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Dealing with the pain from LO tell me to get out.

kerrym01
kerrym01 Member Posts: 1 Member
My mom and I have always been very close we've either lived together or next door to each for most of my life. She has been my rock and me hers my entire life. She got really sick with covid then rehab, then sick again with stomach issues in hospital for almost 3 weeks then back to rehab took much longer to get her physical strength back before she could come home (I was going 6 days a week to spend time and to work with her to help build her strength and support and just to be with her) but when she was physically able her mind already started going downhill and downhill fast ended up having to move her to memory care. She's lost over 100 pounds refuses all meds, refuses showers (or even getting washed up) about 8 months ago she started to not recognize me and say I wasn't her daughter. I kept going and if she told me to get out or leave I'd just say ok, love you I'll be back later. For my own sanity I dropped down to 3 days a week. About a few months ago she started letting me sit with her and every now and then I'd get a hug, kiss, and love you, which only lasted a few weeks. She is now back to telling me to leave and saying I don't want you here, once she started throwing everything she could get her hands on at me. I know it's the disease but that does not stop the pain. It hurts me so much that I have panic attacks and my chest hurts (yes i take medication to help me). The pain I feel and thinking about the pain she may feel (2 of her children have never visited and the other 2 will go months without going to see her and we all live within 20 minutes of her) I know the love she has for all her children and how proud she is of all of us and I know that she misses her children/grandchildren/great grandchildren very much and I can't do anything to help her because the person she is now doesn't want me there. I keep going because I don't want to miss a good day. The girls (nurses and CNA'S) are wonderful with her (I have cameras in her room) and have seen me cry so many times, they know and can see how much I love and care for her and always give me words of encouragement. I have a very supportive husband and daughter (which also go to see her) who also love mom so much. I just started in-person support group and have been online support groups. Have read and researched everything i can about dementia. But I can't get the pain to stop. How do I get her to see me, her little girl, we used go/do things together ALL the time.

Comments

  • psg712
    psg712 Member Posts: 554
    500 Comments 100 Care Reactions 100 Likes 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    It is truly a grief process. Kudos to you for supporting her so well, and for taking care of yourself - medication, support groups. Some individual counseling may be helpful for you too. You are losing your mom, and it hurts. You can try to meet her needs as the disease progresses, but sadly you cannot "get her to see you" as her little girl or recover the same interactions you once had. Hugs for you.

    Please be careful to tend your other relationships too. It was a good move to cut back your visits to your mom. It's a blessing that you have found a good facility with trustworthy caregivers. Let them do their job while you take some space for yourself and the other people in your life. When all of this is over for your mom, you will need a healthy relationship with your spouse, your own daughter, and friends.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 2,054
    500 Insightfuls Reactions 500 Likes 1000 Comments 500 Care Reactions
    Member

    welcome. So sorry about your Mom. This is such a cruel and heartbreaking disease. It’s not your Mom talking, it’s the disease. Remember she loves you. Maybe visit at lunch time so she’s a bit distracted. Hugs. 💜

  • JulietteBee
    JulietteBee Member Posts: 215
    100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions 25 Likes 25 Care Reactions
    Member

    Oh how absolutely horrid. I am so very sorry. I truly empathize. I am glad you have found in-person & online support groups. You will need them.🫂🙏🏽

  • amynolla
    amynolla Member Posts: 6
    First Anniversary First Comment
    Member

    This disease is awful. My mom lives with me and about 75% of the time does not recognize me. When she is agitated she will say very nasty things to me which is not my mom at all. It really is a grieving process because they are no longer the same person and it’s hard not to be hurt by the things they say. I don’t have any advice but just know you are not alone!

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
Read more