On the bipolar site , we call them Pdoc's.....Tdoc is a therapist.

I think this is a good thing.
I discuss many "Mom" issues with my Pdoc, and I always come away feeling better.

Good luck

Pdoc is a psychiatrist ...not a psychologist

Psychiatrist can give out meds..he is an MD

Psychologist deals with emotional issues, deeper therapy , than just a Therapist

hugs

Good, Deb, good .

Make yourself a promise to not let Rollie's Alzheimer's take you down with it. We all have to fight for our own mental health while dealing with the hard care-giving and isolation and misery .. and hopelessness.

Deb,

I'm glad to hear this.....you deserve to feel better....you are doing a wonderful job in an impossible situation......you have fought so hard and so lovingly for Rollie to be the best he can during this terrible illness....time for you to feel better.....

we all know how bad it can feel, you are doing the right thing for you and your family...My 22 y/o son gets very upset when he sees me doing badly.....

This is an awful disease...no one can know all the things that are suffered if you aren't there...and we are, so we do know, but we know that you can feel better than this.....

WE are here, caring and supporting you......

I am so glad your Dr got right on this....hopefully this should help. We fall down so many times with this we can't always get up by ourselves! You are in my prayers dear friend ((HUGS)) Sherri

I was in therapy for 18 months back in the 80's when my hubby first went into a wheelchair........the very best gift I ever gave myself. I have seen another therapist through my work employee health program for a few months at a time when different issues came up. I always found it very helpful so am thrilled that you are going to see someone. I saw a psychologist and at the time was not on any anti-depressants. Hopefully you will connect with your therapist and the time you spend taking care of you will be very valuable....

Good for you Deborah.Daily,unrelenting emotional and physical stress will eventually wear down the strongest among us.In a "normal" life,getting sleep,good nutrition, social activities,and time for spiritual renewal all work to relieve stress and keep us on an even keel.

As you know so well,with dementia everyone of those is non existent.I am surprised that we are not all stark raving mad.I hope that I do not offend you.But, the truth is that your husband died years ago ,and you have been forced to live with his corpse.Loss is loss,and death is death.

I so hope this will be a positive in your life..................Cheryl

Cheryl is right Deb....I know that now that Carl is gone and you will learn that too. rollie has been gone a long time and you are already grieving that loss and taking care of this stranger has taken its toll on you. I''m so happy you are seeing the P-doc and hopefully nip this thing in the bud. I miss Carl's presence, but I lost the real Carl years ago. I am guessing that is why I'm at peace now.

Stay on top of taking care of you. You are a strong person to have already endured what you have and you will get through this too.

love ya,
carolyn

Good for you, Deborah. My friend always says don't let Alzheimer's take 2 lives.
It's a wonder any of us still maintain our sanity and physical health with the daily stresses and emotional roller coaster we are all on.
I see my family doctor once a month just now but she is willing to refer me for more intensive counselling if I decide I need it.
I lean on my "live" support group and the wonderful supportive people I have met there and of course the wonderful people on this site. We need all the help we can get to get through this.

I'm actually jealous! I've seen a psychiatrist 2 times in my life and loved, loved the experience. You will to. You'll be amazed at all the cool stuff you'll come away with. Not just about you but everyone else. Good for you!

Thanks everyone, you have really helped me tremendously, I know I can make it. Nothing anyone said offended me and I know it is all true.

I think I can I think I can I think I can

The Alzheimer's Association here in Utah is going to pay for me, with a grant they just received , to meet with a counselor twice a week. I am very excited about it. I also found the Utah Jewish Coalition who will pay, again through grant monies they have receive, for Ken to attend day care twice a week. I am now working on obtaining another grant through Mountainlands Aging where they will have someone come in three days each month to be with Ken so I can get out of the house. I sure hope it works out the way I hope it will.

Yesterday Ken threw a shovel at me. I caught it. It was hard to just not turn around and hit him with it. But, I knew better. He does not.

Dibbie(Sharon) WOW that is all terrific. I am very happy for you. How did you find out about all this???

The Alz assoc here is going to give me $200 a month for one year towards daycare for Rob but that is the only help I have been able to find.

Good for you I hope all that helps , sounds like it will. :)

About the shovel.thank God you caught it and of course know better (but I understand the momentary urge for sure),

Today Rob told me to watch it or he would knock me down!!! Where did that come from, who knows his personality is kind and caring. Or should I say it always was , who knows anything anymore, we must always be on guard.

It is tiring!!!!

Wonderful news Dibbie......what a blessing and not one minute to soon right? I actually loved going to counselling.......it is so helpful to be able to spill your every thought in a totally safe environment. Ken going to day care and someone coming in a few days each month.......priceless.