trying to stay positive
Distinguished member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 313
- Reason
- CALS
- Diagnosis
- 08/2007
- Country
- US
- State
- Illinois
- City
- Chicago area
As many know, my DH was DX 8/07 with ALS. Now I swear this isn't a pity party, I am just at my wits end. My DH is SO negative. At this point he seems to be fairly slow progressing and has limited use of hands and arms, as well as weakening legs. He is still able to walk without any type of assistance, just not for any distances. He had to stop working at the end of Feb. & is having a hard time adjusting. He goes to PT, reads, watches T.V., plays computer games and goes to the library once in awhile. He is depressed and bored, and any & all suggestions fall on deaf ears. Not only that, but he doesn't socialize at all. Even with me. He only speaks to me when necessary. He says he's not angry with me & appreciates all that I do. He refuses counseling or any type of antidepressant meds., does not want to go to church with me, etc..
I am beyond frustration. I know ALS is a horrendous disease, but there is this oppressive cloud of negativity that is hanging over our house that is so thick it is almost tangible. I am concerned that once school is out for the year our daughter (just turned 15 :-D) will also be affected by all this. I am at the point where this is affecting not only my emotional health, but my physical health as well. I am doing all I can to alleviate this, ie: therapy once a week, counseling with my minister, a prayer class at church, exercise, antidepressant meds, etc.. I am tired ALL the time, have gained 10 pounds, and am finding it increasingly difficult to keep all this negativity at bay. I noticed that my physical symptoms improve when I get away from my husband and the house for awhile. :-? But I can't be gone all the time! I don't mind all the extra work, responsibilities, etc.. What I DO mind is all the gloom and doom that I feel like is dragging me down and suffocating me. On top of it all, we are still trying to sell our house, and have very little close by support.
I have been wanting to submit a post like this for quite some time and have hesitated. But people here do not seem to judge, so I finally got my nerve up. Thanks for listening/reading.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?
I am beyond frustration. I know ALS is a horrendous disease, but there is this oppressive cloud of negativity that is hanging over our house that is so thick it is almost tangible. I am concerned that once school is out for the year our daughter (just turned 15 :-D) will also be affected by all this. I am at the point where this is affecting not only my emotional health, but my physical health as well. I am doing all I can to alleviate this, ie: therapy once a week, counseling with my minister, a prayer class at church, exercise, antidepressant meds, etc.. I am tired ALL the time, have gained 10 pounds, and am finding it increasingly difficult to keep all this negativity at bay. I noticed that my physical symptoms improve when I get away from my husband and the house for awhile. :-? But I can't be gone all the time! I don't mind all the extra work, responsibilities, etc.. What I DO mind is all the gloom and doom that I feel like is dragging me down and suffocating me. On top of it all, we are still trying to sell our house, and have very little close by support.
I have been wanting to submit a post like this for quite some time and have hesitated. But people here do not seem to judge, so I finally got my nerve up. Thanks for listening/reading.
ANY SUGGESTIONS?