Our 1st day

Jwhis801

My wife (65) had lab work done recently and today the results were posted to her account that the lab work indicated that she has Alzheimer’s and we received a referral for a PET scan that is needed by insurance to ok the IV treatment. My wife is devastated and I have no idea how to begin to comfort her.

DonnaPJ

First I am so sorry. This is all new for you. There are resources both here and perhaps locally that can support you through this. There are support groups, both in person and online. AD Association hotline 800.272.3900. It is available to you 24/7.

It sounds like your DW is in early stage. My DH was recently diagnosed and will be starting on the lecanemab infusion next month. Receiving an early diagnosis has given us an opportunity others did not have. We are so grateful. Our hope is that we have more time in the early stages of AD.

I would recommend the book, The 36 hour day. It has so much good information. It is my bible.

💜 You are not alone.

cavenson

Your wife is in early stage, and the progression of Alzheimer’s is usually slow. Now is the time to do fun things on your bucket list like traveling to places you’ve always wanted to see. You and your wife can both feel better by eating healthy and exercising your minds and bodies. It sounds like your wife qualifies for some of the new Alzheimer’s treatments. Work with her doctors, but don’t dwell on the diagnosis. Live in the moment. None of us can predict what will happen tomorrow. I wish both of you comfort on this journey.

Jwhis801

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/258978#Comment_258978

Thank you. I will get the book.

Jwhis801

Thank you. The next step seems to be getting a pet scan our insurance requires before they will approve an iv treatment.

SDianeL

welcome. So sorry about your wife’s diagnosis. This is the place for info and support. Learn all you can about the disease. First thing to get done if you haven’t done so is meet with an Elder Care Attorney and get DPOA, Medical POA, wills and HIPPA forms for each doctor. Just tell her that you’re doing yours because you’re getting older. I wouldn’t bring up the diagnosis in that conversation. Ditto on getting the book “The 36 Hour Day” it really helped me after my husband’s diagnosis.

mwoolley

All you can do is promise you will support and love her to the very end. She will be thankful in the early stages but do not expect her to recognize your efforts as the disease progresses. Eventually, the disease will take over and will occupy you, your wife, and your marriage. Sorry to sound so negative, but this has been my experience. For help, read everything you can find about dementia, especially books about being a caregiver.

blacksparky

My wife is now in stage 6. The hardest and saddest thing that hit me was her not knowing that I was her husband and knowing my name. At that point I accepted the reality that I was no longer her loving husband and partner but now her caregiver for life. She may not know me as her life partner but I know she looks at me as the person that is taking care and watching over her. I’ve accepted the challenge and will do my best to fulfill it.