Thursday, October 30, 2014

Day 30 - Unprepared



I am changing what I had previously planned to post today.  A trip to the doctor for my check up and I felt the need to write something else…

The thing about going to the doctor is you can usually predict what he is going to say:  “Your blood sugar is too high; you are over-weight, obese; you need to lose weight; you need to walk at least a mile every day; you need to be on a 1000 calorie diet (what?!)  You need to…”  These things I knew he would bring to my attention, as he does every time I have a doctor’s visit…I KNOW these things and I really want to lose weight and get healthier!  I have been under so much stress the past few years – losing a job; finding another job; being laid off; health issues (me); health issues (hubby); financial worries… I know, all excuses to why I haven’t taken more control of my health and my life!!  I know that I should be taking care of myself so I will be healthy enough to take care of hubby…really?!

So, what I was not prepared to hear today was when I mentioned to the doctor that my husband’s memory seemed to be getting worse – and reminded him that he had previously been diagnosed with Vascular dementia because this is not the same doctor he was seeing when we received the diagnosis; in fact, there have been several doctor changes due to insurance and staying in the network of doctors!  What I truly was not prepared to hear the doctor say is:  “It could be Alzheimer’s disease, you know that?”

Of course I know that!  I have been sharing for almost 31 days – Dementia’s Demands!  Of course I know…NO!  I do not want to hear that it could be Alzheimer’s disease.  I have been on a journey with a dementia that would not get worse; one that was caused by small strokes that affected the memory.  The memory we can work with; we can do things to help remember – write things down, use a calendar and write important dates to remember, etc.  

I also know that Vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease could go hand in hand – which means there must have been other small strokes that we didn’t know about; more damage to the brain, right?  I don’t know!  What I do know is that it is a possibility – and so the journey of Dementia’s Demands continues with yet another “bump in the road” and possibly a new diagnosis?!


14 comments:

  1. My prayers are with you. We are still trying to get first 'official' diagnosis. Thank you again for all your posts.

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    1. Thank you so much for reading my blog and joining me on this journey...this was not an official diagnosis - the Vascular dementia was. I appreciate your prayers...I plan to continue my blog and my journey - since we still have some traveling to do!

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  2. Praying for you Barbara. I can't imagine what it would be like to hear news like that.

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    1. Thank you so much for the prayers, for reading and for commenting...we will be traveling on this journey for some time, I am sure; and I plan to continue writing about it. We really haven't gotten a diagnosis of AD; but with the other...well, it could be yet to come! Thanks for joining on my journey...

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  3. I am so sorry to hear this. I pray that the Lord will give you grace and peace as you seek further clarification and that you will have all the answers you need!

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    1. Thank you so much for reading and commenting...although the journey has been long - it will continue as we go forward with this knowledge and learn what is to be...thanks for the prayers! They will be needed...

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  4. That is scary news to hear. I am glad you are writing about it. Sending love and prayers from Chicago.

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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    1. Thank you so much, Glenda! I realize writing about it IS helpful; some of what I've shared were written "back then" when it was first coming on; but the journey is not finished yet! Oh, and I LOVE Chicago! My daughter went to school up that way - Wheaton College. We made several trips and I really loved it! Thank you for reading and commenting!

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  5. Barbara, I really appreciate that although this wasn't the news you expected, you are considering it "part of the journey". I'm praying that God provides you the energy and guidance you need as you walk this road with your husband.

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    1. Thank you for much for your words of encouragement...part of MY journey is getting back into a time of reading a devotion, writing about what I feel about it, and prayer...it's not easy when my hubby is usually looking over my shoulder...but am leaning on God more knowing he WILL give the energy and guidance I'll need!

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    1. Hugs and prayers are good...thank you for them both!!

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  7. Oh, Barabara! I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending up prayers for you and cyber hugs through the Internet!

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    1. Thank you for reading and commenting...prayers and hugs are welcome! It will be another part of the journey we have been on - guess I'll be doing more writing too!

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Thank you for stopping by to read my post today! I appreciate your reading and commenting - your comments are a welcome encouragement for me to continue one of my favorite things - writing!

You are special to me; and your words help in more ways than I can number...Thank you just isn't enough!