I have visited this website many times, but became a member today after reading all the beautiful thoughts on this topic. So much of what was said is exactly what I feel. The loss of so many beautiful parts of our life together is so painful. I miss the person my DH used to be. I'm so tired of being the one who has to do everything, so sad that I can't share accomplishments with him, and so often so very lonely.
I'm happy to have found all of you. There's comfort in sharing our losses...somehow I don't feel so alone anymore.
Welcome PatL. This is a terrific place to come to. You are not alone on this journey. We are all in it together, to pull each other up when we are down; to give encouragement, laughter and tears. So sorry that you have to be here but I know you will get so very much from all the people here. Hugs to you.
Welcome, Pat. If you've been here a lot, you already know what a valuable resource this site is. Glad you decided to join; post whenever you like and tell us more about yourself when you're ready.
Welcome to my website. You have come to a place of comfort for spouses who are trying to cope with the Alzheimer's/dementia of their husband/wife. The issues we face in dealing with a spouse with this disease are so different from the issues faced by children and grandchildren caregivers. We discuss all of those issues here - loss of intimacy; social contact; conversation; anger; resentment; stress; and pain of living with the stranger that Alzheimer's Disease has put in place of our beloved spouse.
The message boards are only part of this website. Please be sure to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and read all of the resources on the left side. I recommend starting with "Newly Diagnosed/New Member" and "Understanding the Dementia Experience". There are 3 sections for EOAD members - two of which focus on the young teens whose parents have EOAD (early onset AD). There is a great new section on informative videos. Do not miss the "previous blog" section. It is there you will find a huge array of topics with which you can relate. Log onto the home page daily for new blogs; news updates; important information.
Hi Pat!!!!! Welcome. This is indeed a family but you gals outweigh us guys. We find that many of the feelings, anguish, emotions, sadness, anger, etc are quite similar. I am a 24/7 for my stage #6 >7 DW, Carol. There are many sweet times that sitll make me cry but I am glad for the opportunity to return some of the care she showed me in 49.75 years of marriage. I seem to have the caregivers dimentia and have lost so many of the memories of our love. Even the pictures we look at daily don't seem to help me remember the close comnversation and episodes we experienced. I miss those memories. But the gal I have now is still a great lady and I try my best to keep her happy as much as I can.
Hope you feel at home at this site. It is a great place to browse. Joan has written some greatl blogs you can access on the home page. See you, bill, bille, or billeld.