I have been looking back of some of the old posts I have printed out and saved over the past year or so and I came across one where everyone gave a brief description of themselves and their situation. It was started by Colleen on March 9, 2005. We have SO MANY new people recently - I thought it might be appropriate to do this again. It is great to print off and go back to see just "where someone is coming from" when you read new posts from that person. Most of us tell a little of our story when we post -but with so many new people it is hard to keep up with - so if we would just each list our names(board name and maybe - real first name) then a sentence or two about our situation. I hope EVERYONE will participate so that we can have one consolidated list. Thanks for doing this.
Sally

Since I started this I will go first.

My name is Sally and I am 49 years old and live in Chattannoga TN with my husband of 23 years and my 80 year old mother who has AD. Mom has lived with us for the past 7 years. My husband who is 15 years older than me retired last February to take care of Mom full time. I still work full time. Mom is in late stage 6 and we have Hospice helping us now - they have been coming for 3 months. Mom is totally incontinent - and needs total supervision. She can feed herself , but not much more than that. My husband is an angel sent from God. I don't know of too many men who would basically "give up" there retirement years to be a full time caregiver for their Mother in law. I of course do my best to relieve him at night and on weekends. We have a sitter who comes once a week for three hours - so that he can get out and have some time to himself. We go NO WHERE and DO NOTHING TOGETHER. It is always with Mom or we don't do it. I have two sisters and a brother. My brother has not called or come to see Mom in two years (he lives 3 hours away). One of my sister's comes every three months to visit for a weekend. She will insist on my husband and I going out to dinner by ourselves. She is 6 hours away and has two 15 year old daughters at home. My other sister is also 6 hours away and never comes or helps. Well, I said to keep the synopsis brief and I think I have gone on too long. Looking forward to hearing from the rest of you.

Sally

My name is Kelly, I live in Western Massachusetts with my husband of twelve years, our three daughters and his grandmother who has AD. Gram is 80 and was diagnosed about five years ago, she is mid-stage six. My daughters are 12, 11 and 8. My 11 y/o has Autism. Our life is anything but dull.

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My name is Nancy, I live in Robinson, Illinois with my husband, son age 29, grandmother 97 aka Granny, 9 dogs and 4 cats. My husband was in the hospital last year with blood clots in his legs and lung, then he had surgery for 2 hernias, was off work for 8 months. He just got back to work in January, I have fibromyalgia and on disability. I take around 23 pills a day to function. My son Joshua, oh he is my God send. If not for him I don't know what I would do. My grandmother came to live with us after my mom died of lung cancer in 2004. Everyone - doctors told me that she would only live a couple of months, that was 17 months ago. Needless to say our life is pretty messed up at times but I thank God that I have a life and all the friends that I do. I also have a website that is for pets and human memorials that I set up due to the losses of my dad and brother in the beginning and then my mom.

Hi, I live on the coast of North Carolina. My husband has had Alz. for over 12 years. I also care for a severly Bipolar daughter and am raising a beautiful 5 year old great-granddaughter with whom God has truely blessed me.

hi Sally,
I am 48 this week. I work as a clinical research nurse coordinator at a major university hospital in Philadelphia. I am married for 21 years with 2 children, a boy 19 and a girl 17. My LO's with dementia (note the plural) are 1. my Aunt, 89, that moved in to an apartment in our house 19 years ago after my uncle died and 2. my mom, 85, who has a frontal/pick's type dementia. She lives with my sister in Harrisburg PA. Two others that are important in our lives are our dogs, Mac and Lucy. Nice to know you!

My husband Bob and I (Dinah) live in deep south Texas with our two dogs. Bob has Parkinsons, AD, conjestive heart failure and bad kidneys. I guess I would say that he is in the "toddler" stage of AD--can feed himself, is VERY delusional, can't walk or bathe himself, is mostly incontinent and has a bad swallowing problem. I am his 24/7 caregiver at home with an aide who comes to help him shower each morning.

My name is Deborah. I helped care for my father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in Sept. 1999. Along with my brothers and my mother we cared for him at his home and then with daily visits to a nearby nursing home. My father passed away peacefully in March of 2002. One of my brother's, who was dad's guardian angel, took his own life a few months later.
I am the author of Into the Mist, a book for Alzheimer's caregivers which brings together the experiences of three Alz. families, reserachers, Psychologists and a Geriatric Case Manager. I am a former art teacher, hospice care giver, Q.M.R.P., Art Therapist for an Adult daycare and MOM. I'm on the Illinois Task force for Suicide Prevention and I'm an advocate for Alzheimer's care givers and Suicide survivors. I have two grown up daughters, an incredible son-in-law and five granchildren. My husband and I live in Southern Illinois. My website is www.intothemist.us My horse, Sierra is my mental health therapy

Sally,
First I'd like to say, can we keep this at the top with the disclaimers? Then when new people log on they can "sign in". Just a thought.

My name is Carol, we live in San Jose, California. My husband, John is the one with AD. He's 52 years old, recently went out on disability at work and is no longer able to drive. John is in the mid-stages.

We have our 4 daughters living with us, and 2 significant others and our granddaughter. Yes, that's 9. Our girls are 28 yo, 26 yo, 7 yo, and 5 yo. Our granddaughter is 6 yo. Our 26 yo is bipolar also. Our littlest was a shaken baby that we adopted, who has development delays and ADHD. Our 7 yo, also adopted, was drug exposed at birth, also has a little ADHD.
I'm a nurse, in the past I've worked in the neonatal intensive care unit at Packard Children's, but now I teach full time in a nursing program.
I guess that's about it. Thanks for giving us an opportunity to meet everyone.
Carol

Hi,

I'm Charlotte and live in Fairbanks Alaska. I am a speech-language pathologist working in a private practice clinic part time after retiring from the school district here in 2004. My father died in April 2004 of congestive heart failure and other cardiac issues. He was a wonderful husband to my mother for 56 years and left very large shoes for me to fill. My mom is very mild (for now) dementia and recently had a work up at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale AZ. They said she was still Mild Cognitive Impaired at this point according to their protocols. My mom is 77, doesn't drive but manages to keep quite busy with the senior group here as well as the Kiwanis. Both groups have my deep appreciation for how good they are to her. Otherwise, we do everything else together. I am lucky--she is great and easy to be with.

I have enjoyed my connection to all on this forum and think the introduction is a great idea.

Charlotte

Hi,
My name is Marilynn, I am 44 years old and live in Santa Barbara, CA. I worked full time prior to my caregiving activities. I am an only child and chose to move in with my Mom and Dad about 2 years ago. My Mom is legally blind and Dad has Stage 3-4 AD and they both don't drive. He is beginning to show signs of not wanting to eat, food sticking in his throat, not remembering who I am and paranoia with bouts of aggression and arguing (with words that don't make any sense). He is on Aracept and Namenda. I get out of the house 6 days a month to either work or take a "spa" day for my mental health, while Mom looks after him (she is a retired Nurse). I am in no means past my anger and frustration. My Mom and I pray every day when we get up, because every day is a whole new experience for us. I now see firsthand that I gave myself way too much credit and thought I could handle it all myself. That's why I am here because I need support and hope that I can offer words of comfort from my past experiences, too.

I'm Robin - I'm 57 years old and live in Central VT with my 80 year old husband of 29 years (today). We have a 21 year old son who'll be graduating from college in May. He's in Boston and loves it there. This forum is my lifeline.

Hello all...

My name is Chris & I live in Irwin, PA, just outside of Pittsburgh. I'm 54 on Sat. & have been married to George for 10 years. He's 82 & was diagnosed last fall. I care for my two grandkids, Evan (22 months) & Avarie (10 months) 3 days a week. I also take care of my 75 year old mother, who doesn't drive & depends on me (she moved here from CA after her husband died & didn't bother to make new friends). I'm supposed to be her friend. My brother & sisters want nothing to do with her. (whole 'nother story!) My week seems to have a certain rhythym to it. I am very involved with my church & love to garden (& then can what we grow) George's kids are nearby, but basically hands-off. I'm sure if I had an emergency they would come over.

That's my story. It's nice to "flesh out" stories of those who post. It's great to learn about everyone.

Adieu...

Chris G.

Hi I'm Susan,57 and my MIL is 82 in stage5/6 AD. My husband(her only child) and I live between Dallas and Fort Worth and my MIL lives in her home outside Atlanta. MY hubby and I are long distance caregivers...She has a live- in caregiver, a dear Sister-in-law who tends to the banking, bill paying,prescription filling and generally loves her to death. We can not move...and she will not leave her friends and extended family to come here. I come to the board to learn all I can from the wonderful folks here, and am in awe of what you all do for your LO's. I was a full time caregiver 10 years ago for my Dad so I do know some of the difficulties everyone is facing. I'm glad to "know" you all. Susan

Hi, this is Rain. I'm 53 and married with two children who are grown and have one grandchild. I had to stop working last summer to care for dad. I am my father's buddy. He's 78 and at the end of middle-stage and happy most of the time (but boy, is he stubborn sometimes!) We've been tracking his decline for about eight years, and have participated in several alzheimer studies in the past six years. Currently he lives with daughter #1 who is a nurse. Last summer we sold our home and moved into an apartment half a block away, when it became clear that he could not take care of himself.

We recently purchased a home in Texas-big enough for all of us. Life is an adventure sometimes. We barely had enough time to get used to the empty nest..and here we go again. Dad is a wonderful human being, who loved adventures and loved his fellow man. Always rooted for the underdog. He worked hard all of his life, and deserves so much more than I can ever do for him.
I am the keeper of his memories.

This is where I come to get centered. We take turns holding the lantern as we travel down this misty path of alzheimers. Where there is no roadmap, we have each other.
((((HUGS)))
Rain

Not my real name-but have issues with annoying sibs who do not have a clue about this disease nor do they care to get educated about it. ('whole other story)

Hi Sally, I remember the thread from last March and I am so glad you did this again. Thank you.

My name is Debbie, I am 55, not married, and I come to the forum to try and share some of what I learned and to generally try to lend my support. I cared for my father with Alz. for about 10 years, I lost him last March, shortly after joining the forum. I care for my mother, she is 83 and has FSHMD, a type of Muscular Dystrophy. She is now mostly confined to bed. I am part-owner of a quilt shop on the southern coast of Oregon. With the laptop computer, and the woman I hired to stay with mom 4 days a week, I have been able to keep the business, but it has been hard to find the time to keep working and to care for my parents. Some days it just feels like I am pulled in too many directions. It is nice to meet all of you.

Woops, I didn't mean to lie about my age, I truly forgot I had a birthday a couple of months ago. It must be the stress. I am 56.

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Hi, My name is Chris. My husband, my 2 sons (age 10 yrs and 11 mo) live w/ my 87 yr old MIL who has stage 5-6 AD. I work full time (4 days per week) as an insurance agent, and my hubby is basically disabled. We have a caregiver that comes in to help w/ my MIL while I am at work, and another young lady who helps my husband with the baby. We live in the suburbs outside Los Angeles. My Sister-in-laws (2) are completely hands-off the situation, and have resented that we live in Mom's house. This forum has brought me friendships with people who don't think I am nuts for trying to help someone w/ AD.

I'll call myself "L" I am 25 and "Rain's" second daughter, I prefer that rather than daughter #2 haha I live in Hawaii with my husband and daughter who is almost 21 months old, going on 18!

I have been gone since my grandpa's diagnosis. I think my role in this family has become my mom's rock and shoulder to lean on and vent to. I cannot physically be there to help out, but I know the support and daily phone conversations with my mom mean everything, and lift her up so she is able to re-focus on keeping tabs on grandpa. I know my daughter will be that rock I need when my mom needs me.

I love you second daughter!

Rain

Hi all ..nice reading your story

Mine : My name is Margaret I am 47 years old I live in London UK , I have 4 children 3 girls 19,20,21, & a boy 25 I am a full time career to My mother & now my brother .

Daughters Live with me son Just got his own place .

3 years ago after I spilt from my husband of 18 years my father died 3 weeks later leavening my mother who was diagnosed with AZ a year later & a brother who is 49 & sycophantic .My mother took my brother & retried to Gibraltar to live with her sister after my father died .I had to leave my full time job & my teenager & live in Gibraltar which trun out to be a year work full time & look after them both & a untie , I thought I could balance it all until my daughter who was at university came to visit us & had a fit later was diagnosed with epilepsy ,so

I brought my mother back in September 04, left my brother in Gibraltar with my untie, untie died Jan 06 ,I went back to Gibraltar mum went in a care home for the duration of the time I was in Gibraltar to bring my brother back & sort out my untie funeral .so now brother is living with us till they sort out housing support for him & I must not forget I have a lovely Staffordshire dog who love to fight with other dog he does not like see me as a soft touch at night as I am the only one that lets him sleep in there bed .

This is nice...
My name is Bonnie, I live in San Antonio, Tx. I am 48. I divorced my husband of almost 25 years 4 years ago. I have a daughter 28, a daughter 25 and a son who is 19. My son lives at home with me. My daughters are married, the oldest has the most beautiful little girl on the face of the planet (unbiased Nana opinion, I assure you) and my youngest daughter will have her first baby in April. My Mother is almost 88, I moved her in with me after her diagnosis of AD in Sept 03. I have one brother who is a missionary in Mexico. I work full time and someone comes into the home and cares for Mom 3 days a week, two days a week I take her to daycare. I am her caregiver when I am not at work.
This place is my lifeline, my sanity. I have new friends- that understand what I am going through. Y'all are worth your weight in gold to me.

This is fun, although I just mostly lurk being a newbie...

My name is Catherine...everyone calls me either Cat, Kitty or Kitten. I am 34 years old and live in Kansas City, MO. My mother is 58 years old, and was diagnosed at 55, with EOAD. I am married, with two stepkidlets. If I am not working 50 hour weeks, I am taking care of Mom, or researching Alzheimer's Disease, or writing letters to congress, or my local law enforcement to utilize different programs that would benefit Alzheimer's patients. I also am the owner of an online support group dedicated to Early Onset Alzheimer's.

I guess that's it.

I'm karen---I live with my husband and twin daughters - I am the caregiver to my 77 year old mother who on good days it's no big deal however, on bad days........anyone want a 77 y/o lady who has disowned all her children & hates us all. I live in Washington State and currently am learning what it is like to be a caregiver & fight with sibs over what is right and wrong. It's been a battle but I am hopeing that someday they will reconize that mom isn't as bad as they have always thought that there are things that happen. Granted after a phone call and hang up (several) I don't know where I stand on it. I find that this board answers several questions I encounter and have wonderful people. Well that is all ----and yes I am a rambler and yes I don't do the paragraph thing to well either. But I am here karen

ttt