347 replies to this topic

[Daryl]

I know you all probably don’t want to know… or even some of you care, but it is something that I have to tell you on here anyway.

After test after test, and consultations, today I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. It is in the early stages, and after having to take a course of antidepressants, in a month’s time I begin treatment for anti-dementia drugs that will keep the Alzheimer’s at bay… and the consultant I have seen has said that I should have a good few years yet of knowing and being aware of things… which gives me time to put things in order before I am in a situation of not being aware anymore.

Some of you on here, although I don’t know you in person, have been good ‘cyber friends’ and it is great knowing that in the coming years I will be able to rely on your support – but if I do tend to repeat myself, which I do occasionally now anyway, just ignore it and carry on… I might just be trying to get my point across!

Anyway to Wizard and Guitar… please let us see a release of the new emulators before I slip into oblivion and let me have a few years enjoying what I went on the internet and had a computer for – FME Forever.

Thank you to all of you who have been kind to me over the 10 years I have been a member of the FME forums.

Love Daryl xx

[jim2311]

We tend to associate Alzheimer’s with the elderly, but I see you are only in your mid 40s so it must have come as a major shock. I hope the drugs have a positive effect in retarding the progression of the condition, and remember, research is on going, so you never know what break through tomorrow might bring.
Never mind if you think some don't care or don't wont to know, if it makes you feel a little cheerier by venting your frustrations on here then type away until you fingers bleed.

Good Luck

[gemini17]

I'm sorry to hear about that mate,All the best to you

Real sorry to hear that Daryl.
Respect to you sharing something so personal on an open forum.
I too wish you well
Jay

Edited by gemini17, 23 June 2011 - 02:30 PM.

[samson81]

Sorry to hear the bad news Daryl,
I wish you well and hope you have many years of great memories before anything worse happens.
Sam

[Dougsta]

I am very sorry to hear that. My grandmother was killed by this disease and it was very difficult for the family at times, as well as upsetting. She was diagnosed quite late in the progression though. The understanding of the disease and the quality of the drugs to treat it are improving all the time. With your early diagnosis I'm sure the prognosis is as good as it can be.

[brucegeorge]

Im lost for words it was the last thing I thought this post would be about all I can say is this shows FME and the fights that go on dont mean anything next to real life and news like this I really do wish you all the best and your very brave for being so open I aint sure I could have done that total respect



Keep as well as can be mate

[Bandits]

sad to hear of your health problem i hope somehow somewhere they can find a cure or slow it down, my advice is as hard as it is try to remain possitive and don't give in to it or let it pull you down any quicker, good luck fella

[todd1970]

Sorry to hear of your news Daryl , its never good when you hear summat like that.

It was the same when i was diagnosed with my illness..you feel the whole world is against you for a while and its ..'why me..what did i do to deserve this..' .. but you stop feeling like that after a while and just get on with things.

Its pish to say the least..but thats the way life goes sometimes innit...just c'est la vie.

[cashbox1]

maximum respect to you Daryl mate,here if you need a friendly ear...

Bry

[Daryl]

Thanks everyone for all your kind words and support... it really does mean a lot.

My family started to notice the simple things I was doing, and to be honest, I even know that I was going like it because although I couldn't remember whatever it was, I knew I wasn't remembering it at all! (if you can make sense of that! lol ). Frustration and some sort of anxiety and depression take over and it snowballs from there.

I am lucky I guess... it has been caught early, and although there is no cure for it, and eventually it does kill you, there are now medications, of which I am starting next month, that can hold it back, so as I can keep my sanity, hopefully, for quite a few more years, albeit getting a little more forgetful. The consultant said I should have a good decade of 'reasonable' life, being a little forgetful etc, before it will become full-blown, and eventually, because of the wasting of the brain, it will cause physical illnesses, will, without sounding morbid, lead to death - but that is hopefully many years away, and I still have some emulator years ahead of me...

So all you creators - get creating....
All you layout designers... get designing...

I have been, I am, and always will be grateful for all the hard work you all have put into FME.

[vectra666]

i,m sorry to hear this hopefully they,ll find a cure or at least they can stop the disease from progressing further we,re all thinking of you on here at least the ones who,s replied to this try not to let this get you down you,ve got a lot of support on here i forget thngs even like how to get to places i,ve been to very resentley or what i,ve done a few days ago i just put it down to getting older, Take Care mate

Edited by vectra666, 23 June 2011 - 08:00 PM.

[gemini17]

Thanks everyone for all your kind words and support... it really does mean a lot.

My family started to notice the simple things I was doing, and to be honest, I even know that I was going like it because although I couldn't remember whatever it was, I knew I wasn't remembering it at all! (if you can make sense of that! lol ). Frustration and some sort of anxiety and depression take over and it snowballs from there.

I am lucky I guess... it has been caught early, and although there is no cure for it, and eventually it does kill you, there are now medications, of which I am starting next month, that can hold it back, so as I can keep my sanity, hopefully, for quite a few more years, albeit getting a little more forgetful. The consultant said I should have a good decade of 'reasonable' life, being a little forgetful etc, before it will become full-blown, and eventually, because of the wasting of the brain, it will cause physical illnesses, will, without sounding morbid, lead to death - but that is hopefully many years away, and I still have some emulator years ahead of me...

So all you creators - get creating....
All you layout designers... get designing...

I have been, I am, and always will be grateful for all the hard work you all have put into FME.

I have an uncle who is in the early stages of the illness-yet as a family unit we are beyond helpless, as are unable to get him to his GP.
It is more frustrating that I am a carer,and have nursed many people with the condition.
Thankfully you appear to have a strong family unit behind you.
All the v.best Daryl,never think you are alone.
Jay

Edited by gemini17, 23 June 2011 - 09:04 PM.

[CrAzYbAr]

Alzheimers is one of the worst things to come down with...All credit to you for speaking out about it. It does eventually 'kill' you in the way that your mind really can't work properly. But I admire you for coming out and speaking about it and giving your views. A proper sense of courage and assertion that says you won't get taken down that easy! I normally post short term support and advice but take this one for good. Keep fighting, over all the years, there's your friends here, your family, everyone you know should be around to help and enrich what you love doing that bit more and to be honest you deserve it.

[jamesb99_1999]

Hi Daryl, Sorry to hear that mate.

My Grandad had it but to be honest he functioned normally for many many years (and it wasn't that which killed him - he died at 83 of unrelated heart problem). Towards the end his memory was very poor and he forgot somethings but he was older and he was still happy. Getting on the retro medicine at an early stage is the most important thing - and for some people it can arrest it pretty much for a very long time. You could still do all the things you want in life mate and am sure you will. Having a loving family and friends is the most important thing and sure I can speak for everyone when I say we are here for you, and am positive you will have many many happy years still like my Granddad did.

All the best.

[Daryl]

Hi all!

Today I start my Alzheimer's drug treatment, which has arrived from the Working Age Dementia clinic. It is called Donezepil and is used to help slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease... although it isn't a cure, it will help me through the coming months and years try and live my life as I am now... a little forgetful, but still aware... which is good news for the short-term.

There is no going back as from today... once I put that first tablet in my mouth then I know that this is all real and must face whatever happens with my usual dignity and grace... yeah right!

I am going to fight this all the way! I might not end up winning the war, but I will not go down without fighting... that just isn't my nature!

As I have mentioned, I am not participating in any debates at the moment, but just thought I would let you know of how I am going... thanks for all your support... it really does mean a lot.

Love Daryl

[Bandits]

Good luck Daryl good your being positive and fighting it.

[POSH4EVA]

Although i haven't had the chance to talk to you on here i wish you all the best and i am sorry to hear about your illness.Hope you have many happier years to come.

[ady]

Good luck buddy, nice to hear you being so positive.