h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Dealing with difficult people in the best of health is draining enough but be sure to know that there are more than enough of us offering and and and I have a receipe for homemade ice-cream so in the true tradition of '.... and here's one I made earlier' I offer homemade flavoured ice-cream

I keep meaning to try making avocado ice cream...

Some pieces of advice sweetheart

When Nanna was in hospital. She looked so frail. But she never looked scared.

I don't know what happened the night she died, but I was, how do I put this without upsetting my mum when she reads this....I was glad.

She struggled so much to breathe for so long. The end was a relief to her.



In your case, this is the advice I give. Whether you want her to die or not, these are your own personal thoughts. They cannot influence anything in the living.

If you do want her to die, don't feel guilty when she does die. If you want her to live just that little bit longer, don't feel guilty when she doesn't remember anyone, or becomes aggresive. It's only her mind, not her heart that's doing all this.

I think it will come as a relief to your family when she passes. Support each other whilst it's difficult. Comfort each other when the time comes.

I hope this makes sense, and you know me Ivan, I don't want to upset anyone, but sometimes someone pointing out the painful bits can be upsetting.

I'm giving you a hug right now and I hope you feel it. You've been there for me and mum. We will be there for you too.

Hi VV.

This business with the old girl is nowhere near as stressful or distressing as it was when Dad was on his last legs. That had genuine shock value - and it was a huge relief when he did go, for his sake. It will be a relief when the old girl goes; it's just the lead-up that is hellish.

I wanted to say something else too but it's 6am and it's slipped my mind... Anyway, I understand what you're saying. Thanks.

*thinks: avocado icecream? *

*pops in to say hello and offer support*

I am myself a octageranium and although still active mentally and reasonable fit i fear whats in the future . Ilike to think that the laws will change and i can help nature take its course

Welcome to my journal, mereside3. It's a pity it isn't a more cheerful place at the moment.

I firmly believe that my grandmother would move things to a conclusion if she had the means to do so. Personally, I wouldn't stop her. She's lived her whole life on her own terms, and I see no reason why she shouldn't keep doing so.

Look for a poem in sunday post archives 1973 titled look closer written by nurse phyllis mc cormack 1966 .I think it explains the situation far better than i can.Do not feel guilty in anyway and enjoy your quality time.

Hello, mereside3,

I don't think I have met you before. I though you and Ivan would like the following items.

The first is a link to the poem you mentioned and the second is a link to a Nurse's reply (there are others on the same site too.)

http://www.cybernurse.org.uk/elderly/see_me.htm

http://www.cybernurse.org.uk/elderly/reply2.htm

I hope we hear more from you. The thing I like most about HooToo is the fact that people of all ages use it and there are no 'isms' here.

Off to look at your PS.

Websailor Another -

Just spotted this on BBC News & wonder if it may help?

"Aricept" medication for Alzheimers; the powers that be may need to be bullied into giving it though.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4832574.stm

I totally agree about hootoo being brilliant for letting ALL of us communicate, sod age, sexual preferences, gender, race,geographical location, whatever.

We ALL have DNA.

zdt

Thanks for the links, poetic and pharmaceutical...

Latest news - tests have confirmed that there was a stroke; there's also hardening of the arteries, which appears to be associated with the stroke. There's not a lot of chance of even a slight recovery.

Mum's looking at nursing homes today, unless she's taken a leaf out of my book and had a bit of a physical collapse. Yes, I'm home from w*rk and have been for hours - headache, fatigue and nausea' I suspect this is all linked to having had a few weeks of constant stress. I'll be seeing my tomorrow.

Can i join you? We can sit shivering & staring at together; waiting for the to dish out nice calming drugs.

Meanwhile, do join me in a martini. They wonder why we do this?

zdt

Would we both fit in a martini?

My father-in-law once told me that the advantages of Alzheimer's is that you can disown your children and spend their inheritance without feeling guilty and you get to make new friends every day.

Hang in there Ivan, it won't go on forever and you will look back and wonder how you coped, and even be surprised and proud that you did.

It is not an easy thing to go through, so have good rest and a cup of Camomile Tea.

Now I know you would probably rather have or or a , but Camomile really is a great de-stresser.

Did I hear you say

Take care,

Websailor

Is camomile the herbal tea that smells like a cat has been having accidents in the general area? I know there was some type of herbal tea that Dad wouldn't allow to be brewed inside... Mind you, I distinctly recall the day he decided to render lard inside. Maybe there was something wrong with his nose, large as it was.

Oh dear, my head still hurts this morning.

I suppose some people might describe it like that, though that's a bit extreme. It is an acquired taste, and if you put a spoonful of honey in it and hold your nose, it is a bit more palatable. It is espeically efficacious an hour before bedtime.

I know what you mean about rendering lard. I get the same smell when I heat lard and suet repeatedly to make our bird puddings. The more times the fat is heated the harder it sets, but it smells awful. Must remember mustn't swear on HooToo now so long may the remain.

I put up with Camomile Tea because it works, and I have been through what you are going through with mother, father and aunt, and I react exactly as you have done.

I think it is nature's way of de-toxing us of all the stress, and I am sure you will feel a lot better soon.

Take care,

Websailor

I don't drink any sort of hot beverage - something to do with innate clumsiness and pale carpet - but I might give 'standard' tea a go one day, with honey and lemon. (Now I just have to buy tea, honey, and a lemon. I have a tea infuser somewhere; Mum left it here so that she knew she could get a cup of tea next time she showed up.)

Mum speaks of coming to me for some respite care when things settle down a bit. She's a good guest; all she needs is the DVD remote and the kettle. Afterwards, though, I might need some respite care of my own... I like living alone, regardless how easy a guest is to cater for.

Earl Grey is the only tea i can cope with, i have ingested camomile in the past & indeed, it requires honey.

Ivan, look love, this is a HUGE glass, i'm sure we can both fit in. As for guests.....

zdt