It’s only been about a year that I started sharing with close friends my LO’s “situation”. So for over 2 1/2 years I kept this worry and anxiety bottled up! I wasn’t gray before but now I’m on my way!
It was such a relief to say it out loud. My advice would be to get to a support group ASAP. There are people there who understand and can be very helpful. The Alzheimer’s Association has a list of groups available in your area. Alzheimer’s Association
In my case I was looking for a group that dealt with EOAD, (Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease). Apparently there aren’t that many because EOAD spouses most likely are still working and don’t really have time to go to a “support group” on a Tuesday @ 10:00am! I do have the luxury of being self-employed and my days can be very flexible if I need them to be.
I finally found a group a few months ago, and it’s a conference call, which really works well. It’s small right now, but I hope it will grow. I have already gotten a lot out of the calls.
Hi Rhonda,
Thank you for sharing. Yes, I’ve noticed how stressed you looked these past several months. It’s why I had asked you after the run day – How are you? And Laura? You haven’t been yourself. I know how difficult it is to watch someone that you love with Alzheimer’s. My father-in- law was treated for Alzheimer’s. The doctor’s said it was dementia. Later we were told it was Alzheimer’s. It’s a scary process. Here’s what a dear friend said to me – She, too, had gone through this process with her husband.
The first step is denial. – This is the most painful process!
The second step is acceptance.
The third step is managing.
The last step is healing.
I didn’t have a “support group” and found myself wondering, at that time, if caring for him was what he needed at that time. I started questioning myself on a lot of things. Treatment and being his caregiver. Is that enough? I’ve made numerous jokes with you about him during BC but I knew that I only made those jokes to hide my pain, sadness and frustrations. I’ve have been where you are at… I know that I’m busy working or traveling – I will make time for you if you ever need me. – Marie
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