As I was thinking about writing a Halloween blog, I realized I had written a pretty good one two years ago, that is still appropriate today. I have updated it, but many new members have joined us in the last 2 years who never saw the original blog.
It was one of those blogs that I was going to write for humor, but it didn't turn out that way at all - it's quite sad, as is the life of an Alzheimer Spouse.
I invite you to log onto the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - and read the blog. Please post comments here.
I copied your essay and will give a copy to each of the doctors we have to deal with as well as the kids...they all know on an intellectual level what this disease is but I doubt any of them really grasp the total losses we endure day in and day out and it is a window to our depression, anxiety and all other ills we caregivers suffer.
Yep, it's awful when your fears and emotions can be jerked around at just any given moment, especially when you are already operating on a 'thread' at any given time. Then being “trapped” at the same time just puts you almost over the edge, barely hanging on. So very scarey to live this life, especially when the one you always counted on to save you is sitting right there.....or not.
So True Joan--so very true !!!!!!!!!! Some mornings I still wake up thinking this is all some cruel dream. Then the day begins and I see it start all over again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joan, I copied and printed your essay and gave it to my doctor who takes care of many ALZ patients and caregivers....she found your article very very touching and will keep it front and center as she cares for her elderly patients and those with dementia. Her oldest pt is 102 and the youngest are little kids.