IT WAS A U.T.I.

I never knew what a Urinary Tract Infection could do to a person with Alzheimer's. I just thought it was this disease progressing. And partly, it was.

For several days Craig had been having crazy hallucination and delusions. He'd seen a woman downstairs telling him things, voices telling him Andy was saying bad things about him and that I was going to leave him. Other times, he couldn't sit downstairs to watch his sports for 2 minutes when he'd come back upstairs accusing somebody of something or worrying about things that had never happened. All day long.

Then at night he'd get up every ten minutes - no, I am not exaggerating - and do the same thing. I could get NO sleep. Finally I gave him a banana and he slept for a couple hours, but by then I was so nervous about him getting up, I couldn't sleep. Madness. Absolute madness. My heart continually breaks for him.

He'd go out with his companion and Craig would call me asking me if I was leaving him; then again wanting to come home. His companion said Craig was highly agitated all day. After the companion dropped Craig off, he called into the office and reported what had happened and they suggested that Craig may have a Urinary Tract Infection. He called me back to let me know that's what may be causing the delusions and hallucinations. I immediately called Craig's doctor, who in turn, immediately called in a prescription for antibiotics with instructions to start him that night and to get plenty of fluids.

A few days later Craig is somewhat back to "normal" for him. Yet, there has been decline. He doesn't go downstairs to watch sports anymore, as was his routine. He loved Mike & Mike and wouldn't miss it. Now it doesn't even occur to him that it's on. He barely remembers that he has exercise equipment and how to use it. He would work out every day until a few months ago. Now he just sits on the sofa and stares at me or tries CONTINUALLY throughout the day to go back to bed. He has a new companion now, as Craig just didn't "click" with Richard. The newest one was a golfer back in his day, he's closer to Craig's age and grew up in the same area. We'll see how it works out. Craig wants to golf, but I'm wondering if he really can anymore. His brain won't allow him to follow extremely simple instruction.

Craig slept for 12 hours last night. At least I think he did - who knows when I'm asleep? This morning he was in a good mood, yesterday when he got up he even remembered that it was Brain Fitness Club day. But this morning when I gave him his breakfast he asked me "how do I eat this again?" It was a bowl of yogurt with a sliced banana. I don't know how he got a UTI. He showers and I put his clean clothes out for him every day. He drinks Gatorade all day long. I'm scratching my head on this one... and will be even more diligent from here on out.

I can not tell you how much I miss the real Craig. I miss our life, I miss the life we planned. I miss his love notes, the thoughtfulness of the tiniest actions. I miss his laugh, his humor - it comes through on occasion - I miss his wit, countless traits....I miss the man. I love him through the depths of my heart and soul and our fears are now realized. And more to come. All too soon.