Saying that I've missed you just isn't enough. No computer, no YOU, no good.

The past three doctors' visits...1...2...3...have focused on me. They say I am "frustrated," need to "accept," and need "a support group." "But," they say, I'm "normal."

FINALLY back online, I'm coming to you--but I don't feel very normal.

They put Mom in the Psych Unit for eleven days. I went crazy. Now she's home, sedated. When she IS up though, I find myself walking away from her. Because I have to?

I don't know how to express myself here except to say (crying as I type) I feel like Mom: standing here, shoes on the wrong feet, screaming for SOMEBODY to TELL ME where the hell I AM!

Oh God Sam, I do know how you feel. I've asked the same questions and get the same answers, none! I sent my sister home finally after five weeks as she was here while I was recuperating from this darn surgery. Now I feel abandoned and alone. I lied to her and told her I was feeling good as I have to get back to this caregiving thing back on my own again. Don't know if I'll be able to do this anymore.

I do know that with the help of everyone on here, I must trust that we all can help each other through this. Normal? Is that what we are? God, I hope so. I don't wish this "normal" on anyone.

Gosh Sam, I was suppose to help you with an answer and all I did was complain. I'm so sorry. Seems like we both may need help real soon or we will go crazy, which it seems we may be already doing. Crying right along with you my friend, not only for myself, but for you and all the others that are going through this.

WE WILL SURVIVE, RIGHT?

Jackie

Yes, with each others support, WE will SURVIVE! I am so sorry Sam & Jackie. It seems you can't win for losing, as they say. If they are away, at a facility, of any kind, we WORRY about their quality of care (and rightfuly so?) and if we have them 24/7, it is too much for us to bare. Give me a little time, and try to have a little patience, ad I will try to get funding, for caregivers, respite for caregivers, or additional Compainion Care (FREE!) In the mean time, is there anyway, either one of you can afford, or find, some kind of 0rg, through Senior Services, that provides this kind of thing, on a sliding scale, or free? In Sam's case, is your Mom eligable for Hospice? If so, you should jump on it. They are a lot of help for your Mom, and for you, physically & spiritually.

I think that 24/7 care of an Adult with AD, is too much for anyone, especially if they are at the combative stage. Please ask for help, and if you have, and all you get, is a "NO!" I am so sorry, and will try to do some research for you.

Prayer should 'not' be our only hope? It helps us, but not enough.

Hang-In! {{{{CYBER-HUGS}}}}}

Bless your heart, 'normal' is something that's kind of hard to feel under these circumstances isn't it? Normal for this situation is a pretty stressful place to be!

Thank you, Ladies. You have helped.

I have some in-home help now.

I'm taking a little time to do some thinking.

I'm so glad you have some help at home now. This disease effects everyone surrounded by it. There is no such thing as Normal. We just go through it one day at a time and hope to somehow retain our sanity. You will be surprised at just how strong you really are even though you may not see it right now.