Mary's Place

About Me

Location: Piedmont, Oklahoma, United States

I live in Piedmont, OK, with my Husband of 50 years who has been very supportive. We have 2 sons,David and Kenny, 6 grandkids, and 6 great grandkids. I enjoy feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. Before I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, I ran a Licensed Day Care Home for Infants for 15 years. I noticed I wasn't able to remember important things and having problems with my speech. I was experiencing severe headaches. I would get lost. I didn't know how to use the computer. At the age of 55, I told my doctor. I was sent for an MRI. which showed a large amount of shrinkage. I went to a neurologist who sent me for two days of testing. I was diagnosed with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. My husband and I were both in shock. I had to give up my job. I went to see a social worker. I've taken Aricept for 11 years. I can now use the computer and even do this web page. I also host a chat room for dementia patients. This is a very lonely disease. I don't want anyone to feel as lonely as I did when I was diagnosed (I thought I was the only one over 50 that had Alzheimer's). In 2006 I started taking Namenda. Also I was told I have a mixed dementia, Alzheimer's/Vascular.

Saturday, September 06, 2008

Thanks to Sandy in Ohio for signing my guest book at http://www.angelfire.com/ok4/mari5113/index.html I love it when people take the time to sign my guest book or leave me a comment here… Our neighbors Ken and Debra came down this morning before I had gotten out of my pajamas. So I hurried and got dress. Ken wanted to see Dave’s airplanes and take pictures. We had a nice visit with them… I have been busy all day… Now I am going to watch OU/Cincinnati. Go Oklahoma!!! Later David and Lori will be here and I am going to take them shoe shopping for their birthdays. This is one way I get to spend some special time with them… This will be my last entry for a while. I am taking a break. I will be back… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

3 Comments:

Krista said...: Wow, I am amazed by your story. Thank you for sharing. I worry about myself since my dad has Alzheimer's. I am only 37 but I can't remember things like I use to and I forget certain words and it takes me a moment to remember but in the meantime it's very frustrating. Through my research, I have learned a lot and plan to use it in my life. In the meantime, I am trying to help my dad as well. My blog is all about my dad.

Krista
www.alzheimersteam.com; September 6, 2008 at 9:47 PM
Zarebski said...: Wow.... shoe shopping for birthday, it's great.; September 8, 2008 at 2:09 AM
Mrs Leggett said...: I too am amazed by your story! I stumbled upon your blog whilst searchin for a poem to put on a fundraising page for a sposored event I am doing for the Alzheimers Society in the UK. I have a family history of Alzheimers - my mum is in the final stages, my Auntie died three years ago, their father died from it and I believe there is more family links. Aricept is not available in the UK on the National Health Service and reading your story has motivated me more to campaign for it to be made available to everyone who could benefit from it here in the UK. Thank you for writing and sharing your story - I have gone from an evening of tears and sadness to feeling really positive about the future! God bless you and your family...

Sophie x; September 12, 2008 at 2:07 PM