Well, I have one now. Last week my oldest daughter of three delivered a strapping 9-pound, 2-ounce baby boy. That’s huge, when you consider, Hannah the Mom, is skinny as a rail.
The average weight for newborn males is 7-pounds-6 ounces and for a female it is 7-pounds-2-ounces, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
And the kid has more hair on his head than I do. (I will post a picture as soon as I remember how to put photos in.)
She and husband Tom Turner named the baby, Isaac Michael Turner. I cried a little when I heard my name. I had no idea they were even thinking of doing that. The Friday the 13th birth was pretty smooth, with five hours of labor. Meanwhile, my wife Catherine and I are anticipating another grandchild. My daughter, Claire, is pregnant with her first child, due in September.
I want to be there for them, forever. But I understand that my life may be shorter than I had hoped as I battle the fatal disease, Lewy body dementia. The average life expectancy of someone with LBD is between 4 and 8 years after diagnosis.
I’m just hoping I live long enough that they will remember me.
Congratulations to you, sir. Your posts bring me great joy, and it warms my heart to read about your family, who you are clearly so fond of.
I recently came across your work; it’s admirable how much you’ve done to raise awareness of LBD, while battling the disease yourself. You have a new well-wisher from across the globe. Best regards.
Thank you for your kind words. I’m going to try to keep it going. Stay in touch. I love hearing from
my readers, a small but hearty group 🙂
My dad was recently diagnosed with LBD. I happened to stumble onto your page somehow as I am looking for help. Everyone tells us that there’s nothing you can do.. please help!
Hi Leslie,
While it is true that there is no cure for LBD, there are plenty of ways to help with its symptoms. There are medications that help with tremors and movement problems, hallucinations, digestive issues such as constipation..
Your dad can live for many years. The average lifespan for a LBD patient iis 4 to 8 years with many living 10 or more years. IF your doctor says there’s nothing you can do ask him about these medications. You might also get a second opinion. I’m a testament to what can be done. A few years ago i was having horrible hallucinations but with the right medication they stopped and I felt like I had my life back. I am in my sixth year of living with the disease;
Thank you so much for replying! This definitely gives hope. We are currently waiting to see a neurologist for second opinion/ help. Can you tell me what medicine helped you with hallucinations? I’m sure it’s different for each patient but that’s his main problem/symptom. Again thank you for reaching out to me!
Hi Leslie,
The medication is pimavanerin or NuPlazid —it’s brand name. I also take seroquel, but it doesn’t seem to work as well.
Good luck and stay in touch.
Congratulations to you and your family!
Thanks David!