Dementia: Just diagnosed and scared

thank you so much, I am embarrassed for my friends neighbors to see me struggle as I also have tremors I am so alone

I want to move to Florida my favorite vacation place but I don't know if I can sell my house and find a place in Florida I can afford I love ft lauderdale but ca Nt afford it. looking at Zeffirelli hills

my best friend of 40 years doesn't understand why I don't drive more then 5 miles and thinks i am just looking for rides to save gas money yet I pay anyone who drives me. I have trouble writing my name was so embarrasedat the bank boca and my hand woulnt finish I had to tell teller I couldn't do it she said just scribble but bring someone with yo next time so embarassed

got a sooner appt pet scan shows pca

@cathy514
Hi Cathy,
Embarrassed? Why? Not everyone fits into the idealistic definition of normal or perfection. Even if your friends are making comments about your tremors, so what. Why should you care. YOU have nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about, NOTHING!! I’ve had Epilepsy for over a half century and I could tell you things that happened to me that would curl your hair, make you blush and cry but I’ll spare you and those incidents are insignificant compared to others I’ve known and read about. I wrote on Epilepsy forums for many years and it’s amazing how many people are unable to come to terms with an illness. For a very short time I too was one of those people, my condition happened so suddenly and severely I couldn’t cope but I soon realized “It is what it is.” But I wanted to live my life and be healthy and happy but the healthy part took nearly 50 years. I have a condition that I have no control over and even though I heard many people make cruel comments, hopefully it was ignorance but I’m afraid some of it was stupidity but regardless there was no reason to be embarrassed or ashamed.
Always accept and love yourself as you are. Never be embarrassed or ashamed.
Health and happiness,
Jake

I am in New York. I will call and check and see what's available in your area.

Hi, @cathy514 - I'm sorry for the embarrassment you endured at the bank with writing and also that your long-time best friend doesn't seem to understand why you don't drive more than 5 miles. Glad you connected with @jakedduck1 and @barbbie. I'm guessing that @jenniferhunter @hopeful33250 @1977lizzy @adah also will have some input and encouragement for you.

Do you have a friend or relative who seems to get what you are going through?

@cathy514 I’m so sorry for what you’re going thru. I, too, often feel the same way. I used to be so active, doing everything, riding my bike, hiking, etc. Now, I can only do things in short spurts because I get so tired. And when I’m walking in a store, I’m sure that everyone thinks I’m drunk because I can’t walk straight. Oh well.
Have you explained to your neighbors what’s going on? They might feel better knowing because then they can help. And, please, don’t be embarrassed! We all do the best we can. ( sounds like I’m giving myself a pep talk! I need it!). Becky

@cathy514 Hi Cathy. Have you tried using both hands to control writing? Sometimes 2 hands are better than one! I did that myself a couple years ago. I am an artist, and I couldn't hold my arms up and control my brush strokes, so I used 2 hands together on a painting. I had this problem because of spinal cord compression, and I did have surgery and rehab and regain control of my arms and I worked for that. You don't have to try to do everything like everyone else, just do things the way it works best for you. Don't keep that a secret. Your friends will understand if you explain how it helps you and show them how happy you are when you can do it. Always celebrate small victories. The people who care about you will like you just the way you are.

over a year went to u of m geriatric center