Life is not easy when husband and wife both have Alzheimers. Every 72 seconds someone gets Alzheimers.Its progressing at an alarming rate. There is also a genetic factor involved within some families
I was diagnoised with Alzheimers in May 2007. It was a devastating blow to me and my family. I was on an emotional rollar coaster trying to cope with memory loss, new medications
and facing the gradual decline of my mental and physical capabilities.
What a difference a year has made!
My whole outlook on life has changed. I went through the process of anger , denial, frustration, depression. With the help of medications, the disease has been slowed down, and I can remember things much better. I still forget a few things , but I accept the fact that its normal to do so and I don't go to pieces like I once did.
My husband ,Richard, has been having memory problems. He stated he felt like there were blank spaces in his brain. He was having many of the same symptoms I had the previous year.
At the end of August, 2008, his Doctor ordered a PET scan .
The results showed that he has Alzheimers, plus another form of Dementia. The news was overpowering!
He has been quiet and does not discuss it much. He does not want to take medication to help slow it down and had refused too, until a few weeks ago. He has finally started taking Exelon 1.5mg once a day. He needs to take it twice daily , plus start on Namenda. The doseage increases monthly until a certain dose amount is reached. I'm trying not to push him too much. I just don't understand why he doesn't want to help himself !
We're a married couple who have been through so much together. We've always been open and able to talk about things and now he's shutting me out!
I realize he needs time to adjust and cope with the diagnosis. He has Lupus and a metal aortic valve which was put in ,in 1984, plus a few other medical problems. He states Alzheimers won't kill him , something else will.
That might be true , one never knows what's ahead, but that's no reason not to take his medication. I feel he's not accepting it, and perhaps is withdrawing so he doesn't have to face it.
It's real and it affects both him and me. He's placing more of a burden on me and I worry about him. The changes in him are suttle, but I see a small decline in cognative thoughts. He also gets angry quicker, then it subsides.
Our lives are changing more and more, and I feel helpless to stop what's happeneing!
He will be seeing his Doctor soon, perhaps she can talk with him and help in some way.
Please keep us in your prayers.
A FOOT NOTE:
My husband saw the Doctor on Nov 5. She talked with him and he is now using the Exelon patch. He will start on Namenda in Dec. Miracles do happen! Thanks for all your prayers and support!
God bless all of you! MaryGrace
You can not believe how often I think of you. We have never met and it is likely that we never will. But AuthorsDen has put us in touch and not only for what we write. That is why I have such strong feelings of love and support for you both.
May the Good days be Great days and the worst of days speed by to the best of days ahead.
Mary Grace, you have been a marvelous example to all of us at the Den. God's keeping power shines so brightly in you! I found this verse in my reading this morning, and wrote it down to remember:
"When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way." This and other potent verses are in Psalm 142.
You are being held up before the Lord, who is your Refuge, even now.
Love and hugs, Connie
MaryGrace,, I can only imangine how difficult this is...life sure throws punches,,, please just take one day at a time.. know we are all praying for you,,,If I can help in any way I am always here.
Bless you and your family!
Love, Christine
Reviewed by Chantilly Lace (Reader)
Reviewed on October 29, 2008
Oh my,my prayers and love are with you sweet lady...Hugss
You have been in my prayers for quite a while. I miss your writes, and know it isn't too great to go through Altheimer's. And now your hubby is giving you some thinking problems and does not seem to cooperate very well. Give him some time to adjust like you have done. He will be ok and you two will have a happy life together still. May the grace of God our good Lord abide with you both daily. This is my short prayer for you two today.
One is bad enough, but both?? I Can't even begin to imagine what you and Richard are facing! May God bless you both, and know that you are both in my prayers/thoughts! Heartbreaking read; well done, MaryGrace!
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <
Reviewed by Chris Morey (Reader)
Reviewed on October 29, 2008
Mary you and Richard are in our prayers.
I have a husband who will not go to the doctors as well for anything unless he is so bad he can not stand it. Then it is like pulling teeth to get him to take his meds.
I haven't been around much lately and have so much catching up to do. Rest assured you and your hubby have always been in my prayers. I know what the disease can do having experienced it when my father had it. He didn't have the meds that are available today. I'll continue to pray for you both. I have a feeling that your deep love for each other and Our Lord will see you through. Peace, Love, Blessings and Friendship Always, Paul.
Hi Mary,thank you for sharing this poem about what you and your husband went through in terms of having Alzheimers.He needs all the help that he can get and hopefully the doctor will try to put some sense in him.I hope he will be doing alright just like you.I'm glad that you didn't let Alzheimers stop the way that you live your life.God Bless you and your husband.take care
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
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You can not believe how often I think of you. We have never met and it is likely that we never will. But AuthorsDen has put us in touch and not only for what we write. That is why I have such strong feelings of love and support for you both.
May the Good days be Great days and the worst of days speed by to the best of days ahead.
Love
Miller
Love & peace be with you
William
"When my spirit grows faint within me, it is You who know my way." This and other potent verses are in Psalm 142.
You are being held up before the Lord, who is your Refuge, even now.
Love and hugs, Connie
Bless your brave heart and your strong faith.
John
Bless you and your family!
Love, Christine
Mary
Karla. :(
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <
I have a husband who will not go to the doctors as well for anything unless he is so bad he can not stand it. Then it is like pulling teeth to get him to take his meds.
I haven't been around much lately and have so much catching up to do. Rest assured you and your hubby have always been in my prayers. I know what the disease can do having experienced it when my father had it. He didn't have the meds that are available today. I'll continue to pray for you both. I have a feeling that your deep love for each other and Our Lord will see you through. Peace, Love, Blessings and Friendship Always, Paul.
Edwin