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Posted
Hello,

I was doing today what I do on most afternoons and that is to spend some time looking on line gaining as much knowledge on AD as I can to help myself in helping a very important friend and mentor, My Mother.

My Mom diagnosed 3 years ago at age 65 with AD and since that time has progressively moved ahead in her disease at a seemingly rapid rate, had her world changed two months ago when my father, "her "ROCK" passed away leaving Mom now in a very scary world 1300 miles away from what she knew as home trying to deal with the mass of changes that have and still are taking place in spite of her AD. I cry a alot but admire her stength, I have found myself in a world I never imagined.

My mother is my best friend along side my sister. We thought we knew the reality of Mom's disease but now realize not only how mis directed we truly were but too realize how exhausted my Father must have been He remained the most sensitive, caring and patient man I will ever have known.

I was very pleased to come by this web site and feel the reality of togetherness invade my being as to know we truly are not alone.

I nreading your stories I cherish the respect each of you have for another as well as the understanding that is shared by all in ceating a library of information for everyone to have and all for the same cause; to help someone we love walk through something that is so uncomprehensible.

I have many questions and stories, learning experiences, joys, and sadnesses all that I look forward to share hoping to add a little into a library created in love.

Thank You,
 
Posts: 12 | Location?: Deerfield New Hampshire | Registered: January 03, 2007Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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We are so happy to have you here, though sad that you find yourself and your dear Mom on this journey through AD.

My journey ended recently, my sweet Mom went Home less than a month ago. I cannot imagine having walked her through this without the support, advice, prayers, camaraderie and understanding I received here and one other board.

Make yourself at home.


Bonnie
bonniejeans@satx.rr.com


“Every time you forget that character is one of God’s purposes for your life, you will become frustrated by your circumstances.” — Rick Warren

 
Posts: 2774 | Location?: San Antonio, Texas | Registered: November 21, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Laura,
Just checking in before I start dinner and wanted to welcome you!
Maebee


maebee1@comcast.net
(former caregiver of MIL)
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unaware."
Heb 13:2


 
Posts: 6603 | Location?: S.E.Michigan | Registered: May 01, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Welcome to the BB Laura!!! I'm sorry to hear about your Mom,,,I know,,,its so devastating to learn as we go,,,and learn we do!!!

My Mom moved in with my husband and I a little over 2 years ago,,,and it certainly has changed our lives,,alot.

I noticed changes in my Mom at least 7 years ago,,but really had to face the facts 6 years ago,when I had to go back home to care for my Dad,,cause I knew then,,that Mom could'nt do it alone.

Mother has been thru so much tradgedy,,she had lots of illness's prior to my dad being diagnosed with cancer,,,then the day before he died,,she got the call from the Dr that she had breast cancer,again.

But with all of that taken care of and out of the way,,I had her tested by a nuerologist 2 years ago,,and she is in denial,,but actions certainly speak louder than words.

I'm looking into some ALF,,,but not in any rush to put her in one,,as it would really devaste her,,,but I do need to educate myself on everything about placement,,because unfortunately,,one day,,she will most likely have to be placed.

This BB and the chat room have been such a godsend to me,,the folks are so nice and kind and encouraging,,I dont' think you'll ever come across another board that is as wonderful as this one.

I will tell you right now,,,I am a matter of fact type of gal,,,I don't mince words,,and I tell it like it is,,and I have been admired for it here on the BB,,,and thats the way I expect to be treated also,,,right to the point and honest.

I wish you ,,your Mother,and sister the very best in your journey thru all of this. Come her often,,vent,,cry,,,get mad,,ask questions. We are all here for one another. Peace & Blessings to you and yours!!
 
Posts: 5511 | Location?: USA | Registered: September 19, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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quote:
Originally posted by Raven:
Welcome to the BB Laura!!! I'm sorry to hear about your Mom,,,I know,,,its so devastating to learn as we go,,,and learn we do!!!

My Mom moved in with my husband and I a little over 2 years ago,,,and it certainly has changed our lives,,alot.

I noticed changes in my Mom at least 7 years ago,,but really had to face the facts 6 years ago,when I had to go back home to care for my Dad,,cause I knew then,,that Mom could'nt do it alone.

Mother has been thru so much tradgedy,,she had lots of illness's prior to my dad being diagnosed with cancer,,,then the day before he died,,she got the call from the Dr that she had breast cancer,again.

But with all of that taken care of and out of the way,,I had her tested by a nuerologist 2 years ago,,and she is in denial,,but actions certainly speak louder than words.

I'm looking into some ALF,,,but not in any rush to put her in one,,as it would really devaste her,,,but I do need to educate myself on everything about placement,,because unfortunately,,one day,,she will most likely have to be placed.

This BB and the chat room have been such a godsend to me,,the folks are so nice and kind and encouraging,,I dont' think you'll ever come across another board that is as wonderful as this one.

I will tell you right now,,,I am a matter of fact type of gal,,,I don't mince words,,and I tell it like it is,,and I have been admired for it here on the BB,,,and thats the way I expect to be treated also,,,right to the point and honest.

I wish you ,,your Mother,and sister the very best in your journey thru all of this. Come her often,,vent,,cry,,,get mad,,ask questions. We are all here for one another. Peace & Blessings to you and yours!!
 
Posts: 12 | Location?: Deerfield New Hampshire | Registered: January 03, 2007Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Thank you all for your response it brought tears to my eyes and at the same time a weighted fragmented piece of stress lifted, Thank You!!!

I appreciate the honesty and directness in responses, I've always beleived;

"If we stop listening to what is being said in truths and experience, it's then we stop learning"...

I welcome any questions where as I'm really not too sure where to begin.
 
Posts: 12 | Location?: Deerfield New Hampshire | Registered: January 03, 2007Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Dear Laura: I am sorry this is the way we had to meet, but am so glad you found this marvelous group of people. Welcome!
 
Posts: 3450 | Location?: California | Registered: November 24, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Welcome Laura,
This disease is an awful way to meet and make friends but be assured that if you have a question, rant or concern, there is ALWAYS, someone here that is willing to Answer, Listen and cry with you. There are some that are even willing to laugh with you when you needed it (and you might not even realize that you need ed to laugh).

God Bless and be with you and your family, while you embark on this wild topsy turvy ride called AD..


***********************************
"The greatness comes not when things go always good for you.
But the greatness comes when you're really tested,
when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes.
Because only if you've been in the deepest valley
can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain."
Richard M. Nixon
 
Posts: 2069 | Location?: Southaven, MS | Registered: November 29, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Laura, I would like to add my welcome also. We are all here to help each other on this journey. Blessings


Trouble and the Grace to bear it, come in the same package.
 
Posts: 8022 | Registered: February 18, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Laura,I like you this is a first for me on a BB. My Mom is 80 years old and has had AD for the past 5 years. She is with me know and she still want believe she has AD. At this point I don't know if I should keep talking to her about it or just let her believe what she wants. The doctor just says she is in her late stages. Her biggest fear is being placed in a home for AD. I have already 2 aunts in full time care with AD. I am really gald I joined because at times you think you are all by yourself fighting this awful devil who has taken away the people we love so much.
 
Posts: 15 | Location?: Greenville South Carolina | Registered: January 04, 2007Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Hi Tiger,
Welcome to the BB. Your are not a lone at all. I have only been on the board for a short time myself and already I have learned so very much and had my share of ups and downs that I have had to vent about.. This is the best forum ever. A lot of loving careing people with a wealth of information.

My prayers go out to you and your family.. it's a very hard road.

As far as telling her about AD, my BF's Mom (she lives with us as well and I am with her 24/7)was the same way and still is about the disease, I have been told that she is in the late 6 eary 7 stages of AD.. we just don't talk about it to her. When she can't remember something, or does things she isn't suppose to do..

We just say everyone has bad days once in a while.. and a few minutes later she is fine. Somedays she knows who I am and somedays she doesn't... it's o.k. the one thing she does know is she is loved and being well cared for..

With her it just doesn't do any good to keep reminding her that she has a disease that she doesn't realize that she has. She knows something is wrong, but she can't grasp what is wrong.


***********************************
"The greatness comes not when things go always good for you.
But the greatness comes when you're really tested,
when you take some knocks, some disappointments, when sadness comes.
Because only if you've been in the deepest valley
can you ever know how magnificent it is to be on the highest mountain."
Richard M. Nixon
 
Posts: 2069 | Location?: Southaven, MS | Registered: November 29, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Evening Laura
Well as I have found out by finding theses boards that you are far from alone. My dads in complete denial and i mean complete. My mom (his ex wife) is now pouncing on him with all she has and has managed to have him sign a new will. We'll handle that. Iv'e read more about and gained more knowledge about AD here and some other places that I feel like an expert. Since everybody was made different that doesn't matter. We have to figure out how and what is best for OUR dad as we move along. I figure by the way he does things he's a stage 4-5. As they say in any other support group Keep Comin Back and don't be afraid ever to say whats on your mind. Best Wishes and reguards----Chris


Long Island New York
 
Posts: 821 | Location?: New York | Registered: January 02, 2007Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Hi, Laura. This is a great forum. I have learned a lot through reading others' stories over the past couple of months. The thing I most appreciate is that although not everyone is dealing with alzheimers the same way - everyone is very supportive and offers great suggestions and insights and is respectful of each other's choices and lifestyles.
 
Posts: 268 | Registered: October 01, 2006Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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Dear Laura,
Sorry we all have to meet this way but welcome just the same. It is a great informational place and I have found many friends a long my personal journey.
I lost my father almost a year ago and now my mother has AD so this forum of information and friendship from people who "know" is invaluable to me. I'm not sure I give as much as I receive but I do come often seeking comfort. I hope you will too. Blessings to you. Katerin


Do small things with great love. Mother Teresa


Books That Have Helped Me

Into The Mist by Deborah Uetz
A Grace Disguised - How The Soul Grows Through Loss by Gerald L. Sittser
 
Posts: 1513 | Registered: November 26, 2005Reply With QuoteEdit or Delete MessageReport This Post
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