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Hi everyone:
My husband of 42 years had a stroke affecting his left side. He also has type 2 diabetes. We just learned that he has the plaques associated with Alzheimers. I can relate to the issue of not eating or drinking. He lost so much weight that I hardly recognize him. I tried giving him Ginger root capsules and it has improved his appetite. He still does not drink enough water each day. A speech therapist also worked with him to improve swallowing.

@mentonette Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m so sorry about your husband’s stroke. Can he do things for himself or is he totally dependent on you? Have you tried Ensure or Boost? They are nutritional supplements. You can add some ice cream and make a milkshake or freeze them for ice cream. Does a speech therapist still work with him?
Please feel free to read the rest of the discussion and ask questions or post comments.
What specifically can we help you with?

Hello,
My name is Sherri I am 54 years old and caring for my Mom who will be 80 in April 2024. In March 2020 right when Covid hit my Mom had a ruptured bowel and almost died several times in the 32 days she was in the hospital. She ended up with a colostomy which in turn resulted in 2 very large hernias in her lower abdomen. They are so big I have to buy her maternity pants to be able to wear clothes when going to doctors appointments. When she finally got out of the hospital and rehab she was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera. She is also mentally declining. I am not married and my only sibling my brother died from cancer when he was 30. My father was murdered in 1992 6 years before my brother died. So it is just me to care for my Mom. I am mentally and physically exhausted and it has taken a toll on my health. Having home health assist is not an option because if we have that then Medicare doesn’t cover her colostomy supplies. I gave up my home and moved in with my Mom in 2021 and now only have one tiny room. I am just trying to figure out life at this point. It is very difficult to work full time and deal with chronic migraines and other health issues that I keep having. Is anyone else in the roll of child caring for parent?

I do give him Ensure and he likes it. He has very bad teeth so anything cold like ice cream bothers him. The neurologist wants him to try the new FDA approved infusion for mild Alzheimers. Has anyone on this post tried it?

@mentonette Let’s hope some of the others know about the drug. It’s worth a try.
Do you happen to know the name of the drug?

I found the name of the drug, LEQUEMBI. It is very expensive but most will be covered by Medicare. AND, it comes with a Black Box warning. That means that it comes with some serious, or fatal side effects.
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/leqembi-alzheimers-drug-fda-approval-eisai-biogen-rcna92377#
Do you think you might have your husband try it, @mentonette ?

@sherriusher Oh, you are really in a difficult situation. I am so sorry that you’ve ended up in this position. You need to take a few minutes and say to yourself, “I’ve done everything I can but now my health and sanity are taking a toll and I need help.” Maybe you could try a week or two of respite care in a good nursing home while you take a break and think things through. The Agency on Aging in your town will be able to help you identify some good resources. Here is another discussion that asks the same question as you.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/elderly-parent-living-with-me/
I just went through this with my mother. She was living in a senior living situation, but just couldn’t live independently any more. My siblings and I agreed that we had to find assisted living for her. We were able to take all her favorite furniture and arrange for 2 caregivers to help her. She was very upset but we felt we had no choice. Unfortunately, she died 1 month later. She was 99 and had a history of bladder cancer. Nevertheless , we knew that we did the right thing.
I’m not telling you to move your mother to a nursing home, but to think things through. Hire a caregiver even if it costs money.
Have I said anything helpful?

I don't think my husband can tolerate the regimen. On the other hand, will I be able to handle the progression to full blown Alzheimers?

Hi @dorsie and welcome. You've found a place where you can be open and honest, even with the tough stuff that comes with caregiving.

You may also wish to follow the discussions related to diabetes and Parkinson's in these support groups on Mayo Clinic Connect:
- Diabetes & Endocrine System Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/diabetes-and-endocrine-problems/
- Parkinson's Disease Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/parkinsons-disease/

How are you doing today?

Welcome new members.

@cincyrules @april1940m @brianak @jannie59 @mentonette, you may also be interested in the discussion in the Caregivers: Dementia Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/caregivers-dementia/

@lanieg find members talking about arachnoiditis in the Spine Health Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/spine-health/

@loomisd1988 @nadbenab please also join the discussions in the Parkinson's Disease Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/parkinsons-disease/

@sweetpea57, you're not alone. You may wish to join others in the Lung Cancer Support Group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/lung-cancer/

I'd like to underline that you are ALL in the right place here in the Caregivers Support Group where members talk about challenges, triumphs and tips of caregiving regardless of diagnosis. The diagnosis specific support groups may offer additional support.