Fiftyfit Here...Not Done Yet!

[fiftyfit]

I can't even remember the last time I posted on the site, but I had to get back. Unfortunately, life has thrown me another curve since I left. My girlfriend of ten years was diagnosed with early-onset dementia this past February. She had been displaying memory difficulties for the past couple years, and I have been taking sole care of her and her affairs for the past fifteen months.
I've had to take on more responsibility than I ever imagined, but I now have everything organized and under control. I believe it must have been fate that kept me out of work after my accident in 2010, so I could look after her. The disease is progressing much too quickly, and I fear she will have to go into a care facility by early next year. Her family have not stepped up to help, so we are on our own. I am presently looking into facilities and support groups, and have had an aide coming in to help for the past couple months.
Up until a few months ago, I wasn't expecting to ever compete again, and was basically just trying to keep myself in some semblance of decent shape (considering my limitations). I started using a reverse hyperextension bench I built last year, and it has greatly improved my lower back strength. My damaged ribs haven't really improved, but I have been able to start moving my bench press up again. I've decided to try a bench meet on November 22, and may also compete in the power curl. My tentative goals are to bench at least 230, and curl at least 140. By the way, I will turn 60 in less than three months. I'll start posting my workouts again if anyone cares to see them?

[Mark E. Hurling]

I wondered what had happened with you.

Man, that's a tough row to hoe. She's lucky you have the kind of integrity to take on the care you have for her. My prayers are with you.

What kind of meet is it, Stronglifts?

[fiftyfit]

I wondered what had happened with you.

Man, that's a tough row to hoe. She's lucky you have the kind of integrity to take on the care you have for her. My prayers are with you.

What kind of meet is it, Stronglifts?

Thanks Mark, never expected this (who does?). I just want to keep her safe and here with me as long as I can manage. The meet is WNPF and covers everything, but I'm only able to do bench and curl at this stage. Perhaps more next year, I've actually been gaining pretty well the last couple months, since I got the aide to help out and give me a little break.

[Bill Quick]

Good luck, man, and God speed.

[Meshuggah]

All the best to the both of you, I have no doubt you will achieve your goals.

[motor1]

Best wishes, good luck and prayer said

[fiftyfit]

We just got back from a week-long trip to North Carolina and Georgia to visit relatives, just my mom, my girl and me. I'm certain it was probably the last trip for my girl...her condition is worsening, she has a tough time with many things now, and isn't able to actually interact with people anymore. She's compliant with me though, and let's me do whatever I have to for her. I'll start checking out care facilities in the area next week, as I don't believe I can keep her home (safely) for too much longer. I did get one w/o in on the trip, and had a good w/o in my home gym yesterday, I'll list them in the general training section shortly.

[fiftyfit]

I checked out a assisted-living facility this week that I think will be the best place for my girl to be, when the time comes. It's very nice, well-staffed and secure, with small, private apartments. The downside is the cost. We'll have to private-pay for awhile till my girl's resources (their term) are spent down enough for Medicaid to take over. It'll cost us just over $5100 a month, but that's about average for our area (Syracuse, NY), and from what I saw, I'll feel more at ease (I hope) with her there. I believe her needs will be attended to properly, and I can visit her anytime, day or night, and still take her out occasionally. Of course, that all depends on what her mental state is by that time. As it is now, she still clings to me for all her needs, but things are progressing quickly and I need to consider what's best for both of us in the end. I can't continue to care for her properly if I run myself down too much.

[Dave Klopp]

Tough times. You're right in that you need to take of yourself or you're no good for anyone else. Good luck.

[vatechmike]

This is a tough one. I've been dealing with this stuff with my mother and you are right -- you need help. Taking care of a disabled person is a 24/7 job and not something that you can do by yourself. Hang in there and don't let your workouts slip as they are good for your mental/emotional state as they are for the physical.