Our children live far away. Some days I feel strong, and some days I feel so helpless and afraid. I feel like I am on rollar coaster. I had breast cancer in March. I cant even think about myself, I am too involved in worrying about him. When I read stories about others, mine doesn't sound too bad. But we can only feel our own pain. No matter how big or small it is.
Dementia and ALS are perfectly scary illnesses and I'd think something might be wrong if you weren't frightened of the future. However, try not to look into the future. Stick to today only. I know it sounds overly simple so you'll have to train yourself not to get bogged down in what's around the corner. It's easier said than done but it works. Keeping your mind on today only is like exercising a muscle. Every time you switch your thinking from the future to today you strengthen that muscle and it becomes easier to stay in today.
And no What-If games either! Start practicing living in today only. Of course there will be times when you will have to consider the short-term future but don't allow yourself to ruminate what's ahead of you because you can't know what's ahead of you and to thing about it and worry about it will only cause you pain and worry. So why borrow tomorrow's problems?
Personally, if I had to consider a move in my situation, it might just send me over the edge! It’s absolutely all I can do, physically and emotionally, to take care of my husband.
It’s exhausting.
You might consider some respite care for your husband. You sound like you could use some time off.
I’m so sorry for your situation. It’s so difficult for an old person to take care of another old person. A lot of people don’t get how hard it is (our kids and my husband!). Hugs!