This post is a compilation of writing about different days by Barbara and Melissa of their experiences watching each other navigate their intertwined lives. Side-by-side, they demonstrate great love, courage and the challenge of living with Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s as the diseases progress, both as a patient, and as a caregiver.

Barbara writes: “Spent most of the day at the hospital with Missy. I had a nice time. The people there were very nice and very concerned about taking care of me while she was being seen. Missy’s has been falling down a lot lately. I wish I could help her but I cannot. On the way home I asked if we could drive down by the river, we sat and ate our lunch in the car…it is a beautiful day. Before we ate, I said a prayer, to make Missy feel better and for me not to be so much of a burden. Her MS is getting worse. My Alzheimer’s is getting worse. I wondered as we sat looking at the river, how many more lunches we will get to eat here together? How many more times will I go to the hospital with her to hold her hand…will I remember it? Read more…

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Casey and Shayne have fun with some—well—rather messy nurses notes. O.K., it happens once in a while. Check this out:

CARDIOLOGY

• patient has chest pains if she lies on her left side for over a year
• by the time she was admitted to the hospital, her rapid heart had stopped and she was feeling much better

NEUROLOGY

• patient was alert and unresponsive
• healthy appearing, decrepit 69-year-old female, mentally alert, but forgetful
• she is numb from her toes down

You can’t do everything right!

This week we visit with RN Deborah Burger about the recent performance of Tell Us Where It Hurts, by Anna Deavere Smith, also known as Gloria Akalitus on television’s Nurse Jackie. We share some touching stories recreated by Smith in the play from the caretakers—career RNs—who have also been hit by the failing economy and healthcare costs. Their stories are told with honesty and courage. Share the humanity of what is happening all across the country.

And we share touching stories from our Nurse Talk Blog and salute the great writers and contributors that are featured each week. Two of those writers are Melissa Vaughan and her mother, Barbara Taylor Vaughan. For months now they have been chronicling Barbara’s progression of Alzheimer’s in a tender, honest, humorous account of their daily lives. Read more…

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In my day, we didn’t go to Google for answers, we asked our mother and she always knew the answer. Even if she didn’t. If I wanted to know how to get to  Norma Odeski’s house, my mother would say “Ya walk.” I would say “But where is it?” and she’d say “For God sake, Lynn Ruth, follow your nose.” And then I’d know Norma’s house was just around the corner.

If I wanted to know what the weather was going to be that afternoon, Mother would open the window, rub her shoulder and say, “It’s gonna rain, take an umbrella.” If it didn’t rain, I’d say “What happened?” and my mother would say “I took an aspirin.”  When I had a funny looking bruise, I’d show it to my mother and she would say, “Who have you been kissing?” and I’d say “How did ya know?”

My mother insisted she read all the answers she needed on my forehead. I came home from school one day with chocolate smeared on my face and said, “I have a stomach ache!”. My mother said “You never should’ve eaten that second slice of fudge cake.” and I said, “How did ya know I did that?”  She said, “I read it on your forehead.” and I said “Did it tell you I brought home another slice for you?” and my mother said “Don’t you get smart with me Lynn Ruth! Read more…

Casey and Shayne have fun with some—well—rather messy nurses notes. O.K., it happens once in a while. Check this out:

CARDIOLOGY

• patient has chest pains if she lies on her left side for over a year
• by the time she was admitted to the hospital, her rapid heart had stopped and she was feeling much better

NEUROLOGY

• patient was alert and unresponsive
• healthy appearing, decrepit 69-year-old female, mentally alert, but forgetful
• she is numb from her toes down

You can’t do everything right!

This week we visit with RN Deborah Burger about the recent performance of Tell Us Where It Hurts, by Anna Deavere Smith, also known as Gloria Akalitus on television’s Nurse Jackie. We share some touching stories recreated by Smith in the play from the caretakers—career RNs—who have also been hit by the failing economy and healthcare costs. Their stories are told with honesty and courage. Share the humanity of what is happening all across the country.

And we share touching stories from our Nurse Talk Blog and salute the great writers and contributors that are featured each week. Two of those writers are Melissa Vaughan and her mother, Barbara Taylor Vaughan. For months now they have been chronicling Barbara’s progression of Alzheimer’s in a tender, honest, humorous account of their daily lives. Read more…

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