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Remember that you don't have to go through this alone. Reach out to senior centers, county/state programs, and local caregiver/Alzheimer's support groups. Don't forget family, friends, and groups, such as religious ones or fraternal organizations which are often helpful.
Have you talked to your husband's doctor about what to expect? About any medication or therapies that might help? You may also need to speak to a lawyer about control of money, driver's license, and health care decisions.
Here are some articles that may help you get started:
Alzheimer's FAQ
Alzheimer's Treatments
Other Treatments for Alzheimer's
Insights for Caregivers
The Emotional Toll of Alzheimer's
Best wishes, and write back with an update if you'd like to share,
Byroney
I'm so glad that your doctor is having you follow through with a neurologist. Because many things can cause memory loss, it's important to make sure the right cause is being treated.
I know what you mean about other people may not even notice during a brief interaction that there are problems. My grandmother would be talking with me one minute, and the next she'd start talking about a dog lost as a child and I would have morphed into her sister. Or my mother-in-law who also had Alzheimer's would hide loaves of bread under her bed and put money in the microwave. These day-to-day happenings can be confusing, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening.
If you have the time, write back and let us know how you both are doing!
Byroney
My hubby, for the last few years, and getting worse, shares his food with our pet cat, on the same plate!!! Also, if he has cereal for breakfast, he eats a few bites and then passes the bowl to the cat to drink the milk, and then returns to continue eating the cereal. It freaks me out because I take cleanliness in food preparation seriously. The plate then has cat hairs on it and I need to clean it before putting it in the sink. I think I can deal with it better if I know it's the memory problem but right now, I have to leave the room to finish my meal. I am waiting to get the results of the CTscan to go on with the process that you suggested. Also, he carries the cat like you would a child, and hear him talking to it about things on the TV news and noone else is in the room. Take care and thanks again.
Until you get all of the results back, the cat issue has to wait. Once you have a diagnosis, this is something you can talk to his doctor about.
Until then, I would suggest making sure that the cat is as healthy as possible. Make sure he/she has an annual exam, vaccines, deworming, and teeth cleaning! That way, you can feel that you've done your best with the situation until the matter is more clearly defined with a diagnosis and treatment plan.
I'll be gone the next few days, but I'll be back next week. Hoping you get those results and a diagnosis soon,
Byroney
A fifth back surgery? Goodness, that would be very difficult on you both. However, I hope if it's the best option his heart is strong enough to have it.
I'm glad to hear he's keeping his sense of humor. As for the denial, I can imagine how difficult a diagnosis that would be to cope with. If you also feel the diagnosis is in question, then don't be shy about getting a second ot third opinion.
Make sure to take care of yourself!
Byroney
Gosh, didn't know I felt this way until I started writing this to you in this email. Talk about a revelation, wow.
I can see what a tremendously difficult conflict that must be for you. Since my grandmother and mother-in-law were the ones I have had experience with in dealing with Alzheimer's, it's a whole different situation if it's your husband or wife.
I'd want the diagnosis to be wrong, too. I noticed from your screen name that you might have options within your church for some counseling. Perhaps finding support there, or with a counselor or therapist who is familiar with Azlheimer's might be helpful?
Now that you've found these feelings, working through them with a professional might be helpful for you.
Byroney
What a great story behind your name. My dad used to be completely into CB radio, too. It brings back many fun memories for me.
I am so glad your step-daughters are supportive and feel comfortable making suggestions to you. I've seen many instances where families fracture and argue instead of pulling together when a loved one has Alzheimer's.
That's definitely something to be proud about, and it will help you in the long run.
Write back when you get a chance,
Byroney
Another, I believe symptom is that he was vocally loud, joking with everyone and wanting the attention of all in the waiting room. He has always been upbeat but for someone in severe back pain and eye discomfort, it was out of character for such problems. Is that another symptom? Most people aren't jovial when they are in that much pain. I need to know if this is a symptom for my acceptance of it and to deal with it.
I am so glad you discovered what was going on with his eyes. I sure hope the drops do the trick in lowering the pressure.
I do remember occasions when my grandmother was ill, but she would mis-identify what was going on with her. For instance, she had pneumonia, but was fixated on her hand and finding a lost watch. She never once complained about the chest pain or breathing difficulties.
It makes sense to me that the brain issues don't just cause a loss of understanding and comprehension of the person's outer environment, but their inner one as well. I don't know if the loudness was for attention, if he might have a hearing problem, or if it was part of the progression. You could run it by your husband's doctor next time you see him to get an expert response.
Thanks for the update!
Byroney
Actually I am the one with the hearing problem and wear 2 hearing aids and the TV still has to be turned up for me. So, when I say loud, I mean LOUD. I think I need an ear horn at times. LOL
Any ideas about how to deal with total taking over of the credit cards and check book. So far I've used the excuse that I know he doesn't feel well with his back problem. I'm waiting to really deal with it after we get the final word from the spine surgeon next week. If he asks about the check book or cards, then, I will make it a real discussion but don't think this is the right time to do it. We are both emotionally drained with the physical issues and decisions. All is a bit overwhelming but I know I will get through it because I have to for both our sakes and will take it one step and day at a time. Oprah said that love doesn't hurt but sometimes it does but in a different way than she meant. When you love someone, you hurt when they hurt. I am thankful for my support group, family, friends and you.
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