I started with the flu on New Year’s Eve, just a shiver and a runny nose at first. Then it all went downhill from there culminating in one of the worst nights we have ever had last night. So, here I am, with the flu, add into the mix, Alzheimer’s, COPD, and major breathing problems and it’s just a recipe for disaster which came to a head last night.
I cannot remember ever feeling so ill as I did last night but Elaine has assured me it’s happened a few times (Don’t you just love this illness NOT!!!) By 8 o clock I was totally convinced I was breathing my last as the fluid built up on my lungs (heart failure symptoms) I had my Oxygen machine up to full tilt at 5 litres a second and my mind was just all over the place and I really couldn’t get a grip on what was reality and what wasn’t.
Going to bed was a monumental manoeuvre which could have only been organised by “My Angel” Elaine. The four pillows were put into position, the oxygen machine moved into the hallway, oxygen mask on, tablets taken and so to sleep? Err No!!!
As soon as I lay my head down I started to cough and felt as if my lungs had just smoked 50 cigars one after the other!! (I don’t by the way loll) It was impossible to breathe and I was sounding like nothing from this earth. Panic started to set in and as much as Elaine reassured me all would be ok before I knew it I had jumped out of bed and was back sat in my reclining chair in the front room with my headphones on listening to “The Greatest Love of all!!” (A story for another time I promise)
Elaine eventually settled me down and I convinced her that I would now be ok in the front room and would she please try and get some sleep without me waking her every two minutes. The time was 11-30pm, two and a half hours past my normal bedtime and I tried to settle down listening to my music but no matter how loud I played it I could still hear my lungs wheezing like an old stem train.
About Norm McNamara
Norm is 53 years old and has Alzheimer’s. He has graciously offered to share his story with our Internet-based community as he goes through this journey. Norm has great courage and determination, and we are honoured to have him contribute to helping people understand and learn from his situation.
