yesterday, i went back to my hometown to take my mom for a psychological evaluation. we're trying to get her on social security disability, and this was one of their requirements. the tests were nothing new to me, as i had to learn how to give them in grad school. however, i had forgotten how frustrating they could be to the person who's taking them. it took about 2.5 hours to get through all of the tasks, memory tests, etc. the psychologist showed me one of her scores, which was only a few points above the cut-off for mental retardation.
the thing is, my mom is a fairly intelligent person. whatever it is that is affecting her memory - be it stroke, seizures, or aneurysm (the doctors can't seem to decide) - is turning her into someone else. i imagine this is what it's like to watch a loved one decline with alzheimer's. yet in spite of all of this, she's the happiest i have ever seen her. she's actually getting out and going to lunch with people and going to church, which she never used to do. i know she's frustrated with the memory problems and confusion, but i'm glad it's not stopping her from enjoying life.
in other news, my friend kambri and her client/fiance' christian finnegan are in town this week as christian performs at the laff stop. he's really funny - if you're local, go check him out! we'll be at the friday 8pm show.
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Hi, I just came across your post. I'm guessing that your mom's disability application is at the initial claim level (I'm a former disability claim examiner). Just wanted to wish you luck on it. My own mother was treated for many many years with some meds that are now outdated. Her treatment regimen has been changed, but her doc has told me that, at some point, she may be disposed to developing alzheimers partially because her former meds did not arrest the deterioration that can accompany her type of condition. We're not at that level yet, but her memory is noticeably slipping. You can only hope for the best, I guess. Anyway, good luck on things.
I am so sorry your mom is having so much trouble. It's so difficult to see our parents change like that. I know you are thankful that she is acting happier, though. (((hugs)))
I never know what to say when I read someone confessing something sad and with a positive slant. Condolences? Uplifting "way to go?" I'll just thank you for the insight. Helps me know more where you're coming from.
Have fun at the laff stop. I'd go to see Kathy Griffin.
You are in my thoughts...:) (((hugs)))
I understand what you're going through. I'm so glad your mom is happy and getting out with friends - that has to help ease your mind a little. I hope the disability comes through quickly. It opens so many doors for help through medicare and other social services.
I don't know if I'll ever fully accept that my mom isn't the same person who raised me. She has her good spells and I cherish them, but she'll never again be the independent person she once was.
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