Update on Mom

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 1:45 am

Mom is fairly low on folate, according to the lab's reference range, and really needs to get her B-12 at least above 400. The reference ranges on B-12 are too low that come from the labs -- lots of people have neuro symptoms below 400, so one needs to be at least above that level. Other B vits are recommended to take with these two, but the two of them should be taken together to prevent masking of low levels on lab results, particularly since so many foods, particularly regular grain products are being fortified with folate nowadays.

Mom, being gf, doesn't get the fortified stuff, and she can't get as much as needed from the other foods, thus the need to supplement. She has seemed somewhat better on some of the milder meds for dementia and related problems, but wouldn't it be neat if she could cut down on or eliminate some of these, just with higher folate/B-12 levels by way of supplementation?

Since starting on her last medication, she self-reports feeling better, and illustrates this by the fact that she now feels more like getting out and about, and actually WANTS to get out more.

Anyway, I feel sooo happy about this development -- best Christmas present we could have!!

Thanks for the continued interest you've shown in this situation.

Yours, Luce

Alice · Post by **Alice** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 6:38 am

Lucy,

When mom feels better, YOU feel better. So glad to hear this. I can relate because of my experiences caring for my dad. What a nice Christmas present for both of you!

Love,
Alice

JJ · Post by JJ » Thu Dec 22, 2005 11:17 am

Hey Luce...that is great news! TTFN...JJ

artteacher · Post by **artteacher** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 11:58 am

You're a good daughter, Lucy. Merry Christmas! Marsha

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 12:06 pm

Wow, that's great, Lucy. I hope it continues to be helpful to her. Anything that can improve her quality of life is wonderful for both of you. Maybe the holidays will be happy after all. Sure hope so!

Umber · Post by **Umber** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 5:13 pm

You are a wonderful, caring daughter.....your Mom is certainly blessed to have your help.

That is wonderful news and so happy Christmas will be brighter!

Hugs

Lori

annie oakley · Post by **annie oakley** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 5:43 pm

I think it's great that your mother is better...you're right...a great Xmas present. I know you must be happy about it. I hope she continues to get better. Have a great xmas. LOve Oma

Wendy · Post by **Wendy** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 8:17 pm

She is a very lucky mom for sure! But it is true that if your parents are not well, and if you are in your situation, taking care of one of them, it must really make you feel better to see this. My parents are not doing so well, and I have a younger brother that looks out for them, but I think that sometimes it is not enough. So I talk to them every other day, or more sometimes. I am glad that I have a long distance plan that lets me call them 24/7. And when I get the chance I go up and stay with them. The problem is that I am not in the best of health either, so there is lots I can't do for them. But they would not do well to live anywhere but in there own home. My father has been the one that goes out for groceries and stuff, but he has been laid up with complications right now, and can't walk, and mom just can't do it either, she has osteoporisis fractures in her spine. Among other health problems. But all I know is when I call and they joke around, it feels so much better. It will be better in the summer, as mom just got mobile chair to get her around.

Keep us updated on how it is working, and how she is doing. I am sure it will be nice for you to see her wanting to do a few more things.

Take care and Merry Christmas.

Gentle hugs
Wendy