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How Long

CindyBum
CindyBum Member Posts: 384
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I'm sitting in the neuropsychologist office, having sat through the first set of questions to my DW for what I imagine will be her last evaluation to get a diagnosis. Like I need one -- she couldn't tell the Dr. what month or day it is, she can't drive or work her phone, and her speech is more halting and her ability to understand what I say worse every day. But here we are, and here I am, still needing this last smack across the head to maybe get out of my denial that I'm losing her.

And, I find myself today, like so many of my days, wondering how long on so many fronts. How long before she slips away completely? How long can I possibly work when I know I'm using up all my patience at home and getting more short with people at work? How long until they fire me because I've been short with the wrong person? How long will I have to change her clothes and then diapers? How long will she live? How long can I manage to care for her at home? How long can I afford to have her in a facility? How long until I have a semblance of a normal life again? How long will it take me to build a new life after she's gone?

Of course, I'm going to have to take each of these questions day by day, sometimes minute by minute. It really tells me about how anxious I am for this all to be over, and yet I don't want to lose her yet. I hope I can make it through with love and care for her, and occasionally for myself. Not sure I can right now. I am a walking train wreck.

Comments

  • charley0419
    charley0419 Member Posts: 425
    100 Likes 100 Care Reactions 100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions
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    Like you Cindybum I wonder myself everyday, it about 15 months since my wife diagnosed moderate on set dementia, has short memory loss a lot, confused hasn’t cooked on 2 yrs. And no driving. But does everything else alone. but I do find in last month short term is worse. I pray she’d stay like this but I know better

  • Quilting brings calm
    Quilting brings calm Member Posts: 2,723
    2500 Comments 500 Insightfuls Reactions 500 Care Reactions 500 Likes
    Member

    Remember one thing: if you’ve seen one dementia patient, you’ve seen one dementia patient. Just because one patient has symptom x and declines at a certain pace, doesn’t mean your loved one will follow that exact path. Prepare for the worst, but that doesn’t mean it’s coming towards you.

  • CindyBum
    CindyBum Member Posts: 384
    500 Care Reactions 250 Likes 100 Insightfuls Reactions 100 Comments
    Member

    Thank you all for your kind, compassionate responses. Helpful, as always.


    I'm told we'll have the report by the end of the week.

  • janjanjack
    janjanjack Member Posts: 2
    First Comment
    Member
    I’m new….my husband is 57, just diagnosed with MCI, pet scan positive for amyloids. Wanting to start treatment….we are in shock….not really any memory issues….more balance, he can’t ski
  • John1965
    John1965 Member Posts: 107
    Eighth Anniversary 10 Comments 5 Care Reactions
    Member

    Long time listener, first time responder. (Just kidding, I’ve been here for almost 10 years but haven’t participated in about 2 years). Diagnosis of MCI was 1/15, and next week marks 10 years since AD diagnosis. DW was 50 at diagnosis. 7.5 years “retired” to care for her at home. 2.5 years (so far) in memory care. I sense that the end is in sight, but youth and physical health might make it another decade. As much as I love her, I’d rather she die tomorrow than live with this awful disease another week, month or year. If there’s one thing that I would do differently it would be to avoid a for-profit memory care facility. Take care of yourself and do your best to take care of your loved one.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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