Newly Diagnosed Physician
I am a 60 yo newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's. I am a retired Family Physician who noticed issues approximately 18 months ago and was diagnosed with MCI. I stopped practicing medicine and was given disability benefits. I am fortunate to have had that option but despite all my expertise the process of getting a definitive diagnosis was to say the least frustrating. Particularly as my insurance company kept delaying tests or denying them. Ultimately a spinal tap was done that was non diagnostic but "suspicious" per my local neurologist. He requested a PET scan and it was denied by insurance. I am fortunate being in the field and had access to the director of the Alzheimer's department at The University of Pennsylvania. I knew the spinal tap most likely was the answer but I needed to see someone to give me a final answer. After a 3 hour visit at U of P he came into the room and told my wife, brother and I that indeed I had Alzheimer's. I am currently undergoing Lequembi and plan on doing my best to be productive as long as possible. I have decided to share my journey as a physician with Alzheimer's through social media. I know what the ultimate outcome will be but I have always been someone who has called it like it is so I want to share how I will deal with this and hope to help others while trying to help myself. This is just the beginning of my Alzheimer's journey and hope to be able to share more here as time goes on.
Comments
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I am waiting on my MRI which is Friday 10/24. Waiting is the hardest part for me. I’ll be following your post to see how your doing
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I totally understand. Had mine this morning but no results yet.
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Totally understand, had mine this morning and still waiting for results.
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I'm an 83y/o husband, Dx with MCI 6 mo.ago. My wife of 58yrs has always been strong willed, She is adjusting slowly. She says " I don't know where you're mind is,"
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Hi there,
I’m also 60 and living with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Like you, I’ve chosen to be open about my journey, not just the medical side, but the emotional and spiritual layers too. It’s not easy, but I believe stories like ours can help shift the way people understand this disease.
I’m a longtime advocate with the Alzheimer’s Association, and I use my voice to push for change, especially around the kinds of delays and denials you described. It’s heartbreaking that even with your medical background, you had to fight so hard for answers. That shouldn’t happen to anyone.
Your decision to share your experience as a physician is incredibly powerful. You bring compassion and credibility. I know how impactful it was the first time I heard a woman speak about her early diagnosis; it helped me realize I am not alone. I know your words will help others feel less alone, too.
I’d love to stay connected and follow your journey. We’re part of a growing community of people who are living, advocating, and showing the world that Alzheimer’s doesn’t silence us; it calls us to speak louder.
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I can relate. I know my wife is having to adjust and it is hard on them as well as us.
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I am planning on sharing all the highs and lows of my life and treatment. I am hopeful all our input will be long and powerful. I have reconnected with a friend who has fought colon cancer twice and we have started a YouTube page called Friends With Medical Benefits where we will be sharing our journeys together. We had been out of touch for over 20 years after growing up close friends. We just launched a week ago with an introduction video and a couple shorts. Our goal is to educate as well as share our day to day lives through social media. Feel free to check it out.
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Wanted to update, it is Wednesday night and still no results. My next infusion is scheduled for Friday Morning and it is infusion number 7. If the results aren't in I will most likely have to delay the infusion. I am hopeful the results will be in tomorrow morning as I don't want to spend the whole day waiting for a call to reschedule my infusion.
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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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