I’m 72 and the doctor said I have early dementia. I seem ok so far! But you never know my son will help with that when it’s time. Hello to you and Heather and Penny! ❤🙏
I don’t care what anyone says. You’re an incredible Husband and Caregiver!! You are doing these videos to EDUCATE and SUPPORT other people with the same issues…Keep up the Great job you’re doing!
@@cmcinnis3746 Yes! John’s videos surely do educate. Both my parents died decades ago, but my mom lived with us for five years. She had dementia after suffering a lot of little and one serious stroke. While her dementia wasn’t as severe as Heather’s, I know I would have found John’s sage advice really helpful!
My husband had Lewy Body Dementia. He experienced those passing out episodes. It’s part of the brain damage from the dementia. The ER and tests were traumatic for him and me. I stopped putting him thru that and just dealt with the symptoms of the dementia journey as best as we could. His physical and emotional comfort was my priority.
My mother never polished her nails in her entire life. But in my mother’s last year of dementia she was in a nursing home, and they frequently polished her nails with bright red or pink nail polish. I guess they thought they were doing something nice for her, but she would have strongly objected if she had been her normal self. Now getting her hair done every week, that she definitely enjoyed all her life! And we happily paid extra for that!
I agree, don’t be putting nail polish on my momma, my daughter or me. 😂 Not our thing and none of us can stand it on our finger nails. But my daughter and I do our toes, yes we’re weird. I do feel people’s usual appearance should be respected. It’s all so difficult to navigate.
Hi John, I first want to tell you I love your video's! My Mom had dementia for almost 5 years before she passed in December of 2023. I was her primary caregiver, with some help from other family members. We also had community health care come 2 times a week to help with her showers which she didn't like! Huge help for me. Her last 6 months she had hospice care which was fantastic! What a great team of people! They came once a week in the beginning, but as her situation changed they come more often or if I needed them. They can provide a lot of help no cost to you, like a hospital bed and incontinence supplies. At least in our state in the US. You know your wife better than anyone and you will do whatever you can to keep her in her home, just wanted to let you know that you are doing a good job and when things are all said an done you will have no regrets. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your care team😊
As soon as you mentioned acrylics, I was like, "Noooooooooo!" Acrylics are a major pain to get put on, maintain, and remove. It's a huge commitment. You could have opted for a gel polish manicure, which is similar to regular nail polish but cured with a light. It just goes over your natural nail. I'm so sorry you two had to go through all that!
If you're ever in the Annapolis Valley, I'd love to help out with her nails. I am a nail tech with a nice quiet, bright nail studio. Ooooh, I just heard the last part about no more nail stuff for Heather. Understood, hahaha. On a different note, your videos are inspiring and touching. I love the way you are with her, so gentle and patient and calm.
I’m so sorry you and Heather had such a stressful incident regarding the nails and nail salon. Those places can be overwhelming for someone with ultra sensitivity to smells. You were right..that was agonal breathing and it’s extremely difficult to witness..especially with a loved one. The toilet incident did sound like vasovagal syncope. I’m only a RN, not an MD so I’m not going to diagnose Heather. I’m keeping both you and Heather in my prayers John. 🙏❤️🙏 It was great seeing Penny..she is so precious..she makes me melt!! 💗🐾🐶🐾 Forgot something…my mom had Alzheimer’s but she loved having her beautiful nails painted all her life. I didn’t inherit her strong nails, so she didn’t need acrylics. My brother and I paid to have someone come to the house so she could have a manicure. The smile on her face as worth every penny.
My mom with Alzheimer’s always admired my nail polish. One of the last things I did for her before her death was give her a manicure. A happy memory for me holding her hands and painting her nails.
Greetings John! That park looks so nice for walking and relaxing. Oh, I am so sorry about that nail salon incident! You must have been terrified. I'm so glad it turned out well in the end. Love and blessings ♥️🙏
What a story John! Nail salons can be stressful places! I’m keeping you both in my thoughts as you investigate the fainting episodes. Those unknowns are hard, especially when Heather can’t fully participate. I appreciate how you stay real in these situations.
The nail story is funny and sad all at the same time. TFS I am starting this caregiving thing with my hubby. In the very beginning stages of early on set dementia nothing has been finalized yet but watching your videos I can see what I need to prepare for. 🤙💙
When I see comments with people in the early stages I always wish they knew about the carnivore diet. It can halt and even reverse dementia. I hope you didn’t mind me saying. It’s been a miracle in my life. No Carb Life YT channel is a good place to start.
@@mydanshi9683 I try to stay Keto but have never been able to get hubby to do it. Maybe this will be the driving force because I know low card helps me feel better. 🤘❤
My husband had to go to er, the primary doctor called ahead to er asked he be put in a room by himself with me, due to his dementia condition, as he would want to wander and leave, but needs to be seen. It worked! Just a thought if you need to take her. All these agree have to navigate. We also have palliative care here. Not hospice- palliative care which will help us navigate if we need it also. Don’t know if you have it where they can help You get the doctor or your needs met for her quicker. You are doing and amazing job!! I am in New Hampshire USA. It’s wonderful to see you and your family sharing your experiences and journey helps me so much!
Well you really had me laughing at the start of the nail story, but then it got pretty serious. How scary! Lovely that you're getting some time to yourself enjoying nature and decompressing.
Gosh John how scary😮 I bet Heatger would have been better off with a pedi too! You are very wise to keep an eye on these fainting turns. Doing a great job you are. I hope you and Penny had a lovely walk❤
All you can do is try, you were doing something kind for Heather. You're a wonderful husband, Heather is so lucky to have you. Prayers to you and your family. ❤
I love seeing Penny!!! I am so glad u are getting to do some of your previous hobbies!! I definitely don’t blame you for not taking Heather back to the nail salon!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!🙏☀️🙏☀️🙏🤜🤛
Hello......new subscriber from NE Ohio. My name is Christine Elaine & I found your vlog through Trey Pippen's channel..... Best wishes to you and Heather.
Hi John, I appreciate your videos & seeing Heather affected by dementia is sad, but I have a lot of respect for how you’re still a loving husband. I have to add that we had a cairn terrier, which i believe that Penny is. They are so sweet. I have stories if you ever want to connect. God Bless You All… 🙏
Hope the lab results were ok. Keep a daily Blood Pressure log at home for baseline and check bp when she has episodes and always call to report to physician. EKG/ECG, ECHO, Tilt Table are some tests to check for CV/heart issues or syncope. Fumes/chemicals/odors can cause or uncover sensitivities or respiratory issues.
Looks beautiful down at the your park in Halifax must be lovely to walk with Penny. Hopefully many more walks to enjoy now that Riza is part of team Heather 😊👍🏻🇬🇧
That had to be scary not only to her, with the over stimulations at the second salon. Glad you were close by. I hate that she got so scared that it affected her so strongly, but also glad that you take care of you so that you are able to be with her. I think she is comfortable with you and the routine you provide for her. Glad you got some help with her so you can have down time.
The first thing that came to mind is dehydration. I nearly passed out a few months ago. I had my friend get me a large of water, then I was fine. I I had left the house very early and didn’t drink my usual two glasses of water. Hi Penny!! 🖤🩶🐾
I'm a "highly sensitive person" and I've fainted my whole life on and off due to being triggered by something like seeing blood or having my blood drawn, or eye drops that dilute the eyes during an exam, or just listening to someone tell a story about a medical procedure or seeing it on TV. Doctors said it was due to vasovagal syncope as you mentioned in your video. It would make sense in my opinion that maybe Heather was triggered by the strong chemical odors in the salon and having her nails pulled/touched. But since she still faints occasionally and you can't figure out why, I think your getting her checked out by a doctor just in case is a great idea.
My daughter went to dalhousie. That park was essential to her happiness:)she loves rockhounding and nova scotia has rocks she never found before. So happy she:)
What a story! I too hate false nails. Just the thought of plastic talons you can’t get off? Yuck! Bless you for trying to help though. You’re getting quite an education 👊🏼
I hear you. Don't even try to get those nails done. I would hate that myself. The smell alone would gag me. So glad you are getting relief with a support worker. Enjoy your breaks. So happy you are doing ok with all of this.
Poor her and poor you! These kinds of stressors add up! You are probably already hyped up as it is, on guard for anything that might happen. Stay strong, you are not alone. But most of all I hope you get your talk to the people who are physically close to you and that you get plenty of exercise. I used to lift weights and found it to be a great stress reliever.
Hey! buddy! Thatnk you for the amazing story. We all have some kind of stories about our love ones with Alzheimer's and Dementia. We hear you, You are right, we are always here for each other. Keep up the good work. God bless you guys!🙏
My 90 something mom had dementia and began to have fainting episodes, which then caused her to fall and injure herself. Her doctor told me it’s common due to damage to the part of the brain that controls breathing. It caused her to breathe much shallower which then got less oxygen to her brain and then caused the fainting. It was an unfortunate natural progression. It could be the case with Heather although it’s always best to rule out other issues as you’re planning to do. Thank you for your informative videos. It’s such a tough journey and you’re doing it with so much love and patience. ❤
When you don’t hear back about medical tests, be sure to call the dr office and follow up. Things slip through more often than they should, and the patient/family needs to be proactive.
Each new moment brings another challenge on the journey of dementia. As you record each video of the path you take alongside Heather your subscribers continue to be in awe of the humbling and beautiful love you give so graciously. Fingernails are unimportant (believe me!) Bring flowers instead!
Penny is having a good time, I see. So cool. I'm sure she missed it, as did you. What a frightening story! Poor Heather and you. I've had a vasovagal syncope or a few on the toilet while living alone. Managed to drink some water before the darkness hit but once I was a second too late and woke up to the sound of the glass breaking as it fell from my hand. Sorry if it's TMI. Stay strong yourself. You are an inspiration.
Long nails on anyone who has dementia or is elderly is a very bad idea. The nails will trap bacteria and even feces. A regular manicure and nail polish would suffice. Always keep fingernails and toenails trimmed short.
I sympathise with you and Heather, l personally hate those false nails, never had them and never will. I can very well understand why Heather felt uncomfortable with them, so alien for her. I hope you can get to the core problem of her health issues, it must be exstremly worrying for you, sorry you and Heather are experiencing such issues. Life is so unfair at times. You have a beautiful calm environment right on your doorstep, enjoy wherever you can and lm sure Penny enjoys it too. 🤗
That nails story is terrifying for both of you! Yes, acrylic nails are a nightmare. The only good thing is they are definitely tough - you could rebuild a transmission with those things on!
John, all that nail stuff looks mighty toxic to me. Like you say let Heather bite her nails. The fainting sounds unpleasant and alarming. Her brain is not well so maybe it does random things? You are doing your best to stay on top of Heathers issues. Just keep your chin up as best you can and we are all good listeners. Stay strong and blessings to you both. 👊
I’m so sorry John, I had a laugh at your expense with the fingernail incident, very rude of me, however you don’t know what you don’t know that’s my motto. The more you learn the better off you all will be, it’s a trial and error process. Heather always looks well cared for that’s the main thing, I’ve been thru this twice, what worked for one person didn’t work for the other person, I didn’t handle the frustration well at times and I’m sorry for that. But I did learn skills as I went along hoping I came out the other side a better person. Oh I love penny, from Melbourne Australia
Our relative with advanced multiple sclerosis has had quite a bit of medical problems lately, and one of his doctors refused to keep seeing him because his dementia has made him become combative. We've had to resort to using the ER more and more for things that one would normally go to a doctor's office for. One thing we learned is to take them to ER very early in the morning, like around 4 a.m. and then you may not have to wait so long. The ER doctors are also more equipped to handle combative patients as well.
An occasional pedicure without toxic polish but nail conditioner would benefit Heather if she can handle it. Risa might be able to do it at home too. Trim toenails Epsom salt foot soak and then scrub. No need to rinse. Dry and massage feet with bag balm or a natural lubricant/oil. Put cotton socks on. Footcare is extremely important for overall health. Those acrylic nails are an abomination and TOXIC.
That had to be traumatic for you and Heather. 😢 prayers that the tests come back with positive news. Here in U.S. they do the cardiac test with medication. I have heart issues and had to have it done. It isn't very bad.🙏🏽
Oh man, John, you had me laughing aloud at the "talons" remark! 😂 I must admit however, I felt a bit melancholy when you arrived at such a beautiful place but without Heather. I missed her! But how wonderful that Heather not only has a spiritual angel watching over her but a real live one in the flesh, you do so well by her!
I was wondering if she is having TIAs. Elderly people (although I dont see her as elderly) sometimes have these. They are mini strokes. No warning, they just happen. I only came across your videos recently and I enjoy watching them. I watched my mum go through dementia. Im watching from Australia. I really do wish you both the best.
The cardiac thing they just lie you down and hook you to the monitor. Still might be difficult for her, to keep her still. Im glad you and the doggo are having fun. Loved to see her in creek!
My half sister and I are just starting this journey with her mother. As of now she is living on her own ,however we are on a list to have an assessment done on her (3-4 month wait) We are not looking forward to when we have to tell her she has to move out of her own home. What an awful disease.
Omg, that's so frightening. And I don't mean only the breathing/ fainting. I've never gotten gel nails because I feel like they'd end up ripping my real nails off when they try to remove it. In Canada you're not able to get a cardiologist appt after 3 weird episodes? 10 hrs in the ER sounds like an ordeal for you both. Glad you have that lovely place to take Penny. It must've been a little bittersweet but good for you for doing it❤
I'm so sorry that Heather had such an awful experience at the nail salon. The smells in there could knock anyone out. They need better ventilation. I stopped doing my nails years ago, partly due to the odor. It's toxic. As for the stress test, they use a chemical to simulate walking on the treadmill, if Heather is unable to do so. Best of luck to you both. ❤❤
as dementia progresses, they may lose the ability to regulate their blood pressure well. My dad almost passed out a bunch of times. I always kept him well hydrated with pedialyte. Its probably not cardiac related, but if shes on medication, the some medications affect blood pressure. He also had syncope too, which is also tied to dementia. I had to watch him like a hawk and luckily I was always right there when he almost fainted multiple times. I would call the ambulance and in the ER they would give him fluids and that was always the solution. Just my experience.
My youngest daughter gave me those long nails one time…I hated them! Praying for good results on her blood work, scary I know. I wonder if it could be some sort of seizures that she’s having?
Definitely, you should take dear Heather to a doctor - her own doctor should know about these fainting spells, which could be TIAs or mild seizures, which I assume could be possible with her conditions. A call to the Canadian equivalent of the American 911 emergency number might be a good idea if you’re concerned. That might help her get triaged in the ER. I’m sorry that you and especially Heather have to go through this as well. Keeping you both in my thoughts!
Oh, my!!! Acrylic nails are serious business. Some salons sand the nail surface down which really is not good for the nails. The nails are cured with UV light, too. Also, some salons are not careful about protecting their clients from the fumes and other hazardous chemicals. Getting them off is no joke. I've done it at home, but it requires soaking your nails in pure acetone which is really not a healthy thing to do. Having her nails polished probably would have been okay, but if she's never been a fancy nail person, there's no reason to do it. I'm glad it worked out in the end, but what a traumatic experience for both of you.
John, I just recently has a nuclear scan and part of the test is a simulated stress test rather than running on a treadmill but it measures the same thing. The rest of the test was cardiac related which may or may not be useful to Heather.
You didn’t mention that the Bluenose was behind you near the start. Wow, crazy , scary nail appointment ,no more nails for Heather. Do you have a blood pressure machine or app? If she has bouts of low blood pressure she could pass out from that too. 🙋🏼♀️
Ha, that’s not exactly the Bluenose. It’s the silver, which is a booze cruise tourist boat that farts around the harbour. Yes I have a blood pressure cuff and use it from time to time on both of us. No issues with BP.
they can do a chemical stress test for people that can't do the treadmill stress test. my husband had a prosthetic leg due to diabetes and that's how they did his stress test. (he since passed). but wanted to give you that info. God bless. stay strong.
Hi John have your help file her nails even then have her polish them, that way she dosent get to upset! And she s at home , love you both,god bless you all. 💕🤗🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Thanks for the story, John. I'm sorry it turned out so poorly. I'm sure someone cuts her nails tho and a simple manicure could be doable. I love pedicures, (so relaxing!) but that could be more challenging for Heather.
I hope she is doing well. Agonal breathing does not generally occur with fainting. They should be ruling out seizure or cardiac issues with the vasovagal occurence in the bathroom. They can stress heart via IV medication in a stress test/ stress echocardiogram and it can be ordered outpatient. God bless you both and I hope they are able to get to the cause.
Horrible story about the nail salon. I do my own pedicures because I cannot stand a TV being on, with music in the background, and employees talking to each other not paying attention to you. I feel that they are slaves working long hours and underpaid. I started doing my own pedicures during Covid. I can listen to a book or relaxing music, no TV, make the water super hot like I like it, and i don't do such a bad job! At least from 5'6" inches away my toes look great! ER system in the US and medical appointments in general a mess. Such a shame. Thanks for sharing your story John.
Order at home for her manicure and pedicure when needed. It is simple, clean, shortcut, hygienic, and safe. She needs a safe environment and peaceful, slow, relaxed music.
John, they can do chemical stress tests that don't require walking. The one chemical they inject makes your heart race and you get pretty warm, but it doesn't last long. The test also requires that you sit strapped into a chair that moves around while they take pictures of your heart. They do that before the injection and then after the injection. Hopefully that's something that Heather could tolerate. 👊
I used to get acrylic nails long ago and got a staph infection from them. !! So painful. Too many chemicals. Hope all goes well with Heather's blood work 🙏
Stress can be a cause of fainting, also dehydration and blood sugar levels and even any medications she is taking. Blood tests should pick up most problems. Hopefully they will work out any problems soon.
