Amy Lapriola
Forum Replies Created
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My husband was diagnosed in June of this year. While he is still relatively mobile his speech is gone. For me the hardest part is not understanding him when he tries to talk and realizing that I will never, ever hear his voice again in the way I want. He was always the one that handled the crisis in our lives; took care of making sure the taxes were paid, insurance was good and fighting for the best deal … on anything. I miss that. I miss someone else being able to answer the phone every so often. I know it is going to get worse..my mind tells me that each and every day but my heart breaks with that knowledge. And I try to appreciate each day and the good things that go with it. And I always, always try to remember that no matter how difficult it is for me, it is so much harder for him.
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Ann, my husband was also diagnosed in June. While we do not have 9 acres to take care of, we were “snow birds”, spending half our year in Florida, the other in Pennsylvania. One of the first questions he asked on our way home from the diagnosis appointment was “where do you want to live”? We both loved the life that we had and never in a million years thought that we would have to face this question so soon. For me the answer was simple…we grew up in PA, that is where the majority of our family is, including his 89 year old father. We are now in FL, packing up what was our dream home. We have sold many of the furnishings and donated just as many. But it is still hard to do. After a few complete breakdowns and crying episodes, it is going a little more smoothly. My suggestion to you would be to let him know how you feel. If you don’t think he is ready to discuss it, do it in steps. Start by expressing your concerns about the up keep. Maybe suggest (when he is ready) that you sell a few acres to help eliminate your worries. But don’t rush it. Take the time to process all that is happening to you both. I wish you luck, and strength. And lots of support from family and friends.
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I am more inclined to think it has something to do with the vaccines they were given, simply because it does not seem to make a difference what branch a veteran served in. Randy’s speech has really declined in the last several months to the point where he struggles just to get enough air out to make sounds. I am trying to get him to use his text to speech program but he says it takes to long. I miss the sound of his voice….even when he would be upset with me. I just hope he doesn’t lose the ability to be mobile as fast as the speech. PS – he is 63 years old.
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Diana, my husband is a veteran as well but was fortunate enough to not see combat. He started slurring his words in early October and because he is 100% disabled through the VA, he is dealing with their health care. It took until February for him to finally get to see a neurologist, who ordered all the tests. As with you, then Corona virus hit and he was left to his own devices until we traveled to Pennsylvania (from Florida) and was diagnosed here. His speech is almost non recognizable but he is not showing too many other symptoms, but he too gets tired easily. I guess what I wanted to add was that he was never exposed to Agent Orange so the only common denominator is their service to this country. I am sorry you and your husband are traveling the same path as we are. Prayers for you both.