Thank you, Jodi, for directing me to this informative site. My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's/Lewy Body Dementia two years ago by Mayo doctors in Arizona. His Mayo medical team has been wonderful in caring for him, and helping me to understand his medical needs/journey. The Parkinson'/LBD diagnosis came some time after he had suffered two strokes (3 years ago), and just prior to a total hip replacement. I actually began noticing cognitive changes about 8 years ago. I began to take notes of my observations because "strange things" were happening. Of course, he tried to tell me that he "had always been this way" -- and that I "was the one who was changing." I thought I was losing my mind!

I have been my husband's only caregiver for these past three years. It is exhausting, with never a day or night off. I know that eventually, I may need help; however, we live in a very rural community with at least 50 miles to services (PT, hospital, doctors, pharmacy, etc.) and it is difficult to get anyone to do "in home" care. Eventually, we may need to sell our home and move closer to civilization... but I am not ready, nor have the energy, to do that yet.

I look forward to learning more about my husband's diagnosis, and sharing experiences with other caregivers.

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