Just need to vent today
I am really struggling. My 78 dh has VD and is declining physically. He can still do his ADLs but hasn't showered in 6 weeks, even with offers to help. I bought washing cloths, doesn't want them either. He is losing his mobility and needs to use a scooter cart or can use a rollator with a seat for very short distances. He gets weak and out of breath and needs to sit most of the time. We are putting our house on the market next week and there has been so much to do getting this place ready for sale, boxing up 40 yrs worth of stuff, emptying out the rafters of the garage, my husband's wood working shop, 2 detached sheds ...it's been overwhelming. Luckily I'm strong enough to work from dawn to dark everyday but its so hard because dh can't help do anything since he can't stand independently or walk unassisted. When I am cleaning the house or pulling weeds outside He sits down and watches me. I know he can't help it but I'm starting to feel resentment build up. Today we had the carpets cleaned and he had to take his shows and socks off. I saw his toes for the first time in months. Some of his ties nails are 1-2" beyond his toes!!! He had a blood blister i didn't know about on the bottom of his toe. Made a drs appt for Monday to get it addressed. Now if I can only get him to the dr. It will be a fight eventhough I won't tell him until 30 min prior. The handymen here to remove some wooden planters accidentally broke the water main to the house and our water is shut off. I am trying to cope but dh's personality is changing. He is impatient, gets frustrated easily, doesn't comprehend what I say at times and argues with me. He has aganosia and doesn't realize he has changed. I'm trying to stay strong and carryon but days like today really make it tough! Ty for listening, I know all of you understand how hard this is.
Comments
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Retired Teacher I am sending you all the mental and emotional supports I can through prayer. Wish I could help with the actual physical work. Our roles as caregivers are full time without all the complications of moving. Hoping things can become manageable soon and the doctor can easily address the feet. «Hugs»
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It sounds like your hands are more than full. If you’re doing all the tasks for clearing out a home for sale and being a full time caregiver you’re an exceptionally strong person both physically and mentally. I hope things let up on you soon. We know how hard it can be.
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Ty both. It helps so much that others understand and care. This community is a Godsend.
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Oh my! I can’t believe all that you’re going through right now. You are superhuman!! Any one of those things would be enough to get me. I hope you can get him to the doctor and at least get that taken care of, as well as that water main. So sorry for all your troubles…one day at a time, I guess.
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((HUGS))
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Retired teacher… that is a LOT for anyone let alone a caregiver. I wish you continued strength to get through this move and settled in the new place. Resentment is normal.
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Oh my goodness what an enormous task you have undertaken no wonder you need to vent. I know how hard and exhausting it is. We sold up four years ago, downsized and packed up our home of 30 years with DH who was not able to help with anything practical either. It’s such hard work emotionally and physically. On top of that you can do without broken water pipes. I remember having a book with everything I had to do, crossing things off when they were done but adding to the list when I thought of more stuff to be done. I’d be up in the middle of the night scribbling stuff I had thought of. You sound strong and organised. Good luck, take care of yourself as best you can, one day at a time my thoughts are with you.
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You are some kind of superwoman/superhero. I'm still stuck on the 6 weeks of no bathing/washing. And all that moving prep stuff…wow! We did that 3 years ago, before DH was first diagnosed and he was at least able to help move boxes for me as I filled them up. I am concerned for you, your physical and mental health…really, that is the most important thing here.
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Ty all so very much for the kind words and support. All of you make our journey so much more tolerable. There is a lot to be done but we are getting there. Yesterday we went to HD and I bought 40 heavy duty packing boxes of assorted sizes that I loaded in the back of the car. Thought I was doing well until I remembered I had to load DH very large rollator stle walker. It was hilarious! Where is candid camera when you need them?? We need to find humor where ever we can. Today the house was spotless for professional photos and video. Going on the MLS Tuesday with open house next weekend. As many if you reminded me, one day at a time!! Ty again for helping me over a rough patch.
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Wow! I am impressed, @RetiredTeacher
I hope the home sells quickly for you and that the move to Carolina (?) is safe and uneventful. Keep us posted.
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Oh my. You have win the award for the top reason to be overwhelmed and resentful. Give yourself a big pat on the back.
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Ty all for ongoing support. I will keep you posted about our home sale and cross country move. I have contemplated for yrs about making this move. I'm so glad we are moving while my husband is still able to understand and sign documents, is still continent and ambulatory, albeit slowly with a walker and thankful he doesn't wander. I realize that is all coming but it will happen there instead of here and we will be closer to family. Noone knows how long any of us has so I decided I need to plan for my future happiness. When we caregive for years we are so focused on their needs, we forget about ours. I wish you all a few minutes of peace and relief every day
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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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