Let the next adventure begin!

    


    I had a difficult day yesterday. I felt muddled, teary-eyed, and sad. How did I get diagnosed with memory loss? Why did the doctor say I have Alzheimer's? I am an educated retired teacher who is still substituting. I want to reverse it now and wake up from this shocking news. I am a young 68-year-old in good health, with four children and four grandchildren. I had an anxiety attack yesterday and am still processing this diagnosis. It's not my normal MO. I am usually calm, relaxed, and collected. I did have a few errands and got mixed up in the process. I went to the pharmacy and got so confused that I picked up my husband's medicine and forgot to pick up mine. I couldn't sleep last night due to worry and ended up watching TV instead. Today, I woke up with a positive attitude. I returned to the pharmacy and picked up the prescriptions that I forgot yesterday. I really don't have a memory loss. I am still driving, doing errands, talking to sales clerks, and functioning. No one knows I have Alzheimer's. I dress neatly, smile at others, and am polite. I feel like myself today. I guess I just took a day off yesterday.

    I am actually excited! I got an email from my new neurologist that I qualify to participate in drug studies to find a cure for this disease. Maybe I'll be in the group that is successful and I'll get my memory back. Where has it gone? Is it hiding in my brain and will it appear again? I hope so. I feel pretty normal,  but others tell me that I am repeating myself. Then I feel anxious and nervous and get stressed. It's a cycle that I need to break. I hope to meditate and exercise more. That is what the doctor ordered. Also, she recommended the MIND diet with lots of fruit, vegetables, and grains. I am trying to eat healthy, walk and exercise more. It's hard when my hip hurts. However, I went to an orthopedic doctor today and got a magic shot with a long needle into my hip. Now I need to do hip exercises at home and recover. I don't feel that old, but age is creeping up on me.

    My husband and I are going on a five-month round-the-world trip with only backpacks. We are using up our air mileage and only paying for two trips in India. It will be a good break from my recent diagnosis. The best part is I will see new places with my backpack and have new adventures. It will be a good diversion and allow me to see other cultures and try new food. It is a gift to take a fun trip with my husband. We will take it a day at a time, see new places, and enjoy new food. It's the people I will meet and the places I will see who will take my mind off my recent diagnosis. Only one more week until departure. Let the next adventure begin! 

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