On Tuesday I took the bus to my first support group meeting.There were about 10 people there plus the facilitator who is the chaplain for that particular home.
He gave very good information (some of the stuff I already knew but there was alot of new information as well. After his short lecture he went around the room and everyone talked about what was going on. And there was a lot going on. Very similar to what's going on in this group.
I had an oppportunity to tell "my story". Things are getting worse here. I think I may haveI already told you that. DH's memory is worsening every dayy.
The chaplain commented that with this disease every day we grieve again--over every "thing" that is lost. I really never thought about it that way.
So, today I'm grieving. I'm grieving about the fact that AD is taking my DH an inch at a time. Each day there's something else lost.
On Wednesday, a social worker came to the house to review my vision, give me some more tips and pointers. With my understanding and agreement, she set me up with a white cane. I know! I know! It's for my protection as well as the public's--especially drivers. It's just the fact that reality is setting in faster and faster. So, I am also grieving for my loss of vision. I'm not totally blind. I have quite a bit of periferal vision although it is getting dimmer. I really can't enjoy TV anymore. I have one spot about 3 o'clock that shows colors but not any real detail. But, that's enough of that.
I just wanted to sound off. I guess I'm asking for your prayers and support. And I know you will provide that. Thank you in advance.
Mawzy, I am so sorry all of this is on your plate. God is with you and giving you the strength you need to get through this tough time, but even when our faith is strong we will still grieve, cry, scream, all of the things we can and need to do to come to terms with what is happening to us and the ones we love. I think I am a strong person but from minute to minute I am angry when there is something new my dh does not know. Today I found out he does not know front from back, what flower beds are, and left and right. This is happening from morning to night most days. It is hard to deal with. I understand what you are going thru. That is why you and I are here, on this site, because we all understand. Yes, you know you can and will get support from us, that is one of the main things that keeps me going. This is my support group. This is where I come when the good Lord has gotten an ear full and I am still sad and need to heal. Know that you are in my prayers and thougths. Things will get better, I don't know when, but my faith says it will. I am praying you have a great day and please rest and give it to your Higher Power and us. Love in Christ....
Mawzy--If I remember correctly, you have macular degeneration? My Dad has suffered from it for a number of years. Did the social worker tell you about the audiobooks from the Library for the Blind? They sent my Dad a player and would mail him the audiobooks--all free of charge; also, he had a machine that would blow up the print size of newspapers, letters, etc. As I recall, its cost was between $200 and $300, and he thought it was well worth it. There was also a phone-in service where people would read magazine and newspaper articles to the sight impaired, my Dad could choose what he wanted to hear.
Dear Mawzy, you have all our prayers and support from Joan's site. You have a lot of burdens to bear, but I know you will come through on top! Love and hugs to you.
Oh Mawzy, my heart goes out to you. I can't imagine dealing with the vision loss on top of AD. A good friend of mine is 77 with macular degeneration and I witness the grief she goes through and the fears of what is to come. I hope you're finding all the resources available.
Mawsy, lots of good thoughts coming your way. How hard it must be to deal with all you have on your plate. Sound off all you want, we are here to listen,
Mawzy, I think that is why I cry so much. Even when I am not thinking about my husbands dementia. I could be watching a movie or reading a story. It is like all my emotions are turned upside down. I am sorry that you have to go through this. You have a whole support group here that understands and is with you while you go through this, you are not alone.
Just echoing for Mawzy..I understand too. My mom has this.. we call it her Immaculate Generation!..She is good natured about it but I can see how she struggles. Bless you and so glad you can vent here no matter what.. Letterrr ripppp
MarilynMI--I do have the reader and receive the talking books. I really enjoy them--most of them. If i get into the book and I don't care for it, I just send it back. I don't even have to pay for the postage.
Things will be better-I know. Just don't know when. Oh, well. Thanks all of you for your kind words and prayers. I can feel them all!