Alan,

Been there and done all that. Loosing analyical abilities seems to be a common thread with AD patients. To make things worse, it is part of my nautre to be very sensitive. When I miss understand I get confused and that tends to make me angry now. Then I get mad at myself. The entire circle of events is BAD!

Usually that happens to me when I get tierd or am trying to multi-task. One of my favorite slogans is "Cooler heads will prevail". Also, it has always been one of my life princiles to be as self suffiecent as possible. It is hard to set back, relax, rest get my mind off all negitive thoughts and come back smileing. Seems to me like I'm taking the Alziemers crutch. But I've come to realize that it is better for me to take that approach than to mess things up.

What do you think? How do you handle the confusion you get from miss understanding?

Even worse... I have been known to say things that are not clear to others. That leads to mis interrepation and other bad reactions. Guess that I slurr my words a little any more. Do you have that problem? If so, how do you handle it?

Tom, boy do I wish I had something brave and inspirational to tell . . . but, no. I couldn't get a handle on my increasing anger, ergo the Seroquel I take.

Back in the whole-brain days, I'd gotten pretty good at using my anger to motivate me to do difficult things. I hated things that scared me, and did what I had to do to conquer them, a fairly large percentage of the time. As my dementia has grown, so has my inability to control my anger. That isn't just talk, unfortunately, so again, enter Seroquel.

In the good old days, I didn't find that "cooler heads prevail." Instead, I found that "the big guy who looks p.o.'d and ready to do something" prevails.

Misunderstanding . . . well, at least one close friend really enjoys me being wrong a lot of the time. I'm not so accepting, but I'm working on it. Sometimes I can't keep track at all, and I'm in fear of my friends giving up on me. I don't slur yet, but I have a worse problem: I want to cry!! I don't know where that comes from, I've never, I mean never, been a crier, till recently.

Saying things that others don't understand, and I don't understand why they don't understand, oh yeah, got that one going sometimes.

So, Tom, I don't have much encouragement. But brother, I'm walking there with you. We'll hang in there, doing the best we can, as long as we can, right?

Tomand Alan, your stories are so familiar. I wish I had a magic wand to wavew over you, and the rest of us.

I'm tired of misunderstanding and misspeaking, personally. Sometimes what I say is partly just gibberish. I don't hav e any idea I've done it. Bad thing when I'm talking to a doc.

I, too, and on the sensitive side. I don't see so much anger in me, wait, I do, but not terribly often.

I cry al LOT.

I'm afraid I'm pulling inward a lot lately. LIke a turtle. I'm so tired of the whole thing, especially when people think I'm making this all up.

I'm into sitting on the sidelines now, even though I used to be a "leader".

That's how I handle thne situations. Sorry I xcan't be of more help. If there's anything else anyone has to say, I'd love to hear it, too.

Dear Alan, Tom, Sue et al,
This all sounds soooo familiar. I am, unfortunately, more on the anger side of things although lately I've become a little weepy. I don't know if it's the holidays or the day-to-day days or bad days vs good days?? I, too, sometimes have great difficulty understanding things and making myself clear to others. Sometimes, when I listen to people I hear it go in but it almost sounds like the adults on Charlie Brown Cartoon. You know, that Wha, wha, wha !?! Or, I hear the beginning part of something and can't get the rest? Or vice versa! I call it Brain Jumble or Brain Clouds or Tired Brain, Or Noisy Room Syndrome!! Ahhh, sometimes, I could just scream!!! I have been avoiding people lately because I either get confused or I ramble. Do y'all ramble???

Missing ALL of you!

Peace and Hope,
Lisa
Anyone heard from Bill??

Do I ramble? Yes. And I lose track of the conversation and start another one at the drop of a hat. The second conversation may make sense or not.

As to understanding others, sometimes everything is a jumble, other times I think I hear things clearly, but cannot not rmember the words even 1 minute later.

Both are real bummers when talking to docs.

I even had a person "morph" right in front of me one day. Not only did her words get jumbled, but so did her body. It was one fo the weirdest things!

My family members seem to think I'm doing this to get attention. One brother told me if I didn't change, I wouldn't be part of the family anymore. Yet I'm pretty sure my Mom has dementia, too.

Shall I just change--POOF!--? (If anyone's done this please let me know how )

Sue, I regret to say that I totally understand about words sounding jumbled. I think that's a frontal lobe problem, caused by not making the connection between words and their meaning.

I have moments when I similarly can't come up with a label for what I'm seeing. I don't think the visual is morphed, it seems more like with the hearing, I just can't identify it.

What do you mean, the person morphs before your eyes?

Sorry, Lisa and Everyone

Here I am. Just had a rough couple of days from being jet-lagged and having to go right back to work on Friday after getting in late Thursday night. I apologize.

I don't know if this in any way relates to this conversation, but I have begun to stutter again. (I did as a child) Also there are times when I look at something, and not know what it is I want to do with it. Example: A pair of scissors, and forgetting that I needed them to slice open some tape on a box.

Of course there's also the ever-present problem of forgetting a common word in the course of a normal conversation. Very frustrating.

In other stuff, I think I told y'all I was participating in the forgetMemory clinical questionnaire thingie? In my most recent blog entry are some things I was asked that made me realize some things I had not known were symptoms.

I would appreciate some of you more experienced folks having a look and please tell me what you think.

Thanks and it's good to be back home with y'all!

Love

Bill

Alan, what I saw, when the person "morphed" was a mishmash of a human shape. Sort of liek an amoeba. There was a blob there, but I couldn't make out features. The way I recognized her was by her voice and general size. She slowly became a human shape again.

Another time I thought my computer was reading my mind. That was freaky!

Maybe your computer –was– reading your mind - - what version of Internet Explorer do you use? (Sorry, but I needed humor!)

That's interesting, the amoeba thing. In a strange way, it seems like what I experience with sound. When I look at something and don't fully see it, I don't think it's changing shape, but I'll pay more attention to that and see.

Another strange visual thing is I won't see something I'm looking for. Then I look later, and there it is, where I'd looked before. I wonder if that's connected to, like, when I'm going to put something in the oven, but I can't figure out the controls for a minute, maybe I'm not seeing it. Or something.

On a good day, I find these things entertaining!

Alan, you mentioned which version of IE I use? That's a good one. It was an email, and I was using Netscape at the time. Maybe that's the reason, although I really liked it better. (Especially since I messed up OE and Outlook both tomight, just trying to fix Outlook.)

I once went to myu son't house for Christmas. I had been babysitting there for a year and a half. When I looked at it it wasn't there. Neither did the cul-de-sac look familiar. The second time by everything was OK.

I went to use the parking garage at a local hospital. I's been there dozens of time. It wasn't there. Nothing looked different, but the building wasn't there. Same the secxond time around. The third time was a charm.

Ain't life interesting? And my neuro says there;s nothing wrong with me...

Hmmmm. Well, okay.

See Y'all!

Bill,
Hello and welcome back! Glad to hear you are doing ok. When you have the time you must post about your trip! I want to know everything!!

Take care of yourself.

Peace and Hope,

Dear Alan, Sue, Bill et al,
Alan, I do know what you are talking about when looking for something. I look and look and finally give up. Later on, I go back to the same place and find what I was looking for! Sometimes, I forget what I wanted to do!?! lol
Sue, Things don't morph in front of me But sometimes when I'm driving or going some place I been a hundred times, all of a sudden things don't look familiar!? It's a very strange feeling. I have to pull over and wait for it to pass. So far, I'm able to re-orient. I guess one day I won't be able to.
Bill, I'm not sure about the studdering?? You might want to speak with your doctor.

Peace and Hope,

Alan , Bill, and Lisa,

I started "wandering" in myh car, and one time had t6o call myu daughter to tell me where I was. I stopped driving.

My goodness, if we all lived together, nothing would get found or done!

Then there was the time I was in a big indoor mall a few months ago, headed for the big bunch of glass doors, the exit to where I was parked. I went to where I came in, but the doors weren't there. I walked up the aisle and back again, looking for what was a really big entrance, but it wasn't there. Third time pacing up the aisle, it just sort of started to come back, then there it was. Very disturbing.

Strange feelings, trying to figure things out that used to be obvious . . . oh yeah, you're singing my tune . . .

Bill, I recommend calling your main doctor about the stuttering, run it by him. I think it's in the category of: probably nothing, but better ask.

If we all had a Christmas party few would be abel to find the way, and when they did, woudln't remember each othere's names. Or what the cookies were for. Or that brown, sweet stuff in the mugs.

Then many of us might forget how or when to go home...

Oh, I got a tentative diagnosis of "dementia of unknown etiology" today. But I still have to get the results of the qEEG.

Have a merry last shopping week... And don't forget that the white stuff falling down is snow.

Sorry. I'm getting too silly. I hope I didn't offend anyone. That wasn't my intention.

Better get back to cookie-making. YOu wouldn't believe the combinations I come up with. The recipes change in front of me. Ever heard of cilantro-spice bread? I did that one year. Not good.

Cilantro-spice bread? OK, step away from the oven, just back away slowly . . . easy now, we don't want any more tragedies . . .

I have opened a new subject in th "under 65" segment. It is called "Something to noodle" and is intended to let the professionals who read this understand us better. Hopefully it can put one of those smart people onto and lead towards a cure. Wouldn't that be wonderful!

Tom,
Went to your new site. Enjoyed and answered.

How were your holidays?

Peace and Hope,

Hi to All,
I was thinking about what Sue said about us all getting together and how much fun that could be! Confusion, yes I think so. Fun, I think I'd Love to meet you all! Are any of you planning to go to Washington, DC in March for the AD Rally and see Congress?? Wouldn't that be a great place to all meet?!! I am going? Anyone else?

Peace and Hope,

Our last trip was to Missouri at Thanksgiving so no more trips for me,unless it's local close to home......

I've had an interesting twist in my life: my doc said the qEEG did not show any "splotchiness" more typical of AD, it didn't show any CNS lupus, but it did show bi-polar disorder, amazingly. I've had depression in the past, but NEVER a manic episode in my life!!

My doc did say that perhaps the combination of the anti-seizure med and Ritalin could be causing this reading.

BUT, and this is embarrassing to say, he said he's now labeling this "pseudodementia".

I looked that up and it doe3sn't seem to fit. I'm not elderly, I haven't had a sudden onset of a "psychiatric illness" correlating with what looks like dementia. JUst so many other inconsistencies.,

I still have the symtoms I've talked about before. But now I feel like a fake.

My doc, whom I highly regard, suggested I try ECT. I dont THINK so!

I've got the neuropsych testsa that document the dementia (over the last 5 years). Friends and doctors around me have seen my problems.

So here I am in limbo again.

Anyone had similar problems?

Crying,

Do you have a Neurologist??

Sue, you're not in limbo, as much as you have a doc that believes in his technology a little too much. All the modern imagery machines have failure rates. Neuropsych testing is the only thing I tend to trust.

I think what's happening is that lots more of us are becoming aware of our problems and seeking help, way earlier in the disease than was recently the case. The imaging techniques have been developed on nursing home patients with brain pathology much more severe than ours.

I'm a little surprised that you had that test while taking drugs that affect the brain. How could you get a valid result with ritalin in your brain, or the seizure drug?

Time to consult with an expert in early dementia, perhaps?

I went to a neuro about a year ago. He listed for about a minute and said I have no kind of dementia at all. I call him jerky
G----- now. He never listened to me.

I took a list of all my meds to a really good pharmacist today. She's going to look through allo of them and see if there are any side effects or cross-reactrions.

Interestingly, my GI put in his notes that I have "severe dementia". I couldn't understand or answer much of anything that day. I hate saying "I don't know", "I have no idea", and "What did you say?" throughout a whole exam.

Alan, I think you may wellk be right about having the meds in my system during the qEEG. One of the first things my doc asked afterwards was if I had taken all my meds before the test. Gee, I wish he had thought aboiut that beforehand! I take over 20 different meds, including Effexor, lamictal, ritalin, and lorazepam (the lorazepam is for sleep after having Ritalin in my ssystem all day).

PS. Frosty does NOT come to life on Christmas Day. I made three snowmen on Christmas to have someone to talk with. Not one of them uttered a word...

Sue, the sad truth is that most neurologists aren't up to speed on early dementia.

Sad truth #2 - when a doctor can't figure out what's wrong, he tends to blame you, call you crazy, things like that.

You'll find the toll free Alzheimer's number on this page. I hope you'll call Monday, and get a referral to a qualified doctor in your area. We don't have time to educate the neurologists that specialize in foot numbness, we need help now.

My snowmen don't talk, either. But I swear I saw them moving . . .

Alan, one of mine moved, too. It seems it is now in hundreds of pieces.

Hello Flowers2U,

Gosh, I so totally understand exactly how you are feeling. I have been in your exact situation. It almost broke me. Long story short. Back in January 2008, after very long history of problems that increased in severity, I was diagnosed by my oncologist, and internist with Alzheimer's. Went to neurologist, he said he would not say I had Alz. He wanted to get my sleep problems tested first. He thought it was my sleep apnea and fibromyalgia causing the problems and wanted to investigate that first even though two other docs said I had Alz. Even with all of the documented evidence and symptoms. He then sent for for neuropsych/dementia testing. I walked in for the test and the first 5 minutes the guy is telling me Nope ~ You don't have Alz. You are too young. (I am only 57.) You would be dead if you had been having the problems for as long as you say. (Oh,so I guess he thinks I am lying) Interestingly after 4 hours, the testing did show mental deficits, so the testing guy said OK ~ You have severe depression, with possible frontal temporal lobe disorder that should be followed by the neurologist.

I understand exactly what you mean about feel like a fake. I had quit my job that I could no longer do, applied for Social Security Disability. (Which I just was approved for BTW) Was working with the local Alz Assoc. on helping to establish an Early Onset Support Group. Was to speak at a Alz Assoc fund raiser. And now I don't have Alz. (Not that anyone wants to have Alz. But when you were almost relieved to have some kind of diagnosis even if it was Alz at least you knew you weren't crazy.) Now I felt like I was again either Lazy, Crazy, or just a plain Stupid Fake. After the testing, I totally came unglued. I was immobilized, mentally and physically. I had the good sense to get back to my internal medicine doctor. After falling apart in her office and explaining the conflicting info, she assured me that no matter what the other two docs (Neuro and Testing Doc) said she was firm in her diagnosis of Alz. She said she has been my treating doctor for over 15 years and she went through my chart and sees the documented complaints that I have for years about memory problems. Yes she had been treating me for depression. I had extremely stressful job for years and fibromyalgia, I had had breast cancer. She attributed my problems to those things for years because I am so young. But now, she believes without a doubt that it is Alz. So, She picked me up, wiped my nose, set me up straight, changed my antidepressant, and referred me to a psychiatrist for medication management. I am on 10 Including Aricept and Namenda. The psych evaluated my medications. and upped my antidepressant, added Cerefolin for memory problems, and referred me to a therapist. No kidding I am severely depressed.

One thing I should mention, my internist, oncologist, psychiatrist, therapist are all women. Don't know if that makes a difference or not. But they are incredible providers of medical and mental care. I will go one more time to my neurologist. He is treating my sleep apnea as he is also a pulmonologist. It is interesting even though he would not even discuss Alz with me, he put me on the Namenda.

I have been participating in this board since this summer and you may have previously seen some of my story in previous postings. Please know that you are not alone. I hope that you have one provider that you trust and that supports you. One that will continue to guide you.

I always find the gift of hope and clarity in what is shared here by others like myself. I hope that my posting gives you some of that.

With all of this said, I want you to go back to the doctor that diagnosed you. Share your fears. If you have to, find another doctor. Remember ~ Most doctors are afraid of diagnosing someone under the age of 65-70 with Alz.
Remember, You are not alone. You are not a fake and God Does Love Us All.

Lynn.

Lynn, I love your message! Very wise.

A great Neurologist is the best friend we can have. A Neurologist that isn't experienced with the various dementias and how they start, is often an obstacle.

I like my Neurologist just fine, and in my state he's a leader in his Association. He wouldn't admit to my having any dementia at 53 y.o. until he'd explored all other options.

I think the difference is that my Neurologist was working for my best interest, making sure I had a proper diagnosis, and those other diagnoses are more likely at my age than Alzheimer's.

Glad to have found you guys. Recently diagonosed, age 60, Stage1EOAZ, Widow-On my own, other-wise disabled but mobile & driving,GREAT primary care Doc & Neuro + therapist; Also recovering alcoholic (19 year+)which helps me take this a day or minute at a time, when I can remember to do so - but that's thst's THE challange! SO disorangized-thoughts, things, life! Reading your postd after devouring all the info online was a great help!
Onward ... I'll be back, Patrece

Sue, don't be upset that the doctor referred to it as a "pseudo-dementia." This has nothing to do with "faking" it, and it is certainly no reason to be embarrassed. It does NOT mean that you don't have dementia symptoms, not at all.

A "true" dementia is, by definition, incurable.

A "pseudo" dementia, on the other hand, is one that can be treated so that at least some, if not all, of the symptoms are eventually resolved. Pseudo-dementias can be caused by some of the autoimmune diseases, normal pressure hydrocephalus, bactrial or viral infections of the brain, thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, etc.

I can understand why you wouldn't be wildly enthusiastic about ECT. But perhaps there are other treatments that might help relieve your dementia symptoms. And wouldn't it be wonderful if there are?

Thanks, All. I've had 3 apnea tests, when pulmo. doc found out that I have hypersomnolence (similar to narcolepsy), hence the Ritalin to stay awake.

If any of you is getting repeated apnea tests, you might ask your doc if they think it might be narcolepsy or hypersomnolence.

I've got my pharmacist working to see if any of my meds could be doing this to my brain. So far, she suggested that my Salagen for the Sjogren's could possibly be a culprit. Without it I would lose my voice, my teeth, and have more problems with breathing, swallowing, and digestion.

I don't take enough prednisone for that to be the problem.

Boy, am I in a self-pitying mood, or what?

I think you're right about calling the Alz. Assoc. to get the name of a good AD doc. It's about my only hope.

I don't want to have AD, but you're right, at least a diagnosis for what you know is wrong is relieving.

Thanks for giving me your support. It means a great deal to me!!!!

Sue,
Hang in there! No, you are not crazy and you are not alone. Please, try what Alan said and call the AD helpline @ 800-272-3900 to see about getting a good neurologist that specializes in AD/Dementia in your area!
Good Luck.
Please, keep us posted.

Peace and Hope,

Dear Patrece,
Hello and welcome. I'm sorry to hear about your dx of EOAD. I'm so glad you found us. This is a great place to ask questions, gather info. and get tons of support!! There's a lot of wonderful, caring people on this site. Please, come here as often as you want/need to. You can also vent your fears, anger, frustrations as well as share joys and victories!! Again, welcome to our family.

Please, keep in touch.

Peace and Hope,

I'm back ... Thanks to everybody who posted in response. WOW! Thought I'd even 'spell-checked before posting. Didn't realize 'til they sent it back to me this morning how almost unreadable it was. I used to dictate. (last time I was able to work) Actually was what they'd refer to as 'high functioning' ... traveled around the world, did a lot of big $ negotiations with high level execs, lloyds of london, a couple in the news recently, etc. this disease is so devastating ... I can't even spell my own name, remember my phoner number & address half the time (I carry my card w/ me with all pertinent data including emergency contact - my oldest daughter, a cardiac intensive care charge nurse who I just disclosed my dx to w/in the past week.) at least i know you guys don't expect me to be perfect - ha! that's a big relief ... just being able to be what ever i am w/out expectation - not 'mom', not 'grandma' (5 grandsons 20 down to 13 months, 2nd daughter lives in nevada, she has multiple sclorsis & w/ her hubby's support is doing real well right now, has only the one 13- mo. old/ other 4 are my older dtr/s who lives about 12-15 mi from me)
i've always been very independant - never had to rely on anyone, everyone relied on me. dx is not easy for anybody, i suppose. my mother was was diagnosed about age 72 ... didn't live to long after, deteriorate fast. dad is now 85 and doing ok excep he took a nasty fall, had a hemotoma & they couldn't operate so he's a bit out-of-it. his dad lived to 115, died in his sleep, taking a nap, after having gone out to lunch. grama died at 97 ... see i just hadn't expected this 60!! not prepared!!!
patrece

Hi Patrece,
Glad to see your back. My, you've had a wonderful life, traveling, children, granchildren! Also, sounds like you come from a family that lives a long time.
I know you are feeling pretty overwhelmed. Wow, I can sure relate to that. I think a lot of us can. You will probably go thru several stages of feelings too. Most of us have been there also and still need grounding from time to time.
Just hang in there. Please call your local AD assn for help and support. And please keep coming here as often as you can or want to. Remember, you are not alone.

Peace and Hope,

Peace and Hope,

Hey tTom,
Where've you been?

Come out, come out wherever you are!!

Miss you.

Peace and Hope,

Sue,

Sometimes an autoimmune disorder such as Sjogren's can cause dementia symptoms. And sometimes, the dementia symptoms respond to treatment.

I would recommend that you go to Mayo Clinic, either the one in Rochester MN or the one in Scottsdale AZ, for a thorough evaluation. The facility in Rochester is the biggest, with the most neurologists experienced in this area. In Scottsdale, Dr Richard Caselli has done a lot of research and published widely on diagnosing and treating pseudo-dementias associated with autoimmune disorders.

You can call for an appointment -- you do not need a referral -- or make a request online:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/patientinfo/appointments.html

If you want to go to Rochester MN, when you call, ask for "Behavioral Neurology".

If you want to go to Scottsdale AZ, ask for Dr Richard Caselli or Dr Bryan Woodruff. (Dr Caselli heads up their neuro department, and it might take a little longer to get an appointment with him.)

If you would rather go to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville FL, ask for Dr Graff-Radford.

Tom,
R U ok? Haven't seen you post in a while. Please write and let me know how you are doing!

Peace and Hope,

Lisa, thank you for your kind reply. I've had every treatment for Sjogren's, lupus, and RA that I can have, expcept for the biologics, which I can't have because of lupus. NO vasculitis. The pharmacists are looking to see if any of my meds, or cross-reaction between them, could be a culprit. Still waiting on their thoughts.

Until then, I'll just keep on going on. Or something like that.

I'll let you know what i hear.

I"m on SSDI, so the Mayo Clinic would be wonderful, but probably not feasib le. My daughter lives near the Cleveland Clinic though. Maybe when I go visit her this spring I might be able to get in there. I'd have a place to stay, anyway.

Thanks for the idea.

Patrece, if there's any place where misspelling is common, it's here. It's aone place I know people won't think I'm just too lazy th write properly.

At least I think they won't...

Sue, if you can't travel to Mayo, then perhaps your doctors could talk with Dr. Caselli. He is a leading authority in this field, and seems like a very nice man.

If it is the Sjogren's that's causing the dementia symptoms, the longer you wait, the less likely it is that treatment will reverse them. Treatment for dementia differs from treatments for the Sjogren's itself.

Happy New Year to all! I just got laid off so I will have more time for the grandkids and living.

Sorry you were laid off.Heck of a time of year for that.....
Happy New Years all.

Tom! I'
m so sorry. I agree with SnowyLynne that it's a heck of a time to leave. I pray things will work out for you, no matter what they are. You can rely on us to support you in any way we can.

Tom, was the lay-off due to your Alzheimer's?

Nothing was said about the AD during my exit interview. Fact is, business is down, I was the last hired and have less than two years service there. The owner was personally involved and his sadden emotions were evident.

I have no doubt that my last three jobs ended due to Alzheimer's related issues. Tyco had business issues to blame it on as well. But Esh. Oil, Komxx and Phoeonxx Conxxx did not. At Tyco Elecxxxxx I held a senior Engineering position and my reduced analytical skills and leadership abilities were possibly a consideration. But when Tyco let me go there were several other highly paid employees let go also.

I do have documentation from the Phyc and Neurological evaluations stating that I have Alz related dementia. When I came home from being laid off I immediately applied for a positron as a financial planner. My wife was angry about that because she says my driving sucks. She has not let me drive when we have the grand kids for the last year or so. Looks like it might be time to bite the bullet and apply for SSDI.

Dear Tom,
So sorry to hear about your layoff. But I'm glad to hear you're doing ok! Hope you and yours have a great New Year! SSDI ain't too bad!!

Peace and Hope,

Hi there Tom,

So sorry to hear about your job. Was wondering where you were. Guess a lot of companies are downsizing now due to the economy. But we all know it does not make it any easier. Of course you will wonder if the Alz had anything to do with you being the one let go, but it really does not matter. That is unless it was discrimination. You are a protected class of employee under Americans with Disabilities. But, I won't get on my soapbox about that now. I have done my ranting and raving about it in other posts. LOL!

Anyway, If you do decide to go the SSDI route I do suggest that you schedule an appointment with your doctor in regard to your continued medical care. You will need his/her supporting documentation in filing for SSDI. All of your doctors will be asked for copies of medical chart documentation as well as any/all tests results. You will need to honestly share your situation with the doctor and the facts of your decline in ability to perform at your job. Also the issues with driving etc. This is no time for Macho Guy, I don't need anyone's help. Let the doctor(s) know you will be applying for disability. Having documentation in your medical records that you are disabled and unable to work really helps to support your case with SS. Many docs require that you come in for a visit for them to fill out the paperwork.

You may wish to go through an attorney but you can do it yourself. You still have to fill out the paperwork. It is easy to download the information and research the process. Going through an attorney will not cost you anything as they work on contingency. They will get a % of your first payout. I went through an attorney because I thought I was going to have to appeal. Everyone said I would not be approved on the first pass. You do have to be unemployed for 6 months before receiving benefits. You are kind of in an odd situation. If you apply for unemployment, then you can't apply for SSDI because you are suitable for work. You might want to just check out all of your potential options before you make any decision.

I have learned that my husband and I can get along on a lot less than I realized. I just look at this as an early retirement.

Tom, Good Luck. You know we are all pulling for you.

Lynn

Thanx to all of you people for your comfort and support! Armed with all of the knowledge gained from this forum I will now proceed towards the light. I just wanted to remain productive as long as possible but the doctors, my family and the economy have defined that moment. I've got at least 10 family members that tell me my driving sucks.... guess they don't appreciate running red lights, wondering where we are going or how to get there. Maybe together they might have a point!

Please note that I said nothing about Alz. That is because.... now I forgot why!