More highlights from my trip. I woke up Wednesday morning with a bit of a pinched nerve in my back, kind of under my left shoulder blade. I did not need that! It bothered me the whole trip and is still bothering me. It would be worst while sleeping and would loosen up during the days (after Advil and using dd's foam roller). Thursday night was the worst. I went to roll over around 2:30 pm and intense pain, no matter what position I tried to get into. I was almost crying from the pain. Finally after about an hour it lessened up and I was able to fall back asleep. I've kept trying the foam roller, which for awhile seems to help, but it just keeps coming back.
DD recently bought herself a Kindle reader, but has been purchasing books for it. I'm like just borrow from the library! - do you have a library card? Yes she did, so I showed her how to link her library to it and she was so happy. She wanted to read that book I read awhile back "Genius Foods" that tells about research and foods good for brain health. I said I really need to read it again and implement at least some of the foods to my crappy diet. She had to reserve it from her library, but I was able to borrow it from mine, so I read quite a bit of it while she was working Thurs and Friday. The 2nd reading of it, is helping me to absorb all the information more. We also discovered he's written a follow up book of recipes, that we both also reserved to read. She and her dh already eat pretty healthy, though her dh is overweight. He has started doing some mountain biking with a friend and they try to do a hike on weekends when they can.
I'm more convinced that mom's medications, taken for many years, has contributed to/caused her dementia. I had written in a post some time ago about an article I read about "anticholinergic" type drugs and how they have been associated with dementia. This book discusses them also (I don't remember this from my first read) and gives a list of drugs and if they are classified as "strong" anticholinergic". Mom's got a trifecta going on. “Taking an anticholinergic for the equivalent of 3 years or more is associated with a 54% higher dementia risk." So, mom didn't take just one of these types, she took 3! All 3 are considered "high" levels. Paroxetine, Diphenhyrdamine (Benadryl), and Alprazolam. I know she had the prescription for Alprazolam a few years ago, I'm just not sure how long she took it for.
When dd decided to buy that wishing well, for her yard, at the Farmer's Market her dh was like rolling his eyes, LOL. Even when we got it back to their house and she had him put it where she wanted it. We were like "it's a perfect thing for there!". Well, in the past 2 days she has been outside and other neighbors have walked by walking their dog or whatever and both commented they loved the wishing well! and she doesn't even have flowers in it yet. So there! haha.
Yesterday was almost 100 degrees again, but today is much cooler, only to get to 73, which will be a nice change.
Well, back to work - 3 days of emails and work to catch up on, again.
I need to look for that book. As we age, I already feel some memory/ thought gaps. It sounds like a nice stay with your daughter.
ReplyDeleteit was a good, informative book. I felt like he explained the foods and how they process in your body well.
DeleteMaybe there is a reason she doesn't want to take those meds everyday.
ReplyDeleteShe is only on the paroxetine now (at half dosage). I took away all the Advil/Tylenol PM and she no longer is prescribed the other anxiety med. I'm pretty sure her only reason is she just can no longer remember that she needs to take them.
DeleteWhen I learned that word several months ago, I looked up each of my meds to determine if any were anticholinergic. Then, I called two different pharmacies and questioned my family doctor. Several sprays and creams are. But, my doctor explained that the route through which I received the meds would not cause dementia. I need my brain to work.
ReplyDeleteI hate for my back to hurt like that. It sure is miserable.
that's good you checked on the meds you are taking. The way I understand these "anticholergenic" meds is that they block the neurotransmitter "Acetylcholine", which is needed by the brain for learning and memory. It's interesting then, that the route through which you receive them, changes if they are harmful with long term use.
DeleteThat shoulder pain is pretty weird huh - I hope it eases up and was just a "pinched nerve" or something simple to correct!
ReplyDeleteit's driving me nuts! I don't know why it's bothering me for such a long period. Usually it's a day or two and goes away (different area's, though)
DeleteAmazon has many free books on their site. Search amazon bestsellers free. (There is a to-buy bestseller chart also). There are also several sites on the web that list free kindle ebooks, plus facebook blogs. My state also has a library website that has downloadable ebooks, magazines, etc. I am always reading on my iphone, ipad mini, or kindle. Just bought a new paperwhite during prime days - lol. Thank you for sharing your life, I have enjoyed meeting you!! Deana F.
ReplyDeletethanks for commenting! I think dd was finding a few free books on Amazon with her Prime account. I have trouble reading a book on my phone - my eyes are too old now :)
DeleteYou might need an injection. Have you tried heat or sleeping in a different position?
ReplyDeleteDid you read what I posted about sleeping position and dementia? Does your mother sleep on her side, the best position?
I was thinking the same thing, remembering the time years ago after my car accident and after more than a year of PT, massage, etc, this one very tight spot in my back would not go away and 2 injections took care of it. I did read what you said about sleeping on your side (and I had also just seen an article about it, too). I think my mom sleeps on her side, but at this point the damage is done to her brain, it's not reversible unless they come up with a cure. But, things like sleeping on your side is good for the rest of us to know for now and our future years to help. While sleeping our brains are "cleaned" out and apparently side sleeping helps aid that process.
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