I'm there

Mary,

I'm sure you are feeling beyond overwhelmed, frustrated, angry...and so many other things.  Find a support group meeting with others who have Alzheimer's.  It will do you a great deal of good to be around people who can truly empathize with you.  Also encourage your husband to find a group he can attend so that he can offer you the support you need.  Education is key.  Make sure your family as well as yourself gets the tips and strategies to ensure that your quality of life doesn't demonish.  Don't be afraid of asking for help. 

Finally, know that you have people on this site that will be there for you whenever you need to chat.  You will be in my prayers.  YOU ARE VALUABLE AND IMPORTANT.  YOU MATTER!  No disease can take that away!

Katrina

Dear Mary,

I have just read your October, 2008, post for the first time.  I'm sorry my reply is so delayed, but I would like to extend my friendship to you. 

Before I was diagnosed, over three years ago, as being in the early stages of Alzheimer's (by a PET scan, at my request, since my mother died with Alzheimer's and I wanted to begin treatment as early as possible if I did), I had complained to my doctors for years about not being able to smell - not aware at the time that it was a symptom that could indicate Alzheimer's.  None of them took an interest in that symptom. 

Now that I feel I should disclose my Alzheimer's diagnosis in doctor and hospital visits, after having done that, I suspect that some medical personnel do not feel I am as "with it" when I offer information they should know in order to treat me for other matters.  I have not gotten lost yet, or enacted obvious Alzheimer's performances, but some family members also treat me differently, too.  So, I know how distressed you must be after apparently losing the confidence of your own circle of doctors and family.

If you are still on this web site, I would love to hear how you are doing now.  We can go through together.

Sojourner