Lost friends since telling them about small vessel disease

It is your neighbors’ issue, and do not blame yourself. I saw this when my husband was diagnosed with dementia. Some people stayed away, but others moved closer to help. The funny thing was that even when I thought I knew someone well, I couldn’t predict if they would stay or go.

red79, How are you doing? Blessings & Prayers....

No it was my best friend. that's what hurt the most.how are you.

I'm doing as well as I can.how are you

Bless you red79! I'm blessed. Taking life one day at a time.

Do you have any update on your health that you would like to share? How are you feeling today? I do care.

Please keep pushing forward. I know its hard.

You would be surprised that there are other people in this world that would love to have you as their friend.

Friendship is a two way street. True friends should be pouring themselves into the friendship and respect each other's limitations.

Praying for you and for God to send that new friend to you closeby to where you live. Sending Hugs & Blessings...

Thank you for caring that's really kind of you

I agree. You really find out who your friends are and who are not! I find it easier since I have been a caregiver! I don't have to call them or keep them updated. Caregivers do so many things and alot of us get pretty proficient at caring for our homes , bills, Dr.appts. and of course the care we give our loved one. Loved what you said! Thanks.

@red79,

Having any major illness is viewed by most people like if you had the plague or leprosy.
They might "catch it"
After my stroke my contact list shrunk to almost zero and it was too much effort to keep anyone interested in my recovery. They would say- "Call me when you want to see me"
I was forced to retire early and my days are free - How bout you just come over and say - Hi !
You won't catch my illness, it wont rub off on you.
They are uncomfortable and don't know what to say. That's bull ! Simply put they are afraid they won't know what to say or how to act. So they stay away. They don't have to say anything. There's nothing they can do to undue a stroke or undue your illness. The one thing they can do to help is not allow you to isolate. Sit and talk. Stand and don't talk. Take you to lunch. Anything but ignore out of fear, lack of compassion or laziness.
I'm sorry that you experienced this abandonment, especially from a best friend.
It's time to say thank you for the past friendship(s) and make new friends. They may return or not but please be good to yourself because you now have a greater learned insight. You will be a great friend to someone with your new level of understanding and compassion.
Be well.
Me

Yes, this happened to me too. I think it's because people don't know what to say or, as someone said above, they feel uncomfortable because illness reminds them that we all are mortal. When it happened to me after a serious illness, I felt hurt, then I felt grateful--that they had shown their true colors and so I knew not to count on them for support. That leaves me with time to find people who do support me, even when I'm sick. I hope you find many of those kinds of people. You deserve them.