Hello on 24 January 2016

[dbrilyant]

I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about a year ago.
I am coming to terms with increasing memory loss. I have acknowledged my problems to friends, colleagues and family, who have been outstandingly supportive. I thank God for them and his care shown through them. An unknown country lies ahead of me but I have put my hand into the hand of God as I walk through it.
Coping strategies, humour, drugs and a realistic cutting back of commitments have helped to keep me in control of my life so far.
I would welcome contact with people in the same sort of situation.

 

[Quilty]

Im a carer so not who you are looking for. I am very hlad to have you here on tp to help carers understand from your point if view. Hope you get others soon. Xx

 

[john51]

Hiya
I was diagnosed with vascular dementia nearly 2 years ago. In the last year I have been found to have Alzheimer's with levy bodies too. I have had to retire from work as teacher and also had my license taken away.
I think we will have lots in common.
John

 

[dbrilyant]

Hiya
I was diagnosed with vascular dementia nearly 2 years ago. In the last year I have been found to have Alzheimer's with levy bodies too. I have had to retire from work as teacher and also had my license taken away.
I think we will have lots in common.
John

I managed to retire from teaching some years before diagnosis but am glad I don't have to teach any more! I guess your position is more painful but hey! no more classrooms to face.

 

[Aitchbee]

Hi dbrilyant. Welcome to TP. I am sure you will find lots of support here. Glad you have got such supportive and understanding family and friends. Sounds like you have good coping strategies and a strong faith. Hang on to God, He'll be with you every step of the way

 

[john51]

Like you I am quite glad to have left teaching. To have gone from an outstanding teacher to an inadequate one was painful. I have found a place in school as a volunteer listening to year 1, 2 and 3 children read. The school accepts what I can do and it helps me feel needed.

 

[Cat27]

Like you I am quite glad to have left teaching. To have gone from an outstanding teacher to an inadequate one was painful. I have found a place in school as a volunteer listening to year 1, 2 and 3 children read. The school accepts what I can do and it helps me feel needed.

I think it's great you're listening to children read. They need so much encouragement.

 

[dbrilyant]

Like you I am quite glad to have left teaching. To have gone from an outstanding teacher to an inadequate one was painful. I have found a place in school as a volunteer listening to year 1, 2 and 3 children read. The school accepts what I can do and it helps me feel needed.

What a good idea!
I lead simple health walks around my town centre. My clients know they have to remind me of their names!

 

[creativesarah]

Hi dbrilyant
good to see you on the forum
I was diagnosed with Vad 5 years ago(i think"!)
you obviously have a positive outlook on life
I too am hanging onto the hand of God!
Tomorrow I am giving 2 talks on making memory books and memory boxes at our local library I do try to keep active and do stuff
Looking forward to getting to know you better
Sarah

 

[dbrilyant]

Hi dbrilyant
good to see you on the forum
I was diagnosed with Vad 5 years ago(i think"!)
you obviously have a positive outlook on life
I too am hanging onto the hand of God!
Tomorrow I am giving 2 talks on making memory books and memory boxes at our local library I do try to keep active and do stuff
Looking forward to getting to know you better
Sarah

I thought I had replied but must have been outwitted by the technology! Thank-you for the encouragement and I really like your motto.

 

[creativesarah]

Heres a photo I took

 

[aprilbday]

Hi Bill-

My PET- Scan came back NORMAL! I do NOT have Alzheimer's my neurologist says!!!!!
Since I have memory challenges, he said there is some form of dementia -wasn't told what kind- and to change my Aircept by increasing to 20 Mgs then tapering off if it doesn't help and switching to something that sounds like namenda-think that's the name.
But ...I am of a different mindset now!!! Since the Pet-Scan determined that I don't have Alzheimers-I am actually quitting my medicine!!! Why take it if I don't have those tangles and plaques?
Right?
I seriously do not know what day it is from one hour to the next unless I look at my watch, forget my students names, everything takes longer to do...., forget common words, get lost or "almost lost" 3-4 days of the week on the way to work, check the stove 50 times (exaggeration) to make sure it's off, etc. - just a terrible time. But I have been cleared for not Alzheimers and not vascular. Neurologist said the scan was "normal".
Yay!
But then again...what the heck kind of dementia do I have?