Scheduled Testing

And so it was that Dennis was faced with countless appointments for medical testing.  At no time during all the testing did we have even an inkling about what was being tested for or what the suspicious issues were leading to.

First appointment was with the neurologist who did a thorough physical exam and once again repeated a battery of questions and mental exercises in the office.  Then Den was scheduled for a battery of tests that included: complete blood work, EEG, CT scans, MRI and PET scan.  This took a few weeks to schedule and complete.  Since Dennis was feeling well, we joked about how this was probably just a waste of time but a least we would have a great baseline for good health. 

The final appointment was with a neuropsychiatrist in Galveston.  Never missing a good reason to take a drive to Galveston, we actually looked forward to seeing the beach and having a relaxing day.  Neither of us knew what was involved in this testing nor how it would be administered.  When we arrived at the office in UTMB medical facility, the doctor greeted us and sat down in a waiting area to explain how the test would be administered and that it would take 3-5 hours.  That was a shock!  I could see the look of frustration on Denny's face because he was about at wits end with the "whole mess".  He just wanted it over and behind him. The doctor went on to say that Dennis would be alone with him for the testing and they would take a lunch break returning early afternoon to complete the exam.  He tried to lighten the mood a bit by sharing with Dennis that astronauts had taken this test and some of the humorous things about that. 

Well Dennis left reluctantly with the doctor.  I sensed his agitation and frustration so I had some concerns if he would be cooperative if they started asking that series of questions we heard in our doctor's office and at the neurologist office.  I read a few magazines to put my mind at ease.  When that didn't work, I gazed out the window at a beautiful day full of life and the bustling medical center. I couldn't help but wonder by then ... what was happening?  What did they suspect?  Here was a man who was in perfect health; who ate healty; who exercised; who seemed to do all the right things.  He was a Godly man and brought so much love, support and encouragement to many -- as a husband, father, coach and friend.  I was starting to be concerned but never expected anything life threatening. 

After about two hours the doctor and Dennis returned to my waiting area.  It was clear the testing was met with frustration and agitation.  I could see on Denny's face that he was ready to "get out of there".  The doctor explained that Dennis needed a break.  He suggested a leisure lunch and to return in so they could continue.  As we left the medical center, Dennis was clearly "ticked off".  He explained he was tired of people making him feel stupid with crazy questions and puzzles.  He was never one who was fond of card games, puzzles, word games and such so all this irritated him.  While at lunch we talked about the testing.  He expressed a strong desire NOT to return and just go home.  When I said we shouldn't do that he promptly came at me with, "Then you go in there and let him ask you those questions and see how it makes you feel.  I don't need this shit!"  With much prompting and a few sincere expressions of love and concern -- he agreed and we returned.

All this testing and appointments took about 6 weeks.  Then came the meeting with our family physician for a report and results on everything.  Then and there it was all laid out.  We were told everything on all tests was good.  Great news!  But then there was a pause. He explained that what they had been doing was testing for and eliminating any other possible explanation for what was happening. The neuropsych test had clearly identified a diminshed cognitive level to be associated with a person who has the IQ of about 85.  Since we were both educators that was familiar but alarming to us.  With great confusion, he went on to say that Dennis having a masters degree would be expected to have a much higher cognitive ability.  Therefore every possible diagnosis that would explain this had been eliminated other than EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER'S.  [My heart raced.  What?  No way!  That's not possible.  Must be a mistake.  Dennis was only 56 and I didn't see him losing his memory in that way.] 

A plan of treatment was laid out in detail.  Dennis would start taking Exelon. The first month he would take 1.5 mg per day; the next month 3.0 mg per day; next would be 4.5 mg per day and finally he would reach the optimum dose of 6 mg per day.  The doctor explained he believed the Alzheimer's was caught early.  He said not everyone could tolerate the highest doseage so that is why it had to be a gradual buildup. He asked if we had long term care insurance.  I sighed and explained we had just dropped it due to financial constraints.  We were numb with confusion so when asked if we had any questions ... there were none.  We didn't know enough to ask a question.  This diagnosis had NEVER crossed our minds.

As we walked out of the office, I remember Denny taking my hand and saying, "If this is true, it is you I feel sorry for because you will have to take care of me".  I just gave him a kiss on the cheek and said not to worry about that.  As we got in the car I was at a loss for words.  The silence was deafening.  I said, "Hey I have a great idea, let's go get a manicure/pedicure.  Are you game?"  He chuckled and readily agreed to get pampered that way for the first time ever. 

This date was May 2002.  Dennis was only 56 years old.