Is it my imagination?

LearningCurve

Does it /did it ever seem to feel like, look like the PWD was almost your imagination? The cycles, the moods, the feeling that the old DH is back? (I'm still pretty new to this journey.)

cavenson

For many, the journey is slow. In the early stages, it’s easy to think that perhaps it was a misdiagnosis—or maybe just wishful thinking—when the old DH seems back. My DH was diagnosed with MCI about 8 years ago, which was changed to early-stage AD five years ago. After the initial shock, we settled back into a normal that didn’t seem much different from the life we lived before the diagnosis. We still traveled a lot, enjoyed lots of activities, and led a satisfying life during our early years of retirement. Looking back on this journey, those were very good years. Enjoy time with your DH now and do those things on your bucket list. None of us can predict the course that AD will take. As much as possible, try to live in the present—engaged in the current moment with your DH.

Dio

More like a nightmare.

harshedbuzz

@LearningCurve

I did not have this experience with my father, but I did have it— in spades— around the time of my son's ASD diagnosis at age 7.

It was explained to me as part of the process of coming to terms with the diagnosis. In a lot of ways getting the ASD dx was very like getting an Alzheimer one as it changes everything in terms of the future you planned for yourself and your loved one. In both scenarios— a bright kid who flew under the radar until 7 or the spouse in early stages— there will be times when they seem fairly typical. This can cause you to second guess even pursuing a diagnosis in the first place and wondering if it isn't all a mistake.

My mom had it with dad's diagnosis even though it had been clear to me he was impaired to a degree for a decade. She just didn't see what I was seeing and when pointed out to her, she made all manner excuses for him to defend his actions as anything but dementia. It took her a lot of time to get on board after his diagnosis.

HB

Chammer

I think also it is the frog in the pot scenario. As your LO very slowly changes, in the beginning, you adapt your view of who they are until you suddenly realize months or years later that the person you are living with is not the person you knew.

ronda b

Yes I've had those periods, then something happens and you realize they weren't wrong. Enjoy this time.

JulietteBee

I constantly experience it as my mom is apparently a pro at "showtiming." Sometimes when I am on this site I feel like I don't belong as my mom is doing x,y,z. Then something happens or is said and I go, "Wow, her diagnosis is real."😢

LearningCurve

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/249723#Comment_249723

I so get that! Thank you for posting. I feel rather validated.

LearningCurve

Your post, your share was an "Aha" moment for me. I fell pretty hard for this guy (now my DH). This was back in 2012. I did feel confused at his behavior back then, scratched my head a lot, "overthunk" it, etc. As things have unfolded more so in the past 3-4 years, I am thinking I missed some signs. We are both in our early 70's. I just hope I can keep it together on my end regarding the whole aging thing. DH is showing signs of a somewhat faster pace in progression. Maybe I am just more tuned in? IDK, I am still learning. His family is on West coast, we are on the East.

Thank you for your post.