Welcome to TP.

It`s so difficult to reason with people with AD, but I`d tell him straight, you are tired and want to go to bed. You are probably just as emotionally tired, as you are physically tired because caring 24/7 is draining.

If it`s conversation you are missing, will `virtual conversation` do? If you keep posting here, you`ll find a great group of very supportive people, who understand completely what you are living with.

There seem to be more and more members who are living with Younger people with Alzheimers. I don`t know whether it`s better diagnosis, or a very sad decline in health.

If you want support, look at the support section as well as this one. If you want some lighthearted banter, go to the Tea Room.

Take care and keep posting. xx

 

Going on experience with Dad, this is not going to necessarily help, mind you, every case is different...

But it sounds to me as if your husband is going through one of the stages that seems to be the most stressful about this disease...and for that reason he will be constantly in your pocket and wanting attention, following you around and basically driving you crazy.

All I can say is that your instinct is right, you need an escape...or again from experience I know this stage is capable of stressing the carer out to breaking point. So if there is some way you can arrange a respite carer so you can get away I highly recommend it, or some family members to visit and be there for him while you pop out for a while and get some sanity.

And never forget, this too in time will pass....

 

Hi dedicated doe, welcome to TP.

I know the feeling well, lack of sleep makes it so difficult to cope.

Loneliness is another problem I know well, and TP is my lifeline. Most days, it's the only conversation I have, because my husband has lost all language. Please come and chat to us as often as you like, ther's usually someone here. Have you found Tea Room yet?, that's where we go to relax, and you'd be made most welcome.

You also need to get out and talk to people. Do you have carers in to give you some respite? If not, you should try to arrange it, it's so important for carers not to have to spend all day alone.

Post again, and let us know more about yourself, if you feel like it.

Love,

 

My husband was doing the same not that long ago. I found it worrying danger wise when in the kitchen cooking/ cutting up food/ draining pots etc, there was nearly a few accidents, as he would reach out as well. Some times my son would have to pull him away and that caused him to get aggitated I used to wish i had eyes on the back of my head. Its a nightmare. You constantly have to be alert and aware they are behind you. I couldn't win ether way.
Another thing is if you are out watch. My husband would suddenly turn, if there was other people about he would pick one then start following them. Its a tiring problem and drains you.
Today is our wedding aniversary 29years and he now isn't aware of it. He is in hospital and i'm sitting at home on my own. This illness is so cruel to all.

 

I`m sorry you are having such a lonely and unhappy wedding anniversary chip. It goes from bad to worse, doesn`t it.

Love xx

 

Chip, I'm sorry you're having such a miserable anniversary.

If it's any consolation, (I know it's not!), ours was just as miserable, and John's still at home. He has no idea that I'm his wife, let alon what an anniversary is.

It certainly is cruel.

Love,

 

dedicated doe I do know how you feel and I wish there was something I could do to help.

You sound in need of a bunch of flowers, a nice cup of tea and a jolly good natter.

Consider it all virtually available on the TP site and winging its way to you.

 

One virtual flower coming up for you Doe... (if I don't mess up trying to "attach" it!)
Sorry, I couldn't find a whole bunch.

 

Dear Chip , it's our 39th wedding aniversary next week and just like you, I will be visiting my husband at the hospital. He will probably drop off to sleep most of the time but at least I can hold his hand and give him a kiss and a cuddle. That will have to do. Very best wishes TinaT

 

Dedicated Doe. I know how you feel, I have had the same. Telling that you are tired is very unlikely to work, I think. It may sound mean but what I did a couple of times, after making sure all was well and safe, was to go into the spare room, and kinda of hide / bury myself under the covers, laying flat, no light, door closed, not shut. Once I was out of the equation things calmed down and Susan got into bed, she was already dressed for it and we both had a fair sleep. Again I suppose it depends on your other half. Conversation !!!!! yes well, I talk to myself, sometimes my replies are silly other times I'm rolling in the aisle.
cris

 

My heart goes out to you. It is never easy trying to explain to children what is happening especially when you (in my case) don't have any prior expereince of the disease. What age are yours. Ours or 9 & 7.
Take care and keep posting. I have found this site a Godsend. I felt lost and alone before and now I have other in similar situations to chat to.
Jackie
xx

 

Hi dedicated doe

Sounds like such a hard time for you. Everyone is right about the fact that things are much harder if you don't get a proper sleep. Are you able to connect with friends at all, or get any kind of a break?

I have been considering having a student come and lodge with us when things are harder, just to have another person around. Perhaps instead of board and lodging costs, they could watch Ron for half an hour or so while I walked or nipped into town. Anyway, thankfully I'm not at that stage yet. Perhaps others may think this is an option.

 

similar experience

I know I should be calm and accepting, but I have made a special effort all day to be kind and helpful to my husband who was diagnosed with AD 5 yrs ago .
I have just got him ready and into bed and sat down with a glass of wine . I'm furious with him for peeing on the settee half an hour before bedtime while was in the loo in the next room. Now I'm ashamed of myself for even telling him about it. Like everyone else I'm tired and not sleeping well. Friends, neighbours and family all tell me to look after myself, but I feel like shouting "How the hell can I do that?" Any ideas of how to bite the bullet and ask his brothers to stay with him overnight so I could sleep undisturbed?

 

Dear KMJ,
Welcome to Talking Point. So many of us find it a life saver - I hope you and Doe will too.

Don't be ashamed of your anger - none of us can be "perfect" all the time. It is very human to break down, especially when we lack sleep.

You sound like you DEFINITELY need respite care. Whether this comes from your
brothers inlaw or through an organisation, I think you need it NOW!!

I'm no help in suggesting how to organise respite because I live in Australia, but many TP members can help you with information.

If you get on with your brothers in law, can you just be honest and say you are starting to fall apart through lack of sleep? Ask if they could please arrange to stay with you / have your hubby stay with them for a few nights, so you can sleep? Many people are happy to help but don't know what to do. Also, sometimes people feel they are offending you if they offer to help.

Only you know what the situation is with the brothers in law - if you feel it wouldn't work to ask them, please seek some respite from an organisation.

Thinking of you and sending caring wishes your way.

 

Dear KMJ

Just bite that bullet and ask them. Tell them you are going to fall apart if you don`t get some help soon, and if they can`t offer, you`ll have to look elsewhere.

Five years is a very long time to go without a break. I don`t know how you`ve managed it.

Ask for help before it`s too late and let us know how you get on.

love xx

 

Dear Doe, this is what TP is here for, to share with people who really do understand the effort it takes, to make a simple thing like a birthday, a happy family occasion when there`as Alzheimers in the house.

Keep posting.

Love xx

 

Hi Chip
Seems to be the week for anniversaries.
I too had my anniversary this week [39 years] and even though my husband looked at the cards it did not register with him.
I had thought he had gone downbank in the last few weeks and this showed me how much as we always celebrated our special day.
Next year I will be 60 and we will have been married for 40 years but going by this year I am not expecting much,but at least I still have him with me.
So to all with an anniversary this week I send you my love.
Roseann