This story comes to us from Sandy Gillaume. We normally solicit stories of human triumph that allows us to smile, but I realize fully that before one can claim victory and find peace to smile about, one usually goes through turmoil and struggle. Sandy, our prayers and thoughts go out to you and your husband. Keep strong and let us know how you are doing.
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My story begins back at the end of January 2010. That is when my husband was diagnosed with early onset dementia. He is only 50 years old. The doctors that diagnosed him said it was related to his alcoholism and hypertension. I had a really hard time dealing with this diagnosis, but I knew that Don was not the same man I had married 22 years prior. I knew that he had been having TIA's for several months. I could see the effects of them. I knew there was something wrong, but could not get him to go to the hospital or doctor. His excuse for many years was he did not have any insurance and he flat out refused to go. When I finally got him to the ER his blood presssure was off the charts and he was a very sick man. He spent 6 weeks in the hospital, detoxing and going thru some real changes. He was totally incontinent and just a completely different person. He was out of control. He kept trying to break out of the hospital. The kept him in a bed with a locked net over the bed. When the hospital figured he was ready to be released, they placed him in a healthcare facility. His Dad, sister and I had been checking out facilities, but then one morning came and they called and said, "He is being moved today." We had no choice. He is now in a different facility because the first one was horrible. They didn't even take care of him. I will not and cannot elaborate on it. Since he has been in this one, he is 100% better. He is no longer incontinent and he thinks he is ready to come home. I am just totally baffled and don't know what to do now. I am so confused on where do we go from here. All I have read tells me that dementia gets worse, but he just doesn't seem too bad. I sure could use some advise. Is there anyone out there that can help me????
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upon email correspondence, this is what I received from Sandy.
Hi Sharon,
Thank you for replying to me. I appreciate your acknowledging me.
I would appreciate it very much if you posted my story in the proper place. I would never be able to write it again. I, too have brain damage, due to an AVM bleed back in 2001, so my short term memory is horrible.
Please let me know when you post it and how to find it.
thank you so much,Sandy Guillaume
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2nd email exchange with Sandy after I informed her that her story was posted on the website.
This is a reply from Sandy.
thank you so much.
I look forward to hearing from anyone.
I need support desperately. Hopefully people will contact me.
thanx again,Sandy
Sdartz@aol.com this is Sandy's email address if you want to send her a direct email.
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