PART TWO - Saw my Poppy (Grandfather) at the hospital tonight....

Perth, Australia
May 14, 2021 9:25am CST
Sorry to make a part two, it's just easier as I hate making long posts. Anyway, continuing on, my dad and I went to see Poppy tonight in the hospital. My Poppy smiled when we saw us. His dementia has got worse. Not long after we settled down with him, I could see in his eyes and face he was confused and not like the Poppy I know. He asked the same questions over and over. I'd say maybe over 20 times each for each of these questions. "Where am I?" "Why am I here?" "How long have I been here for?" Is your mother alright?" (he was asking my dad these questions). " "Where do I live?" "Is your mum coming to see me?" And then quite a lot of times he would say "I am very confused, I don't know why." I was starting to cry but managed to hide it behind my mask (still need a mask for hospitals) or I would look down to hide. I'm sad because he also doesn't think anyone is coming in to see him but we have. Especially Nanny who is there every day. I know he forgets things but it's even worse with how quickly he forgot and how quickly he would ask again. There used to be some minutes between these questions. Now, not even 30 seconds. And I can only imagine how hard it is for him not being home and wanting to be home. The doctors or social workers, I forget, has given my Nanny these documents for her and Poppy to sign. One is about their money and the other is for my Nan to decide what to do with things like if Pop should be on life support and things like that. So though Poppy did well eating his food tonight and I hear he goes for walks around the halls sometimes with help, I still feel the big thing that we don't want to happen is going to happen soon. I was worried he didn't know who I was but when we were leaving he said "Goodbye love" which he has always said so I was relieved we aren't at that stage. Thank you for reading. I'm just really sad and trying to be strong. And I know others who have been in this situation or are currently going through this situation with a loved one. Stay strong. You know who you are. *hugs* Part One:
As some of you know, my Poppy (my Grandfather, not my dad) is in hospital. I believe it's been 16 or 17 days in total since he has been there. From my...
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13 responses
@LadyDuck (458460)
• Switzerland
14 May 21
I am glad that he recognized you, at least at that right moment he knew you were there and visited him. I fear he will not recover, but he can still have some good days. Dementia is a horrible thing. I am so sorry for your Poppy. Take care Dani.
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@LadyDuck (458460)
• Switzerland
21 May 21
@VivaLaDani13 This virus situation is not helping at all, we cannot even visit those who are in hospitals or nursing homes.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
23 May 21
@LadyDuck That is very true. This virus has done so much damage on so many levels.
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@LadyDuck It's only going to continue to get worse from here as I don't believe this horrible disease can improve. It's very sad. Thank you very kindly.
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@just4him (306523)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
16 May 21
I'm so sorry he's at this stage with his dementia. I know it's hard on both you and your father to see him like that. My mother was much the same. Only she had Alzheimer's. I don't know what the difference is between the two. My dad had dementia. When he passed, he still knew everyone.
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@just4him (306523)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
21 May 21
@VivaLaDani13 Thank you. It was hard to see her like that. She didn't know any of us. You're welcome.
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• Perth, Australia
23 May 21
@just4him *big hugs to you Valerie*.
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@just4him I'm sorry your mumbdealt with that, therefore, you being a witness to it, same with your dad. That is hard! I am still unsure of the differences also. Thank you very kindly.
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@snowy22315 (170140)
• United States
14 May 21
Sorry, I know it is hard. My dad has dementia too, and isn't at that state yet, but I am sure he will be there done the road. He does ask alot of the same questions.
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@snowy22315 Thank you for always been there when I put up these types of posts. It means a lot and I know you care and support me and anyone going through this as you're going through it yourself. Thank you, and for your big heart. I wish your dad well and everyone around him during this hard time.
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@snowy22315 (170140)
• United States
21 May 21
@VivaLaDani13 thank you and very sweet of you to say!
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• Perth, Australia
23 May 21
@snowy22315 You're very welcome.
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@DocAndersen (54411)
• United States
15 May 21
when my dad (and sadly my mother-in-law and father-in-law) got that late into that horrible disease it was really hard. You never knew if they would recognize you. i am so sorry.
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• Perth, Australia
1 Jun 21
@DocAndersen Thank you. I am sorry too. It's so awful.
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• Perth, Australia
2 Jun 21
@DocAndersen I agree. And thank you, same to you!
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@DocAndersen (54411)
• United States
1 Jun 21
@VivaLaDani13 it is awful, when it is someone that you not only love but honor and respect, watching that decline is just painful. My best wishes and a virtual hug enclosed!
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• India
14 May 21
Hopefully he gets better and live a normal life
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@Butterfingers Thank you kindly Raj. Unfortunately he will not get better dementia wise but otherwise, he is doing quite well thank you so much.
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• Perth, Australia
23 May 21
@Butterfingers Thank you kindly. I did a post tonight about it but he is back home. He is still going to get worse with dementia but he is feeling quite ok otherwise now so happy he is back home with my Nan.
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• India
21 May 21
@VivaLaDani13 thanks I hope he keeps doing well and come back home
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@Treborika (17286)
• Mombasa, Kenya
24 Jan 23
I so sorry for you that you found yourself in that situation. Does it mean dementia affects the memory of the affected person?
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• Perth, Australia
24 Jan 23
@Treborika It does both. The memory can go and a person's personality can alter. It's very sad.
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• Perth, Australia
25 Jan 23
@Treborika Pretty much yeah.
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@Treborika (17286)
• Mombasa, Kenya
24 Jan 23
@VivaLaDani13 I now have understood. It's a non communicable disease just like stroke, cancer, diabetes and so on
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@tammys85 (29952)
• Baltimore, Maryland
18 May 21
I am so sorry. I'm thinking of you, your Poppy and your family.
1 person likes this
• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@tammys85 Thank you so very kindly, I really appreciate that a lot!
• United States
14 May 21
I'm so sorry that this is happening. I can't begin to imagine how hard it's been for you, but I do know how hard it is to not cry when confronted with this. I am sure it would have confused him further. I hope he has many good days and less bad ones. I am glad you guys are able to visit with him.
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@ScribbledAdNauseum Thank you so kindly for understanding, caring and just being so supportive. Your comment to this post has been so appreciated, thank you.
1 person likes this
• United States
21 May 21
@VivaLaDani13 Of course! I am always here to lend an ear, if I can't provide anything else.
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• Perth, Australia
23 May 21
@ScribbledAdNauseum You're a gem!
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@marlina (154166)
• Canada
14 May 21
So sad to read about what happened to your Poppy. I can see that you are strong and you try not to show your emotions too much. Thinking of you!
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@marlina Thank you so much. Yes, definitely trying to keep it together and trying to be strong. But I do allow myself to let go when I'm alone. Thank you kindly.
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@JESSY3236 (18921)
• United States
25 May 21
I hate dementia. My neighbor and my great-aunt had it. I used to call my grandmother Nanny too.
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• Perth, Australia
1 Jun 21
@JESSY3236 I'm so sorry about your neighbour and great aunt having it. It's a hard thing to watch. aww cute yeah, I've always called her Nanny and always will.
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@thelme55 (76485)
• Germany
15 May 21
That is sad that he has dementia. I am glad that he recognised you before you left.
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@thelme55 Thank you very kindly.
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@CarolDM (203452)
• Nashville, Tennessee
14 May 21
My thoughts are with you. I experienced the same with my Dad. Enjoy the clear moments as you can.
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@CarolDM It's so hard and I'm sorry you went through it with your dad. Thank you very kindly.
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• Perth, Australia
23 May 21
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@CarolDM (203452)
• Nashville, Tennessee
21 May 21
@VivaLaDani13 I know life can throw some hard coveralls.
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@Robinhuut (457)
• Bogor, Indonesia
21 May 21
Be strong and strong your heart I love to read it
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• Perth, Australia
21 May 21
@Robinhuut Thank you kindly.
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