Having one disaster after another with my LW

Gator1976

I’m m new at all this since February ‘25. I read the wrong week on my calendar this morning and went took her to her hip doctor and missed a very important EMG test at Mayo Clinic. I’m having trouble keeping up my own health. The diet is suffering too. My LW broke her hip a month ago after developing Foot Drop. So, now I’m dealing with a forgetful, Alzheimer’s patient that can’t remember her PT exercises, not cross her legs or anything else she’s not suppose to do. I’m doing more running around than I ever did my whole like. What happened to enjoying retirement, traveling and doing fun stuff. It’s all gone.

Biggles

it sucks, it’s horrible and it’s a long journey. You have found the best place to come to, we are all in the same boat. It is a long journey and it takes time to adjust to doing everything. I make notes about everything, remember to get milk, dr’s appointment for DH or me, prescriptions to get. Suggest you find on this site two brilliant articles ‘The Cavalry’s NOT Coming’ and ‘The Caregiver’s Brain’ both have helped me enormously. Vent and ask questions here often, everyone cares. You are all she’s got, her protector, her guide, her help. Good luck.

Gator1976

how do I search for these articles?

wose

I’m exactly the same way. Missed appointments, screwed up meals even tho I’m an expert cook. I’m able to feed my DH fine but when I try to eat, I just can’t. The food just won’t go down for me. You have a lot to deal with so try to go easy on yourself. It all just sucks. I retired in 2020 at 62 and it’s been my nightmare years from then on. Who knows when and if anything will be left so try to carve out some time for yourself and whatever joy you can find. The hourglass search button works fairly well at the top of the page. Just type in a keyword and posts should come up. We are here for you.

H1235

You should see a little magnifying glass at the top of the page. Click on that and type in the topic you would like to read more about. Most of the posts will be old, but the information is still good.

Maru

Sorry that you find yourself here, but all of us caretakers can emphasize with you.

It is overwhelming to find yourself not only completely responsible for yourself but for every aspect of your loved one. I keep 4 calendars: one on my phone, one in DH's study for him, one on the the 'fridge and one on my desk…all coordinated…and I look at at least one of them every evening and morning just to make sure that we are where we are supposed to be on time. 99% of the time it works, but I am 85 so I have senior moments now and again. Luckily, we are both still able to laugh about the glitches. Needless to say, our kids' biggest nightmare is "what if mom gets Alzheimers too?"

My thinking is that if I at my very advanced age and not in great health can do this, most other people can do it, as well. Love your spouse/partner, remember why you love them, be gentle with him/her and with yourself. Always forgive yourself for those times when you think you failed…Always.