DH 57 just diagnosed w/posterior cortical atrophy EO

Mindy L.

My 57 year old husband of 35 years was just diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy, Early Onset Alzheimer's.  He can no longer drive or work.  I'm reeling from shock, grieving what should not be happening at this time in our lives and desperately trying to figure out next steps emotionally, financially, etc. I'm the breadwinner but all I want to do is stop working fulltime to spend time with my husband in his remaining "good years".  We've submitted the application for SS Disability and I'm working on financial planning, etc, including "retiring" no later than end of 2023.  It's a scary thing to try to figure out how to quit working and still make investment money last (which I'm thankful we have) to cover health insurance, medical care, and monthly bills and cost of living, but scarier still to think of continuing to work 40 hours a week and miss time with him.  I'm in constant turmoil between working and planning and dealing with the emotions of it all right now.  Anyone have suggestions?

towhee

Hi Mindy, welcome to the forum, sorry you have to be here. Try to take some time for yourself, just to breathe. Any activity you enjoy, eating out with a friend, just a walk and music. You might also join an in person support group.

M1

Mindy, i am so sorry. Im an internist and made the difficult decision to leave practice at age 57 when my partner was diagnosed with a stage 4 lymphoma. We had no idea how long she had. for two years i lived off my savings entirely just so we could spend time together. About two years later it was clear the lymphoma was in remission, and i had an opportunity to go back to work part time. Right about then she started showing signs of mild cognitive impairment-that was eight years ago.

My point: i have never regretted doing that, i would have regretted it enormously if i had not had that time.  Take the time with your DH.  There may be other opportunities in your future you can't even see yet.

you have come to a good place for support.