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Coping with a Diagnosis

 I had known for many years that Chris suffered major health issues, but even so the diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia came as a brutal shock. The likely future symptoms were scary, and, combined with Type 1 Diabetes, I knew we were in for a bumpy ride. For the first three weeks after his diagnosis I woke every morning unable to hold back the tears. I had been assaulted by a psychological car crash, and my mind and emotions took a while to adjust. At the end of three weeks, I began to take myself in hand. I decided the only way forward was to take control.

I joined a fundraiser for Dementia UK which involved walking every day in February and raising funds for the charity.


I bought some new clothes (any excuse!) and promised myself I would look after my appearance. I contacted friends and ensured my social life was still intact. I joined a carer's group and the Bexhill Parkinson's Cafe. I kept up some activities I had previously enjoyed whilst ditching the ones I disliked. I researched available support and financial help and wrote a timetable of tasks to ensure we would receive our entitlement, however limited. I'm not suggesting it was easy, but activity undoubtedly held me together at a very vulnerable time. I also made a firm pact with myself that, if I was to be a good carer, I would need to set aside some time out for my own needs. 
My journey in 2024 was centred around adjusting to my new role. There were of course ups and downs. Some plans made a positive difference, some were disastrous.
Future 'I Care' blogs will be about sharing the good and the not so good         

      

Comments

  1. Richwinter21 December 2024 at 06:18

    I hope you highlighting the ups and downs of being a carer helps improve the support available. A very moving article.

    ReplyDelete

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