LEWY BODY DAILY JOURNAL

This is the story of Pam and John; she in her early 50’s and John is 62. Pam is a college professor. John taught at a local community college until diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2008, then Lewy Body Dementia in April.

-------

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Posting will be spotty

We leave this evening for Europe--a week in Berlin, one night in Dresden, and five days in Prague before returning to Berlin for one more night before flying back to Massachusetts. I hope to post occasionally during the trip but will not try to post every day while we are traveling.

We already had this trip planned before John was diagnosed, but it has become more important as an opportunity to do things as a family while we still can. We are renting apartments in Berlin and Prague, which I hope will make the trip less stressful. John has been doing very well the last few days, just occasionally strugging to try to do something like make a rental car reservation for our return (he wanted to check out something beyond what I had found but found only the same price).

We have already been away from home for a few days but in a familiar vacation house. I don't know whether in a new place he will be more disoriented or whether the excitement will inspire him.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Stella here, This trip is great! I would caution about one thing. Plan for John to have more rest than ever before. Bon Voyage!

Anonymous said...

The travel should be great for both of you !!! We took 2 big trips when GW was at about John's stage. and he does remember them now. Take lots of photos !!! put them into an album so they can be viewed easily later. Rest times are very important !!! Don't be surprised if strangers offer to help, when his Parkinson's symptoms are showing. Just accept the assistance with smiles. If there are any confusions, you will need to remain calm at all times. LBD people have a tendency to mirror and intensify any anxiety. Yes this is hard, I've never been monotone, but I'm learning! But this is your time to relax and have FUN !!!
Di