Damn Lil! I REALLY think you hit it on the head! All has to be considered...but I failed to mention I would get really bizzare phone calls from her at 12am and think to myself. "SHIT! She knows my hours...doesn't she"? And in those calls...(mums the word)...she sounded drunker than a skunk to me. On numerous occasions she's asked me to get my father-in-law (FIL) to make up a list of wine making potions. He makes lotsa homemade wine. I considered a "cover-up" on her part...to her husband and kids. I've probed all possibilities...especially what you said! I've wondered...since she is a wife of a cop, do they forego all the "tests" in his consideration. This might be something BIL isn't willing to share with me. But, again, I may be out of the park here too. I'm making a note of what you said and when I talk to BIL I will mention it all! TY! *hugs*

P.S. Not to say that I think ALL "blackouts" are caused by alcohol...just that you jogged some memories of past bizzare phone calls that I didn't mention to BIL and I doubt he knows about.

Can you say "functioning alcoholic"? My dad was one...even if he didn't think beer was a drug!

Lixy you said your sis was on several meds,get a list of them and take it to a pharmacist to see if some are reacting with others.We had to do this with my mother- in- law she was taking what the Dr told her to but it was making her higher than a kite due to a couple of drugs reacting with each other, acting like a narcotic,Taken alone they were fine,just not together. It costs nothing and its a place to start.I will add you and family to the prayer list.

Update
 

Just spoke to BIL and he is furious!

The hospital sis is in is a bit understaffed. BIL knew that, but also knew there were pretty good neurologist's aboard so he took her as local as possible. Hey! Can't blame him there.

They've been running tests, including a recent MRI which they took yesterday morning. Had the MRI done in the morning and he waited...and waited...and waited, till 9pm and he couldn't stand it any longer. He called the doc who was to read the MRI and the doc told him he spoke with BIL earlier that day. BIL said, "Yes...but only to tell me you were doing the scan". Doc proceeded to rant on about how understaffed the hospital was and that sis's case wasn't one of trauma (bleeding, head bashing..etc) and he's doing his best in this situation. BIL could'a KILLED MRI reading doc (who had no answers).

BIL went to head administrator (he can do that sorta thing by flashing his badge) and told of doc's bad "bedside manner". Administrator agreed of the bad behavior and appologized profusely...still with no MRI results. I understand having shitty hospitals in a local area...I've been there, done that! We've ALL had this experience at one time or another...eh?

Well...BIL made some calls to a few "friends in high places" and at this moment has an ambulance on stand-by and a better hospital/doctor staff in view. The red tape he is running into as of this moment is from the A.M.A. (American Medical Association). It's past 3pm now and the A.M.A was supposed to respond to his request for a transport/change of medical staff as of 2pm. No word yet! If he doesn't get their okie dokie then their medical insurance won't cover the transition.

BIL is taking sis to Christiana Hospital (Deleware)...tops in it's field of teaching and also neurological diagnosis. Next choice would have been Jefferson in Philadelphia (which isn't out of the question), a bit a ways away, but one of the very best hospitals in the country.

While I was on the phone to BIL he was with sis in her hospital room. He asked if I wanted to speak to her (foregoing all previous apprehension). I nearly shit me fekking trousers! I wasn't sure what I was leaping into. She got on the phone and was as wide eyed and wondering as a 4 y/o. "Hi hun...how ya doing" I said. "I'm great" she replied. "Have your kids been up to see you...Do you want me to come and see you"...I babbled on. "Yes...and they brought my grandbabies...who wanted some gum...did I have gum hun? (she puts the phone down on the bed...BIL tells her to pick it up...sis is on the phone)...Oh...Yes...but I told them not to swallow it...it was spearmint I think (puts the phone down again)...or was it peppermint"? BIL tells her to pick the phone up again...sis is still talking to you. "I'm going back to my trailer today. ______ (<---insert BIL's name here) has my clothes all packed...'cept what I'm wearing *giggle, giggle, giggle*. Did I tell you about my roommate? Did you call me on my cell phone? Here's my number (puts the phone down again). _______(<---BIL's name) what's my number? _______ (the number without the last 4). I know your cell number...it's ok. I'll call you. OK, she said, want my number? What's my number _______? Oh look! Cookies! I asked, "Did someone bring cookies for a snack"? They look fattening, she said. I've lost a lot of weight recently. I need new clothes. "Did I tell you I'm going back to my trailer today? It's nice out...but the sun isn't shining. I said, "It's sunny here, in Pennsylvania (trying to keep up with her fast paced conversation). We're passing it down to you. Should see it soon". It's 74 degrees here today (puts the phone down again). BIL picks it up and sighs. "Are you ok", he asks. *SIGH* Yes BIL, but I'm soooooooooooooooo worried about you!

So here's the deal...BIL IS in action and moving her to a "better place". Dunno what I'm missing from Memorial Day but I just know I'll catch up as soon as I can sit down with him face to face.

TY for listening!

*hugs all around*

Lixy, I feel for ya so much...sis' behavior sounds so much like my daddy's during his last few years it's not funny (not that it ever could be)...they diagnosed it as Alzeimer's, but I know for a fact you can't make a positive diagnosis until the autopsy, & none was done...a few months after his death, I read an article in some kind of newsletter I was stripping up (you know what that means I was doing LOL) that described the symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure, & about 90% of them fit...there are so many different things could up with sis, & at 50, I would think that Early Onset Alziemer's might be one of them...all I can offer is hugs & sympathy, & I think maybe the best way for you to get thru this yourself is to give BIL as much time as you can spare to talk it out, & that way maybe you can stay informed, & not feel so helpless sitting there worrying...I know you've got a full plate with Mr Lix, so be good to you as much as you can...

jay-t...TY (((((Hun)))) I think if I lived closer I could come in and "help out" more. I just feel like I trust my BIL so much in this case that I shouldn't overstep my bounds. As I said, he's been with us for as long as I can remember my sister dating and he knows us/her so well that I'd trust him with my life...so I trust him with sis's! TY for your concern! I just love that I/we can talk it out here! *hugs*

scotz...Not knowing is worse than knowing...or is it? Shit hun! I'm freaking out over here! The more I hear the less I wanna! Was it The Loving Spoonfuls who ask "Do You Believe in Magic"? I want a magic wand...damnitalltohell! TY for reflecting! I hope I didn't dredge up too many sad emotions for you! *hugs*

P.S. I know you did your "stripping" without music!

Not at all darlin'...as it's been 14 years since he left (& longer than that since his mind left), I can say I'm used to it now...as you well know, you never get over it completely...I'm mainly concerned that you may be feeling overwhelmed right now, & just wanna reassure you that you'll be ok, & that we all are here to help anyway we can...even if it's just to listen to ya think out loud...

PS, I'm pleased to inform you that when I strip now, it only involves clothing...

I have mental illness in my family...goes way back.....both my sisters have been diagnosed...1 for ages since her 20's....my last sis was 42 when it came out in her....i aint that far away....and it can be damn scary

It could be a number of things Lixy...i just hope they find out soon for everyone elses peace of mind

(((lixy)))

Sounds like BIL's getting after it pretty good. That's whats needed first and foremost...good medical attention to figure out what is wrong.

Be strong.

:)

I am so pleased you have been able to ‘talk out loud’ with our family here, Lixy. :) I know how hard it is to deal with inter turmoil when you are bouncing off the walls alone. I can share the knowledge of the situation, but in truth, I do not know Bil or your sister and I can only share the feelings of the person I do know. Thank you for letting us be part of an important concern of yours. Now you have to just hang tuff as you are hoping for him. You are there for your sister and him and we are here for you. :console:

I am hearing a word here that goes with Congestive Heart Failure and a number of other conditions, hypoxia.

If you're not getting enough oxygen you can sound and act drunk, then if you add alcohol or other breathing depressants, the sufferer can vague right out.

Tests can range from checking whether beneath the fingernails has a blu-ish tinge to blood oxygen metering over a period.

Some conditions can also decrease the lungs' ability to extract oxygen without cough or discomfort.

Lixy....my great grandfather and my grandfather both had alzeimers and had some of the same symptoms. However, both of them were very aware of their environments, they just thought they were in a different time.

Dementia can be caused by many things, and I am happy BIL is getting another set of opinions.

Lixy....I hope I will not step on your toes here....but IMHO you are too worried about stepping on BIL's toes. She's your sister! And....BIL might appreciate some help and a shoulder to cry on, even if he doesn't always admit it. Just make sure -- should this be something fatal, or she slip away mentally -- thet you don't end up with any regrets about what you didn't do or didn't say. Life is short, and we never get to spend enough time with the ones we love.

One of my greatest regrets in life is that I didn't get to see my dad before he died.....and I've tried to make it different with the rest of my family.

(((((Lixy)))))) I know your life is so full of responsibility and care right now. I wish I could share some of the burden. Please take care of yourself, sweetie.

Lixy,

Both my mom and my wife's mom suffered from dementia which later proved to be Alzheimers. While it was hard on us, the blessing was that they were in their worlds and didn't seem to feel troubled or concerned by their condition.

Neither really remembered who we were, although by their smiles it was clear they "knew they knew us from somewhere." We were just thankful for the time we had to sit with them and be as close as possible for as long as they stayed with us.

Again, we will offer our prayers and hopes that with advances in medicine, maybe the doctors can help to delay the effects. In any case, if we can ever be of any help to your with you hubby or your sis ... or anything for that matter, you have only to ask. The prayers of course, come as a free bonus!

Lot's of love and hugs coming your way. Please give hubby our best.

DB

scotz...(((((scotz)))))

Alassë...TY for talking out loud with me! I worry that I'm not far off from falling over the edge at times too. I told Mr. Lixy yesterday that I'll try with all my might to keep my mental health normal. He kidded and asked, "When's that gonna happen"? *hugs*

rabbit...I'm hoping, now that she is moving, the answers will come. TY for caring! *hugs*

OF...I'll mention this to BIL. I know his suspicions but I know he's open to all suggestions. *hugs*

osuche...You haven't overstepped at all! I know regret and I promise I won't let that happen ever again! As soon as sis is settled in her new digs I'm headed there. Probably tomorrow, but this week for sure. I didn't see my dad before he died either. I know of what you speak! TY for your concern and well wishes! *hugs*

db...You are so sweet to share with me. You're words and prayers are such a comfort to me. Accepting those hugs and love and sending um right backatcha! Hubby sends his best too! *hugs*

Lixy Darlin Huggggggs. This has such a familiar ring to it I just had to add my little bit in. I'm presently dealing with a similar situation with my brother. He's a diagnosed scizophrenic. He's OK as long as he's taking his meds. My Dad had them prescribed as shots so they could be monitored. Of course governmental buget cuts and changing mental health professinals come along with all their "knowlege" and change things up. They change his meds to pills for him to take on his own and he's either stoned to the gills or off in his own little world. Any way... whatever they do find I hope they get her treatment in line and things work out. You know I love ya and will be keepin' you and yours in my prayers. I've been away for a bit but I'm back and I'll keep an eye on posts. If ya need an ear... just yell Hon.