A tiny bit of progress

 We've had a lovely weekend away, apart from the thunderstorm - full blown lightning, thunder and torrential rain, not fun when you're inside a tin box!  Betty was quite unnerved by it, as was I - fortunately it only lasted a few minutes.  At least we know the caravan doesn't leak!

Husband is coming round to the idea that he's suffering from depression - he was initially adamant he wasn't, even when the psychologist was gently suggesting he might be.  I have no idea whether this depression may turn out to be the root cause of all his recent problems, or whether the depression is a result of those problems.....hopefully the memory assessment team will let us know what they think in due course, I'm hoping it doesn't take too long before we hear.  

I had a good long talk with our lovely caravan neighbour J - her husband C tactfully made himself scarce whilst we chatted.  J is a darling, she's 78 and very wise, calm, knowledgeable and sensible, but with a wicked but gentle sense of humour.  It felt such a relief to get a lot of worries off my chest, I haven't had much opportunity to do that lately, in fact a lot of the time recently I've felt like I was drowning in a sea of worries and problems, with no-one to help me and no lifebelt.  I still feel like I'm in the sea, but now I'm treading water and seeing a glimpse of a - well, I was going to say lifeboat on the horizon, but actually it's more of a lifebuoy.  J asked how I was holding up and how I thought I'd cope with a possible dementia diagnosis.....I said whatever it is, we'll deal with it.

Husband is definite about not wanting to take antidepressants - I knew he wouldn't want them and I can't say I blame him, I wouldn't want them either.  He says he takes more than enough meds as it is, he doesn't want any more.  He's agreed that sitting around doing nothing except moping is not doing him any good whatsoever, and is causing him to put on more weight, apart from anything else.  So he's agreed (we've had some good talks about things the past day or two) that each day he'll make an effort to do something - a job in the house or garden, or some little project.  I've just got to make sure he continues and doesn't slip back into just lounging in front of the TV.  He also says we'll try and take Betty out (to our favourite beach, probably) for longer walks at least once a week, weather and appointments permitting.

J and C noticed how withdrawn and subdued husband was this weekend, they both commented on it.  Before we came home this morning C - such a lovely bloke, very kind, relaxed and cheery - flung his arm round husband's shoulders and said 'Come on mate, give us a smile, we need you back to your cheeky self', which husband liked.  Both J and C insisted I must keep them informed, which of course I will.  We're lucky to have met them, they're a wonderful couple and our stays at the van are always made better still when they are there.

Going shopping tomorrow for lots of fresh veg & fruit, chicken and fish - husband has agreed to follow a healthy low carb diet with me.