This is difficult to talk about so I'm going to jump right in.
For some time I have been concerned about my brain. I have been a lifelong reader but it is very hard for me to read now. It is not that I cannot comprehend what I am reading but it is hard for me to absorb it. My brain doesn't feel right about understanding and saving the information.
I did talk to my doctors over the years, and this has gotten slowly, slowly worse, but my doctor said essentially there are so many things that can go wrong with the brain besides dementia. Case in point is the lack of oxygen to the brain by diabetes.
I really can't remember what I read about diabetes and the brain but just guessing I might be a prime candidate.
My birthday is this week and I will be 73. Shit! Guess that is old enough for a lot of my brain and body to start falling apart. Ha.
I've been meaning to explain why I don't read or respond as much anymore. I can only say it makes my brain feel uncomfortable.
I have both my doctor appointments in early March. I will talk to them again, just to make sure they are watching out for me.
I'm not going to fret over it although I would share the old saying, "Of all the things I've lost, I miss my brain the most."
Worst case scenario, I've got my guide dog.
Hahaha. Not Buddy but it looks and sounds like him.
More later ....
It is brave to speak about your fear regarding dementia, Barbara. Many of us ignore it until it presents serious issues. Know that there are people out here in blogland that think of you and wish you the best. Take care, my friend!
ReplyDeleteFirst off, may you have a great BIRTHDAY! Happy 73rd Birthday. I'd be checking into vitamin and mineral supplements that mainstream docs seem to ignore since nutrition is out of their box. Be sure and check for vitamin deficiencies like Vitamin D. Vitamin D isn't really a vitamin at all, but a hormone. All the best to you!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely discuss it with your doctors. I hope they can give you some answers and reassurance. This is a very common worry as we age, I know. It crosses my mind too as my memory fades, etc.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best. Unfortunately, it's a common complaint among us older folks. Or, as my wife sometimes says, "I USED to be smart."
ReplyDeleteThis aging thing is quite the bumpy road. I take the denial approach but I applaud your bravery! You are being proactive. Marie Smith is right--we are out here thinking of you and wishing the best to come your way.
ReplyDeleteNot worrying about what is to come health-wise is SO hard. My theory is if we can still worry we're still okay.
ReplyDeleteI hope the tests gives you answers and thens some peace. We think of you so please know you have your cheerleaders here. If you can let us know how you're doing if it's not too much of an undertaking. Wishing you the best.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya. Seeing what's happening with Bruce Willis, and now former President Carter going into hospice care is scaring me, making me wonder about what's ahead for my own self, especially with no family I can fall back on and then there's the money for care issue. Wish I had an answer for you, me, us, but it's just our taking it one day at a time, hoping for the best. The adage that "Old age isn't for the faint of heart" is really hitting home. BTW, Happy Belated Birthday!
ReplyDeleteBarb, this is a legitimate fear that we can all understand. I hope things improve for you and that you can enjoy reading again. We are all thinking of you!! XO
ReplyDeleteI haven't been spending much time on computer once I get home from work (8 hours a day is enough). Thinking of you and sending positive thoughts with belated birthday wishes! Kathleen from Four Miles North of Nowhere blog (for some reason I am unable to sign into Google to comment).
ReplyDeleteHey Barb! I hope the doctors can give you some help and thank you for sharing your story with us. There really I think, needs to be more talk of our brains and how to help and protect them. Sending you well wishes.
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