Hello. I'm a new member.

PeggySue

Registered User
Oct 21, 2006
1
0
Lancashire
Hi everyone.

I've just found this forum, after searching the internet for info on Alzheimers,, as my Dad, aged 78, has just been diagnosed. Also, with Parkinsons, and dementia.
I must be honest here, and say..... I'm stuck for words, I'm shocked, hurt, worried, and confused. I know you are all here for similar reasons, and will maybe be able to help each other in different ways.... erm,, I dont even know what help I'm looking for really, as this is all new to me. I know it's very hard to cope with, and very upsetting to see someone go from a 6'3" upright and very strong man, to a stooped over, old man, in such a short time.
I'm looking forward to 'learning' from you all... and of course, being there for you, if ever there is a time when I, can help any of you.
Thats it for now..... I'm unsure of what to say........ apart from.... 'hello' :)
 

KenC

Registered User
Mar 24, 2006
913
0
Co Durham
New Member

Hi PeggySue,

Warm welcome to talking point. We are all friends here so you need not worry about us. We are all carers, family or people with the illness and we can talk about most things. To me, this is my second home and I think alot of the members think the same. Please feel at home and among friends, if you need ask anything, feel free. There is usually some one who can help or point you in the right direction. We all know how it feels and its very hard at times, but keep writing in we are here all the time.

We welcome all new comers with open arms.

Best Wishes

kenc
 
Last edited:

BeckyJan

Registered User
Nov 28, 2005
18,971
0
Derbyshire
from a 6'3" upright and very strong man, to a stooped over, old man, in such a short time.
HTML:

You have described my husband - from straight young figure even at 70 - 7 yrs later a man who looks more like a 90+ year old It is so sad I want to cry.

PeggySue - it is very hard to see this happening to someone you love - but you will find some comfort and support here. My very best wishes
Beckyjan
 

Skye

Registered User
Aug 29, 2006
17,000
0
SW Scotland
Hello PeggySue

Welcome to TP. know how frightening it is when you're first faced with the diagnosis. But you've come to the right place. I've only been a member for a couple of months, but the people here are so friendly, and whatever you ask about, someone will know the answer, or will be able to point you in the right direction. I'm so glad I found this forum, and I'm sure in acouple of months you'll be saying the same.

Of course you don't know what to ask at the moment, it's all too new for you. But keep reading the posts, and just jump in when you have anything to contribute, or if you have a specific question, just start a new thread.

You'll soon make friends. Good luck,

Hazel
 

alex

Registered User
Apr 10, 2006
1,665
0
Hi PeggySue

Welcome to tp..........just like to second what Ken said.

I know its tough for you but i'm sure you'll find the strength to cope and you've got tp now to help you through the bad times!

Love Alex x
 

May

Registered User
Oct 15, 2005
627
0
Yorkshire
Hi Peggysue

Welcome to TP...a place full of some the kindest people walking this planet. A place where you can get comfort and a 'virtual' shoulder any time, night or day, a sanity saver!
Come back and post, as Ken said, someone can usually give an answer if you have a question.
Take care
 

dmc

Registered User
Mar 13, 2006
1,157
0
hi peggysue

welcome to TP
just to say a "hello" back and look forward to hearing more from you
 

jennyusa

Registered User
Oct 24, 2006
2
0
Iowa, USA
Hi, I'm a new member too

I have been searching for a place where I can talk and not feel like a bad person. I brought my 88 year old grandmother to live with me and it has turned out to be much harder than I thought. She has recently been diagnosed with vascular dementia but noone really knows what stage of dementia she is in. She doesn't like to talk or eat much. I have seen her go downward so quickly and I feel as if I am not doing enough. I am frustrated and sad and I cry alot. I try to talk with my parents but that only makes things worse.

I will lend an ear if someone else will.
I need some help.:(
 
Last edited:

Whiskas

Registered User
Oct 17, 2006
158
0
Corby
Hi jennyusa

I'm a new member too. I've spent the last week just reading everything and it has been such a great help, you are sure to find what you are looking for here.

My 88 year old mother lives with me, she has dementia. My Dad lived with me as well until he died last year, he had dementia too. So I know how you must be feeling. I used to think I wasn't doing enough but we can only do our best. Having your grandmother to live with you is a wonderful thing to do, you can't be a bad person. You just have to take one day at a time and hang on to the good bits even if they are few and far between!

Take care of yourself

Whiskas
 

jennyusa

Registered User
Oct 24, 2006
2
0
Iowa, USA
thanks for support

Today is day 2 of not eating. She refuses to open her eyes or talk to me. I know that I cannot force her to eat but it is hard to see someone starve themselves. She just sits in her recliner and sleeps all day and then doesn't sleep at night. I try to stimulate her during the day but it is hard when she won't cooperate. I don't know what else to do. Hospice has come back into the picture so I guess the end may be near. I was so unprepared for taking this venture on. I just want to be a good granddaughter and help her but how do you do that for someone who doesn't want it.

ARGGGG!!!!
 

Lila13

Registered User
Feb 24, 2006
1,342
0
I am sorry she won't eat or talk, I hope hospice is helping. Hope you can hold her hand, perhaps sing to her. Wish I had been allowed to hold my mother's hand, or rub her back, and talk or sing to her till the end.

Lila
 

Helena

Registered User
May 24, 2006
715
0
Lisa USA

My Mother is 90 with Vascular Dementia and she too is refusing to eat or take her blood pressure pills

Its their way of saying they have had enough just let me slip away
 

Margarita

Registered User
Feb 17, 2006
10,824
0
london
peggysue, jennyusa, Whiskas just like to say welcome to TP and know the feeling when jennyusa said

I feel as if I am not doing enough. I am frustrated and sad and I cry a lot
, that use to happen a lot to me in the past . I have pass that stage , as now all I do is let nature take its cause with this disease , all that is left is for me to do now ( how can I say this with out coming across as hard) keep her warm ,safe show her my love, understanding . ((hugs)) to all .
 

Whiskas

Registered User
Oct 17, 2006
158
0
Corby
Margarita
Thanks for the welcome, I'm feeling very at home here where everyone knows how things are. I didn't think you sounded hard, just accepting of your situation which can't be easy. I keep thinking I've got there and then something else goes wrong!!

Jennyusa
How are things? Hope you are ok. Thinking about you, take care
Whiskas