People often assume that because you have alzheimers you can't do anything and its getting to me.  Yes I can't work anymore, but I can find enjoyment doing things that I can.  Recently I have gotten back in my kayak and enjoyed being on the river once again.  Moving with the water, spinning in the eddies, crashing down a class 3-4 river takes away stress and makes me feel human. Waiting to get on the river someone noticed my exelon patch and asked if I was trying to stop smoking and I replied no never smoked but I have alzheimers.  I was glad to dispell the sterotype of the commercials they use to try to sell the stuff.  Hell, I would be happy to do a

commercial  for them- there is this forty foot waterfall I have been looking at - Just imagine run the waterfall roll up my sleeve show the patch and say "exelon keeps me going."

Whitewater, welcome!  I also read your bio.  Well, Myriam and I know what you can do!  

With your background as a youth advocate that used to being proactive with "difficulties" in life, you could be a great advocate for Alzheimer's Education.  On top of your work experience, you have a can-do attitude...whitewater rafting!

I hate you had to look for us here, but we will do our best to be there for you in any way we can.  We all learn from each other try to be caring, supportive, and positive.

We hope you come back often to share with us and be a part of our online family.

Welcome back, whitewater.  I'd love to see that commercial!  "Exelon keeps me going!"  So true!

ffwife (another member) also kayaks.  I watched kayaking and running the rapids in the Olympics--it looks like great fun! 

Keep kayaking and doing other activities, whitewater, but don't be a stranger.  I hope to see you again soon.

P.S.  Are you taking regular retirement at age 62 or will you be going on long term disability?  Most EOAD patients are not capable of continuing to perform adequately at their employment after diagnosis or even before diagnosis.  Since you have been able to continue to work,  you will become an encouragement to others.

Iris L. 

I am very worried about how people will act when they know.  I think that some will overcompensate with trying to help.    I too am retiring earlier than planned but I made the decision before I had a diagnosis.  I just was not enjoying the job and it may have been that I was not feeling effective any more. (teacher)

I am fortunate that I can do this.  I am interested in SSDI but I have not found out how to go about this yet.  Glad that your youngest is set for college and that you are still able to enjoy so much of life.

I 

Abuela:

I was very worried about getting SSDI and the process I would have to go through.

However, I was approved the first time around mostly because of good medical records and the process was not as difficult as I thought it would be.  I now am on track to get my first check in November.  I received good advice here on the message boards and wish you good luck in the process.

Another reply disappeared!

Whitewater, now we know the meaning of your name!

Do become active in your local chapter.Click alz.org at the top. There should be a link to get your nearest office. Do call them.

We need more publicity about people like you to help convince people to get tested and to get rid of the myth of what alz. looks like.  Yes, you do have that dreaded disease, but you have a lot of living yet to do.

And Abuela, you too, have a lot of living to do.

Ditto to Mim's last post.

Each of us has to make the very most of every day of our life...often without others comprehending what we go through...and, what we don't go through.

in time, people will learn how early onset effects us.

Find the Sunshine in your day!