Last Thursday my husband's (and my) doctor told me that he has definite dementia. The symptoms are getting worse, extreme forgetfulness (asking me the same question over and over), confrontational, paranoid, bursts of temper. I got the book the 36 Hour Day and that has helped explain some things and how I can manage better.

This in the midst of moving from a high rent mobile home to a reasonable rent two bedroom apartment, ground floor with no stairs for him to contend with. I had to do all the packing and moving of stuff by myself, with two Saturday's of help from my daughter and her husband. The problem now is getting things put away where he will know how to find them. When I put things away I know where, but when he puts something away he forgets where he put it, like his razor, and goes ballistic until it is found.

In the midst of all this we have company from Portland, Oregon, a very dear friend and I have been able to get some private "girl talk" with her. She went through this with her husband so has been a source of strength to me. Got a call from the clinic this morning that some of his tests from last week were high and he has to drink more water and take a water pill. It is hard to explain to him why he needs to do certain things. Our friend is a home health care person and thinks his kidneys may be in the initial stage of beginning to shut down. We will see the doctor in June to recheck this.

I am so tired, I want this apartment in order but it is going to take some time. There is so much that needs to be thrown out but he says he "might need it." So I just stash stuff away and will forget about it until I can throw it away. I know I need to find a balance between taking care of him and taking care of myself. My friend and I did get a couple hours shopping by ourselves this morning and that helped, but I need to plan for the long term. And right now I am sort of brain dead.

No matter how bad it gets, though, I love this man with all my being.

Yes, I have a craft room. It holds my computer, bead table, and sewing table for my quilting projects. Right now it is in shambles as we have company from Portland, Oregon, but will be put in order when she gets back on AmTrak tomorrow evening. My beading is a great stress-buster for me and I will begin to get a major order together as soon as I unearth my beads to see what I have and what I need. lol Thanks for your caring.

{{{{{HUGS}}}}}
Hang in there, Farmgirl. So glad your GF has been there for ya... Yeah, ya do need to plan, but it's something you can't REALLY plan for no matter what. Kick back and BREATHE. You've been pushing mighty hard with the move and all and you deserve some regeneration time.

Many blessings to you for all that you do!

farmgirl, your H is a very lucky man to have you. I have just begun to read that book. It was free at Mom's doctor's office when I went by to renew her scripts yesterday. It does look helpful, I hope to read it and pass it on to a friend whose mother has AD.

Please check in often. I am glad you could stop by today. Does the apartment have a space for your crafting? Jog my mind, jewelry? Beads? It is good that your friend is there. She sounds like a gold mine.