Is it pathetic that I cannot bring myself to watch the Alzheimer's Project???

[belladonna]

My mother is in the early stages right now and, as much as I want to watch it because I'm pretty damn sure I can learn something from it, I just cannot bring myself to watch. I guess there's a tiny part of me that is still in denial and I'm just not sure I want to see what I know is going to happen to my Mom, probably sooner rather than later. What's incredibly pathetic is that, working in the medical profession, I already know these things. Sigh :(

[Duer 157099]

1. I'm in exactly the same boat, so I know where you're coming from

it is sad

[belladonna]

2. So many people are in the same boat

And it is very, very sad. I see her frustration lately and I try to keep that to a minimum by trying to subtly remind her of things before she gets to that point. Lately, I'm becoming concerned about her medications and wondering how well she's managing them. I check her meds every few days and put them in a pill minder for her, but there have been a few incidents lately that are making me wonder if I'm going to have to keep an even closer eye on them. Yeah, it is truly sad :(

[aquaman]

3. I can understand your reservations about watching it....

I have watched all of the episodes shown. Very powerful and well-made series. As a clinical social worker that works a lot with the elderly, I was very much looking forward to watching it. But again, I could understand that you would be watching it from a very different perspective. However, you may find it very helpful. They talk about so many different aspects of the disease. Good vibes being sent your way. :hug:

[belladonna]

5. I know, rationally, that I could gain a great deal of knowledge from it

It's just bringing myself to actually watch it.... I was all ready to watch the other night and I just could NOT keep the channel on HBO. Turned it and told myself I'd try next time. :shrug:

[MrScorpio]

4. You're not willing to watch people suffer

Especially, since you can't do anything to alleviate the suffering.

There's no need to be down on yourself about it.

[belladonna]

9. I guess, though I'm not really putting myself down

It just sort of throws me... the reaction to trying to watch it, I mean.

[knowbody0]

6. make the most of the time you have with her.

My mum lingered in a confused state for several years and then absolutely plumeted in what seemed like an overnight turn. I do not blame you for not watching.

[belladonna]

10. That's what sticks in my mind all the time

That, at anytime, she could suddenly get worse and forget who I am, who Maggie is, and I just cannot stand the thought.

[bicentennial_baby]

7. Eh, I ran out of class once b/c the film was about ALS

2 months after my Mom was diagnosed. :shrug:

:hug:

:loveya:

[belladonna]

11. I think I remember you posting about that

I guess it just hits too close to home for me too. Hope your Mom and your Dad are doing better :hug:

[bicentennial_baby]

13. Dad's alright, Mom is stable

Right now I'm dealing with the beginning of a grand adventure...Helping my Ex/Best Friend get sober and clean. Fun times...NOT.

:hug:

[Mike 03]

8. It's okay. I can't put myself in your shoes, but at some point I found it was not productive

at all to keep up with everything that was going on with my father and his fight with cancer. It was not helping him, and it was destroying me.

But I think I could definitely understand anyone choosing either way to go.

It's just, at some point, you get burned out. There's nothing left. What more is there to learn, when you are seeing it with your own eyes.

My heart goes out to you so much.

I wish you could know how much I feel for you. Be well.

[belladonna]

12. Thanks for taking the time to post about your experience

While I hate that anyone else has to go through this sort of thing, it does help to know there are people who understand how I feel. Twenty years ago, my father died after a long, long battle with early onset Parkinson's disease. So, in some ways, I've been here before, only the disease has changed.