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.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Last night I was too tired to post a journal. In fact I forgot all about it, until I was already in bed… Yesterday we spent the day looking at homes and we saw one that we liked pretty well… I have been busy today doing laundry. I hung our bedding outside to dry… Kenny and Kathy moved out this past weekend and I am already missing them… Dave got a call from the City of Piedmont today saying that we don’t have to go to court tomorrow. The guy behind us agreed to pay his fine. He hasn’t ridden lately. I am sure he is tired of paying fines. I hope so anyway… Goodnight All… Keeping The Faith In Oklahoma

2 Comments:

gary reiswig said...: Mary, from reading your blog, I infer you are doing a great job focusing on life events as they occur in the present, and it seems like a lot is happening--going to court--the cow in the yard, etc. I am from Okla., and my family is one of the largest (if not the largest) in the U.S. to carry an early onset Alzheimer's gene. It skipped me, but took my older sister and younger brother. Now I am afraid for my nieces and nephews, and their children and grandchildren. Several of my cousins in their 50s are living with Alzheimer's. I am interested in reading your perceptions and hope they can help me relate and help those I love.; September 23, 2009 at 9:28 AM
gary reiswig said...: I forgot to say that I now live on Long Island, not in Okla., but I have many loved ones there. Where is Piedmont?; September 23, 2009 at 9:30 AM