 13 years ago, It's really hard to watch the decline...and did I mention my dad had Alz as well?

As to the dementia, see what your local Alzheimer's association has in your area in terms of support: www.alz.org
(Is it bad that I know these websites by heart!!! )

On a personal note, if your brother & SIL are the primary family caregivers in this, but you want to stay in the loop (it seeems like it sisnce you go every weekend), make sure that you keep the lines of communication open...that can be hard, but it'll help a lot.

If I can help in any way...even just to talk, give a call....

Hang in there.

Liz
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

[ccpetersen]

You might also consider talking to her doc about vitamin b and d deficiency; those have been implicated in what looks like dementia. It's worth a shot.

You're both in my thoughts.
_________________
Charter Member: Threadjackers Local 420