A Matter of Time

Bev was released from the hospital over the weekend and is back at her assisted living place. She was officially diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and had a urinary tract infection as well. The infection cleared up quickly with an antibiotic, and her cardiologist has prescribed some new medications for her heart issues. Bev was unusually confused during this recent stint in the hospital, and kept us curious and intrigued about what delusions she might have next. Not once, however, did she even mention wanting a cigarette. Kudos to the nicotine patch! As is typical with Alzheimer's patients, she is somewhat more rational today in the familiar surroundings of her own room at the senior residence.

Jim dropped in to visit Bev Sunday afternoon and found her smoking while she was wearing her oxygen nasal cannula. With the oxygen flowing. Yikes! She told Jim that she only recalls smoking one cigarette since she returned from the hospital, yet her previously empty ashtray was full of butts. Jim told her that if he catches her with a lit cigarette one more time while her oxygen is on, he will insist that Debbie not buy her any more smokes. And, if any of the assisted living workers bust her, the penalties will be harsh and expensive anyway. Personally, I think it is inane to trust an Alzheimer's patient to remember to turn her own oxygen off and on, and it is just a matter of time before Bev burns her face. And possibly sets the whole building ablaze. And when that happens, it will not be satisfying at all for me to say, "I told you so." It will just be sad.