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Dementia and Alzheimer's

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Dads death after dementia and Parkinson’s

4 replies

Hannahbanana1986 · 27/09/2024 22:21

My dad passed away last Monday 16th September in the early hours of the morning, he had been in hospital for 4 weeks and was extremely frail, mainly from vascular dementia (which was recently diagnosed a year ago) however he was not eating or drinking anything for weeks leading up to this. He was later diagnosed with a perforated oesophagus, 3 days before his death but he couldn’t be treated due to his weakeness. I was staying in the hospital and at my mums for the week leading up to his death, and I only came home (back to husband) after the very traumatic few days of seeing him pass. I felt my husband offered support through the lead up to this traumatic time, and the day of his passing. Since then I have felt completely lost and like I can’t talk to him at all. I wondered if this was normal and if anyone else has had similar experiences? I have always been to type of person who has to be asked how they are feeling to open up, my husband is the completely opposite and shouts about every aspect of his day (another challenge we have communicated with little helpful outcome) I am finding this extremely challenging to communicate with him, and have tried but have also stressed what I need multiple times. I feel I am at a completely loss and don’t want to be around him anymore, there have been communication issues similar to this (on a lesser scale) since our relationship began. But I feel I have always been clear in my expectations and what it takes for me to open up. I feel he has acted like this has never happened and hasn’t acknowledged my feelings past saying he also feels sad etc, I feel like this makes it about him and makes me go even more into my shell. I have definitely considered he isn’t the right partner for me before, this isn’t a new feeling but it feels massively intensified and I am considering leaving for good.
i guess my main concern is that I don’t want to use this as the reason for my distress as I have known this was an issue, but it feels unbearbale now.

OP posts:
Wishthiswasntmypost · 27/09/2024 22:31

Bereavement is a horrendous time to make big decisions. So don't. I'm not saying don't ever but not now.

Have you got friends capable of meeting the gap he can't fill?

Wishthiswasntmypost · 27/09/2024 22:34

I went through a similar experience with a parent so you have my utmost sympathy. You will need support to get through this. GP referred me to CRUSE but they were too busy in my area. But try and seek support outside of your marriage and park that for now

Viviennemary · 27/09/2024 22:38

Sometimes it is difficult for a partner to give the support the other person needs, They can't take away grief. I agree with seeking support either from counselling, a friend or a bereavement group. And don't make any decisions at this difficult time.

PolaroidPrincess · 28/09/2024 17:49

Agree with others. This might be the catalyst that marks the end of your relationship but I wouldn't act on it right now.

You might find that writing down how you're feeling helps.

I found that walking helped me, especially walking by water.

And do see if you can get some grief counselling as others have suggested. I think I cried almost solidly through every session but it did help.

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