Hi, This is also my first time. My DH was diagnosed in Feb withAD & PD. I believe he's had symptoms for a number of years. It's easier to see the signs when you look back. I think he's in the middle stages. He can still feed and dress himself but needs some help with showering. He's extremely slow and uses a cane. He has PT coming to the house 2 times a week. He had a bad fall a few weeks ago and we've had to have someone here when I work. (2 days a week) I've decided to leave my job Aug 1st and stay with him. Right now he really isn't much care but I can't leave him alone. He doesn't feel he needs any help but, it's obvious. DH is 76 and I'm 63. Married 45yrs. I'm and RN but believe me I'm a wife first but I have lots of skills to help him. I'm kind of broken hearted about leaving my job. I'm one of those nurses that really loves her job and patients. But, I know this is what I need to do now.
I've been reading the blogs for awhile now and sometimes it makes me depressed. I also feel comforted to know that you all walk this path with me.
Nancy, welcome! I know that being an RN will be a big help to your DH, especially down the road. You will need to have someone to "spell" you one or two days a week for a few hours so that you can have some time for yourself. If you have any questions, there are a lot of people who are expert in various areas willing to help you.
Big welcome to you Nancy! sorry you have to be here but glad you decided to come out into the open. i have a feeling ALOT of folks are reading here that havent opened up to the site yet to post. each time i see a new person post, it saddens me to see how many of us are out there trying to cope and without a lot of hope for a cure anytime soon. you are an RN so you will be vital to your DH care. You are making an unselfish choice to be with him and he will be forever grateful i am sure. yes reading into the never ending sagas we post about the dilemmas we go thru caring for AD spouses, can depress and overwhelm most anyone. but the info here is invaluable if you face the dread disease. Divvi
Funny story: My DW's sister came for a visit. She lives two hours away. She visits now and again, and we visit her and go out to dinner and such.
I ended up in the hospital, and my daughter took care of DW full time for me for awhile. At one point, the sister came up for a visit, and offered to watch DW for the day while my daughter helped at a PTA function. At the end of the day, she told my daughter to have an evening off, go home to her family, and they'd see her in the morning.
My daughter, while grateful, asked her if she really wanted to do that, as doing an overnight was pretty rough if you weren't used to her. The sister pulled herself up, and replied, "I am her SISTER, and I am a NURSE! I think I can manage things here just fine for a few hours. I'll call you sometime in the morning. Off you go!"
My daughter took the offer, and headed home. The next morning at 9:00 SHARP, the phone rang. It was the sister...calling and crying and telling my daughter to come get DW. She sniffled and told my daughter she had had no clue how hard it was to look after an AD patient, and fled for the hills.
We did feel sorry for her (a little), but that's how it is when the relatives start thinking they could do a better job than you. Let them try it!
Anyway, good luck to you, and don't forget to ask for help. Everyone needs it!
Nancy, when I first came here this forum depressed me too. I made myself do two things. At first I only allowed myself to come here once a day. That is no longer necessary. But when I do come here, I also immediatly afterward, go and do something on the Web that is just for me and my enjoyment.
The problem with this forum is also its blessing. You find the truth here. You can say the truth here too. It hurts but it is also healing.
Hi Nancyt. I just joined this community also but have already found comfort here. Having a place to come to with people who understand what we're going through is wonderful even if it's depressing at times. My DH is in the middle stages and it's hard because he is so normal part of the time.
Hi Nancy, I too am new to this forum but not AD. I have found more support here in one day, than I have in the last 8 years combined with other sites. It is depressing isn't it? We have had offers to hold our hands while we push on... amazing huh? I am so sorry for all that you are going through and will try to help in any way I can. Nikki
Nikki - I think that is one of the positives about this site - you have needs BUT - you might have information that helps someone else. It always feels good to give.