Tips For Caregiver's

People with Alzheimer's disease frequently become more disoriented after dark or when waking. Leaving a night-light on in the bedroom may be helpful.

~WebMd

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Dermatologist Appointment

Taking Muddear to the dermatologist is always an event. As usual, Muddear is dressed up for the appointment and waiting patiently for me to pick her up. Happily, almost gaily, she gets into the car - I think Muddear thinks of the appointment as more of an "outing" than a doctor's appointment. She is also full of chatter...I could not help but giggle, Muddear has decided that she needs a new black purse. "How many black purses do you have that you don't carry? I need a new one, maybe you could give me one of your old ones," she says. The funny thing is that Muddear has a black purse; she just cannot remember where she put it. So you know, my chore for the night...find Muddear's black purse otherwise give her one of mine.

Anyway, the dermatologist Dr. Barich is never on schedule. Every time Muddear has an appointment, she never sees the doctor until 30 to 60 minutes past her appointment time. It is really an inconvenience considering he doesn't accept evening or weekend appointments and I am forced to miss at least three and a half hours of work every time. Not to mention the fact that it aggravates Muddear as well. Unfortunately, Dr. Barich holds me hostage, because he is a very talented dermatologist.

Finally, the doctor is ready to exam Muddear.

"Hey Flossie, how are you doing?"
"I'd be better if I could get the $50 dollar treatment."
"The $50 dollar treatment...what's that?"
"Quick in and quick out!"

Doctor Barich looked mortified! I did not know what to do, so I sat quietly, wishing the floor would open up and I could jump in.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am glad Muddear said what alot of us think. Three cheers for Muddear!!! JN

njm said...

I couldn't agree with you more. Sometimes Dementia is a good thing! I wonder if I could get away with saying the things that society deems as politically incorrect and blame it on Dementia! :-)