Monday, May 11, 2009

Other Illnesses that Mimic Alzheimer's

The past couple of months have been enormously stressful. Finally, my husband completed all of the neuropsychiatric tests and blood work. The results? Actually, we were told that he didn't have Alzheimer's after all. He has pseudo-dementia caused by depression. My husband's response? I don't feel depressed. The doctor convinced him to give the anti-depressants a try.

I was very elated that we are not dealing with Alzheimer's. Yet while there is a huge weight lifted from me, my heart is still heavy. Will the medicine work to help him get back to normal? He has only been on the meds for a bit over a week, so it's too early to tell. So of course he still forgets things, will have an unexpected short temper toward a child, and still make manage to mess up our finances. So at this moment, I'm not feeling enormously relieved. Yes, relieved that I don't have to start planning for long-term care for him in the next few years, but still wishing he had never met me. He was a happy go lucky type of guy (I am told) before my children, grandchildren, and myself came into his nice quiet bachelor lifestyle. It is no wonder he is depressed. So I feel it is all my fault. I just want him to be happy. So I find myself planning on how I can financially get on my feet better so he can leave me and get back to the happy person he was.

I know I'm blabbing, but I will probably discontinue this new Blog soon, since the problems we face are not what I thought, but still very difficult. I'm still praying a lot pleading with Christ to direct my path.