A stressful time in my life

A Stressful Time In My Life
by MaryGrace Patterson
Saturday, March 15, 2008
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An update on our health issues and lives. Dealing with Alzheimers and Lupus

My husband has been sick about six weeks. We saw four different doctors. Multitudes of tests were done, yet they couldn't find out what was wrong with him.

The chief complaints were, abdominal upset, aching joints, fatigue,pallor, weakness, fever, nights sweats, and weight loss. They thought he might have the new strain of flu.Different kinds of antibiotics were tried with no change in his condition. He lost over twenty pounds. I felt like he was slowly fading away, and was going to die. He was afraid and felt that way also. Finally one of the Doctors ordered some special tests and the results can back positive for Lupus. He has been started on prednisone. There was an immeadiate change in his condition! He started feeling better soon after taking it. He's slowly gaining strength and is able to eat and do a few things around the house. He will be seeing a specialist for Lupus and taking a different medication as he can't stay on prednisone too long because of its side affects.

Angela Contreas (aka Angellady)has a lot of info on her den if any one is interested in finding more info about Lupus.

His illness has had a profound affect on me and my mental status.
I tried to be very strong and supportive during the sickness. It was tearing me apart inside, but I didn't let him know that.

For the last two weeks , I've noticed small lapses in my memory.
An example,, I tried three times to spell "people" and finally had to look it up in the dictionary. I forgot how to play notes on the panio,or where I put things , ect.

I'm not sure if this is the result of all the stress I was under, or if the Alzhiemers is coming back.

Knowing that the medications help for only a limited amount of time, put me under some duress! I don't want to loose control of my thoughts, have memory lapses and blanks in my brain again. I want to be in control and remember things. Its almost like living on the edge of a cliff, knowing I can fall into the sea of ineptitude at any time. It can be overpowering!!

Perhaps I'm being too hard on my self and worrying too much . I guess time will tell. I have to try to continue to take each day as it comes,and remain positve( which is sometimes hard to do). I've done every thing I can to combat this deadly disease. I pray this is just a temporay set back , and I can continue a normal existance with my loved ones a while longer. I wish this had never happened to me , but it has. Unfortunately its a sad reality, and one, I and my family have to live with and face... Please say a special prayer for us... Thankyou and God Bless !


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Reviewed by Gwendolyn Thomas Gath 3/15/2008

God bless you MaryGrace and please Lord Jesus take those illnesses away. You are such a wonderful blessing as a person please keep holding on, by trying all the measures that you can. Yes, I know Angela has a wealth of information and I have checked it. Are you on your vitamins still (B vits) there is some infomercial about some vitamin packages I will see if I can see it again and write and send it to you. As you said stress can have a lot to do with it. Just keep making your notes and keeping the dictionary handy. You are doing good just by writing about Dearie. Please keep positive and in prayers for you and husband.

Continued blessings in all ways that you need it MaryGrace.

Lots of love and hugs,
~Gwendolyn

Reviewed by Rose Rideout 3/15/2008

MaryGrace my prayers and thoughts are with you, I can understand why you would be under stress, I hope your husband is feeling better to relieve you of some upset in your life. Take care and I will pray for you both.

Newfie Hugs, Rose