It's been a rough week, but I have finally written a new blog. I invite you to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and read it. It explains how I have been able to deal with all of the recent fast balls hurled at me. Maybe you have better suggestions. Post all comments here.
Joan you are on the right track.Some things I do to reduce stress and stay on top of things: Picture youre brain as a huge storage room equiped with all manner ofcabinets, draers a nd cupboards, closets and lockers. Assign each problem a locker or closet. Store it there excccept when it must ber actively dealt with. Otherwise it is stored--not in your face. You have it contained.
Also, if any comment is made about any issue not on the table right then---your response is: "iT'LL BE THERE WHEN i GET THERE."
One last one, which may or may not be useful: "If I can't see it, it's not there."
Almost a bit like Scarlett's mantra...."I will think about it tomorrow"
Please take care of your health Joan. I am not one of those of course that says, "Well you have to take care of yourself first"...I know that is not always possible. But please take your vitamins , eat well, and keep up the exercising.
Joan you're doing what you can do. That's the important thing. You truly are an inspiration. I don't comment often but I visit frequently. It's very, very hard to keep all the balls in the air. I've often thought that my name should really be "Frauda," because I feel like a fraud who is failing on all levels. I really think the one probelm at a time is a good practice. Please hang in there. I know what you mean about excerise. I have put on extra weight especially around the middle since my husband was diagnosed 4 years ago. I still work full time and try to find time to excercise but there aren't enough hours in the day. Just believe in you step by step. Val
Joan, you will get it done! And we are all here to hold you up!
I've had to do it that way for the past year and a half, with things being slung at me right, left, up and down. I did have to prioritize, and I'll admit, I spent a lot less time with DH until I had those things done that absolutely had to be done. I thought I would drop from the stress. Finally, the last 3 months or so, I'm back to 'caring' for DH much of the time. Well, I did care for him during the other time too, but I now spend more time one-on-one with him. His going to DC 2-3 times a week for 3 hours each does help me too.
That sounds like a good plan, "one problem at a time".
I need to get better at that. I get rattled when things don't go as I think they should and then my voice rises and I know all I'm doing is getting everyone upset. I need to just learn to keep my mouth shut and clean up later.
Sounds like it maybe time for some Respite Care? I just lost my brother a couple weeks ago, so my daughter and my wifes sister are coming to care for her so I can take a trip and get out for awhile. Take some time for yourself, put everything on a shelf and get away.
Hope all manages until you go Joan, and the time flies.
I was reminded today of the one day at a time when I saw your thread, after fussing that I would not be able to get his respite in Honolulu in Dec., as I do not think I can get him on the plane.
One day at a time, look at the sunshine today, pray and hope for our comrades here, ask for guidance.