Hi,
I have just registered with this site. I would like to share my experience of my husband, who has just turned 60yrs old & was diagnosed with PD (Pseudodementia) 2 yrs ago now.
We have been together for over 25yrs & he has suffered with Mental Health problems for most of his life. He has had several nervous breakdowns since we have been together, however, 2 yrs ago was the worst I ever recall....& he was put into hospital, where he spent 8 mths.
At first they thought he had Bipolar. ..then they were pretty certain it was Dementia.
It was my worst fear confirmed...I suspected that it may have been this. He was so very depressed...wouldn't eat, talk to anyone, confused, angry, Frustrated. ..but most definately psychotic. He didn't hear voices, but he believed he was the "Devil" & no-one, not even me could convince him otherwise! He couldn't watch TV or listen to the radio, because he believed that the radio was sending msg's to him & that certain things on the TV were referring to him....it was terrifying!!
My husband, who I love, turned from a very bubbly, laughing, full of jokes, caring man....into a depressed, lonely man who I couldn't recognise! But I still loved him & was determined to do, whatever it took & no matter how long it would take to get the correct diagnosis & treatment for his Mental Health Problem.
We were very lucky to have such a great Doctor, Psycatrist & Care Team looking after him. To cut a very long story short....after many tests & head scans etc....we were finally told that they were pretty sure he had Pseudodementia. I had never heard of this. It was explained to me fully, that it WAS NOT Dementia & could be treated with the correct medication...I was so relieved to hear this & cried many tears, which I had held back, because I was being strong for him.
They stripped him off all the medication he was on & started him on a complete new course of medication for PD. They told us, that we should see a noticeable difference within approx 8wks. Within 6wks, he was a changed man....laughing & joking...I was finally getting my husband back....words cannot explain how I felt...even the staff, doctors etc. we're amazed at his progress. He was finally introduced, slowly, over a course of a few weeks, back into our home...then finally discharged from hospital with a Home Care Plan.
We were told that his short - term memory would be bad....and it still is. However, his long - term memory is fine. He will have to be on his medication for life...but if that means controlling his illness...we are happy with that. Itvwas just a matter of trial & error to get the correct dosage for him.
Like I said earlier, it is now 2 yrs since he has been discharged, after a terrible 8th ordeal for both of us...but he is home & doing so well. He dies get very embarrassed when he starts a coversations, then unable to remember what it was he was trying to say...but we deal with it..laugh it off even..it is our way of dealing with it. However, he does get tired very quickly & sleeps alot...but it doesn't stop us doing things, going places & having fun.. We are both just glad he is home again & thankful that he hot the correct diagnosis for him!
Having shared my story & experience with you. I would still love to hear from anyone who has been through anything similar. Even though I am a very strong person...I am only human....and sometimes I do get a bit "ratty" or "snappy" when I constantly have to repeat things over & over to him! I would really appreciate any help or advice on this.
So sorry that this is such a long "blog"....it wasn't meant to be!
Many Thanks for reading & hope to hear back from some of you soon. Take Care.
I have just registered with this site. I would like to share my experience of my husband, who has just turned 60yrs old & was diagnosed with PD (Pseudodementia) 2 yrs ago now.
We have been together for over 25yrs & he has suffered with Mental Health problems for most of his life. He has had several nervous breakdowns since we have been together, however, 2 yrs ago was the worst I ever recall....& he was put into hospital, where he spent 8 mths.
At first they thought he had Bipolar. ..then they were pretty certain it was Dementia.
It was my worst fear confirmed...I suspected that it may have been this. He was so very depressed...wouldn't eat, talk to anyone, confused, angry, Frustrated. ..but most definately psychotic. He didn't hear voices, but he believed he was the "Devil" & no-one, not even me could convince him otherwise! He couldn't watch TV or listen to the radio, because he believed that the radio was sending msg's to him & that certain things on the TV were referring to him....it was terrifying!!
My husband, who I love, turned from a very bubbly, laughing, full of jokes, caring man....into a depressed, lonely man who I couldn't recognise! But I still loved him & was determined to do, whatever it took & no matter how long it would take to get the correct diagnosis & treatment for his Mental Health Problem.
We were very lucky to have such a great Doctor, Psycatrist & Care Team looking after him. To cut a very long story short....after many tests & head scans etc....we were finally told that they were pretty sure he had Pseudodementia. I had never heard of this. It was explained to me fully, that it WAS NOT Dementia & could be treated with the correct medication...I was so relieved to hear this & cried many tears, which I had held back, because I was being strong for him.
They stripped him off all the medication he was on & started him on a complete new course of medication for PD. They told us, that we should see a noticeable difference within approx 8wks. Within 6wks, he was a changed man....laughing & joking...I was finally getting my husband back....words cannot explain how I felt...even the staff, doctors etc. we're amazed at his progress. He was finally introduced, slowly, over a course of a few weeks, back into our home...then finally discharged from hospital with a Home Care Plan.
We were told that his short - term memory would be bad....and it still is. However, his long - term memory is fine. He will have to be on his medication for life...but if that means controlling his illness...we are happy with that. Itvwas just a matter of trial & error to get the correct dosage for him.
Like I said earlier, it is now 2 yrs since he has been discharged, after a terrible 8th ordeal for both of us...but he is home & doing so well. He dies get very embarrassed when he starts a coversations, then unable to remember what it was he was trying to say...but we deal with it..laugh it off even..it is our way of dealing with it. However, he does get tired very quickly & sleeps alot...but it doesn't stop us doing things, going places & having fun.. We are both just glad he is home again & thankful that he hot the correct diagnosis for him!
Having shared my story & experience with you. I would still love to hear from anyone who has been through anything similar. Even though I am a very strong person...I am only human....and sometimes I do get a bit "ratty" or "snappy" when I constantly have to repeat things over & over to him! I would really appreciate any help or advice on this.
So sorry that this is such a long "blog"....it wasn't meant to be!
Many Thanks for reading & hope to hear back from some of you soon. Take Care.