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Emotions all over the map

I am new to this. DH has EO. We are in the 6th since diagnosis.In the last year he has really declined I am helping him with everything feeding,dressing, it is so difficult watching your spouse of 47 years wither to nothing. I feel like I have been in mourning since day of diagnosis. I feel so alone. I now will have a carer that comes to do baths and hygiene care. This was my time of frustration because DH wouldn’t participate and deep down I wanted him to just be stubborn but I know he couldn’t understand. I cry a lot and at times just say I can’t do this anymore. But I know I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I love him so much

Comments

  • White Crane
    White Crane Member Posts: 917
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Care Reactions 500 Comments 100 Likes
    Member

    Hello LetstalkAlz and welcome to the forum that nobody wants to be on. Everyone here understands what you are going through and will try our best to help you and reassure you. Post often and ask lots of questions. You said you are in your 6th year since diagnosis. Have you gotten your financial affairs in order and durable power of attorney for healthcare and finances? If not, please contact an elderlaw attorney soon as this is vitally important. I'm glad you are having an aide come in to help with hygiene and bathing. Try to relax during those times and let the aide handle things. You said you feel like you have been in mourning since he diagnosis. This is called ambiguous grief. That's a big word that means we are grieving the loss of our loved one and the life we had together while they are still with us. It's hard. We all cry. I wish it were different. You sound like a wonderful and loving wife and caregiver. Sending hugs.

    Brenda

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 1,050
    500 Care Reactions 250 Insightfuls Reactions 250 Likes 500 Comments
    Member

    so sorry you are going through this. We understand how you feel. We mourn the loss of what was. I miss him. I miss us. Your DH is lucky to have you. Hugs

  • CindyBum
    CindyBum Member Posts: 299
    250 Care Reactions 100 Likes 100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    I feel for you and all of us going through this. I've had only brief moments when I don't cry a lot, I'm worn out and worried I can't go on, but my love for my DW is so deep, I get up and do it all again day after day….just like you.

    I'm sorry you have to be here with us, but we do understand.

  • Karen711
    Karen711 Member Posts: 98
    25 Likes 25 Care Reactions 10 Comments First Anniversary
    Member
  • Crushed
    Crushed Member Posts: 1,463
    Tenth Anniversary 1000 Comments 100 Likes 100 Care Reactions
    Member

    I feel like I have been in mourning since day of diagnosis. I feel so alone.




    When I hit that 6th year wall DW was 64 The anger and sadness and despair inside me was killing me. She was the love of my life for over 40 years. I got counseling and medical help. When she descended to psychosis and aggressive over the next I knew it was time for placement . Don't listen to those who think they know your situation better than you do. Caregiving kills caregivers. That was SEVEN years ago DW gets excellent care in her facility. You have to take care of yourself

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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