To all our Readers!: Hi, my name is Anne, on... - PSP Association

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To all our Readers!

Heady profile image
106 Replies

Hi, my name is Anne, on here, known as Heady. My husband was diagnosed with PSP back in 2013, he lost his fight with this evil disease six months ago.

I can't get involved too much, any more. I am sure you will all understand.

One thing I do want to get across, especially to those that just read and don't get involved, is how much this site has helped me.

I joined, just like you, when Steve was first diagnosed. Had never heard of PSP, consultant told us to go home and google it. That was the sum help we got from him. It went down hill from there. I fought, like the rest of you, day and night to get help for my husband. The only place I found help and support, was here. The only people who knew what we were going through, who gave advise, told me what to expect, most of all, gave me a shoulder to cry on. Basically, got me and Steve through our journey with PSP. His life was certainly helped, if not prolonged, in a liveable state, because of the knowledge I got from this site.

Even now, I am getting support. I have just had the real pleasure of meeting one of my pen pals, Sawa, from South Africa. She is over in England at the moment. We were immediately at home in each other's presence, knowing we had both been through the same wringer.

The point I am trying to get across, by just reading, you won't feel that love and support, I felt and still get from the lovely people on this site. You have to get involved, you have to be brave and answer the post, you have an opinion on. Write that post, asking the question that has been worrying you, especially at 3.00am in the morning. The very reason, they ask for a user name, is to protect your anonymity, to make it easier for you to express your real feelings, that you won't/can't tell your closest friend. Anne would never have been able to open up, admit failure, ask for help. But as Heady, I could ( God bless my grandmother, it was her nick name!) she gave me the ability to ask questions, especially the seemingly silly ones. To shout and scream, kick and rant about how crap life was. Anne, is a wonderful actress and everything is fine. I am sure you recognise that!

Please if you are like me, change your name and get on here. This site IS the only place I got help, love and support from people who knew exactly what I was going through.

You are not alone in this terrible road called PSP, there are others out there, just like you, frightened, lonely, not knowing where to turn. Only together, reaching out to each other, will you make life bearable for your loved one and yourself.

My heart goes out to you all, going through this evil journey of PSP. You can make it, you can look after your loved one, but only with help. That help is here, with your fellow carers. Please join in.

Lots of love

Anne/Heady

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Heady profile image
Heady
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106 Replies
Helen119 profile image
Helen119

Thank you Anne xxx

NannaB profile image
NannaB

Amen Anne, Heady, all you said is so true.

Sending you lots of love

Nanna B, Bev

XxxX

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toNannaB

Thank you Bev, you have been one of my biggest support partners.

Hope you are OK.

Lots of love

Anne

Satt2015 profile image
Satt2015

Fantastic post heady!! As always you hit the nail on the head! You have been the most amazing support to me over the last 19/20 months and without you and the other dear people on here I don't know where I'd be now?!! Your post is 'spot on'!! Thank you darling for bringing this to everyone's attention x

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toSatt2015

Thanks Amanda, together, we might/do give PSP a run for its money. On our own, we are nothing.

Lots of love

Anne

Helen119 profile image
Helen119

Actually Anne that should have been more than thank you, what you have written is more than your experience, its telling me to open up more on here and not to worry so much about what I say, I feel so miserable, C is depressed and suicidal and I find that hard to deal with, but I don't write it on here as I feel, people hearing how I feel would not help them, but in fact it could and could probably help me.

So a massive big thank you and I will try to write my words and feelings more.

Hxxx

Satt2015 profile image
Satt2015 in reply toHelen119

Helen, how C feels is often how my dad feels! Share away because it's a killer taking it all on board yourself x

Helen119 profile image
Helen119 in reply toSatt2015

Thanks Satt I will try my best xxxc

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar in reply toHelen119

Hugs to you, especially, Helen. I do understand.

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toHelen119

Hi Helen, that's my point. You writing your inner most fears, one, helps you understand and maybe find a solution. Two, the replies will make you know, what is going on, is actually normal and everyone is going through exactly the same. All the things that aren't written in the manual. Because everyone is on different parts of the journey, someone, will have gone through, what you are and maybe offer you some advise.

Is C on any sort of medication for his depression? Most sufferers are.

Lots of love

Anne

Helen119 profile image
Helen119 in reply toHeady

Yes he is on anti depressants has been for years, he now takes venlefaxin the highest he can take without being hospitalised. I've lived with his depression and suicide threats for years, but now it seems different, as there is no quality of life anymore, and I don't blame him it's crap and I can do nothing.

I understand that by me speaking out could help someone feeling the same or going through the same, but it's hard to express how I feel, when he is going through this, I feel I shud be grateful for it not being me but I'm not I just feel my life is completely on hold until his end has come, and that is selfish, I know he would not be caring for me if it was the other way round, see selfish. Don't get me wrong I feel very sorry for him and do everything I can to make his life easier and better. But I obviously feel resentful somehow.

Our marriage was over 20 years ago, but we lived together as a team, it was not possibly at the time for us to split completely, and we just carried on till this happened.

I love him to bits, we have been together for 45 years, life would be weird without him.

Thanks for taking the time to answer me.

Love and hugs

Helen xx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toHelen119

Helen, we all feel resentful. Our lives have been just as messed up as our loved ones with PSP. I always feel, it two going through this illness, one has PSP, the other suffers the symptoms. Every one puts carers up on the huge pedestal, yet we all know we are no angels and feel we fail every day. But we deserve to be up there. Instead of thinking where you fail, look where your husband would be, without your help and support.

Lots of love

Anne

Helen119 profile image
Helen119 in reply toHeady

Thank you

Helen xx

aliciamq profile image
aliciamq in reply toHeady

Look where his family and his/our children would be without us. - Yikes!

Bargiepat profile image
Bargiepat

I have only been here for a few months and I was told there was no cure for what I had and as you I was told to go home and Google CBD. I was shocked to read what it entailed and found this wonderful group on the next day. It took me a few weeks to come to terms with the diagnosis.

I live alone and I have no wish to burden my 4 children or sister with the job of looking after me as my problems develop. I have not yet asked here if anyone else has traveled this path on their own, but will ask this question soon.

Being here I do not feel alone ...........

All love,

Patrick.

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toBargiepat

It will be a hard road, doing this on your own, but with the right help, you should be able to do it, for a while. Just don't be shy about asking for that help, if you are, that will be the quickest way for it to go pear shaped!

Lots of love

Anne

Bargiepat profile image
Bargiepat in reply toHeady

Luckily I am not shy and have already started asking people for help.....

My local Lidl store now pack my bag for me.

Patrick.

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toBargiepat

Good for you!

Lots of love

Anne

Georgepa profile image
Georgepa

Bravo Heady/Anne but you needn't think you can get rid of us that easily ,not a chance .Friends for life I am afraid .

Georgepa

Its ok , joking well kind of joking ,but the sentiments you are expressing will be useful to all those following this torturous path . I think I might change my site name to Geraldine a tad mre annonymous than Georgepa ,what do you think ?

Satt2015 profile image
Satt2015 in reply toGeorgepa

Geraldine would match your skirt and high heels! 😁 X

Georgepa profile image
Georgepa in reply toSatt2015

Cheeky wench !

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toGeorgepa

I don't know , you grow a beard and I could see the name Hugo or or Hemingway ...fitting pretty nicely....

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply toabirke

Waiving at you AVB

How're you doing?

xx

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toKevin_1

Hey K1 hows you and the wife...i'm doing like I ought to be doing well usually. I need to find a job. Don't want to go back to teaching and quite skilless in anything else...not all that skilled there either, I am sure.....I don't want to work in food industry as I don't like the stuff that much.....can't work in a factory or any other large machined industry ; too dumb to work on or at a computer.... so whats left? hotel maid, college professor; marketing? hahah...Stand up comedy might be fun....

;)

Glad to hear from you tell Liz hi for me

((HUGS))

AVB

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply toabirke

Hi AVB

We struggle on. Good days bad days.

But its summer and we are still together. We get good care now, three times a day. That makes a huge difference.

But, to be honest I'm often tearful inside when I see her struggle to do even simple things.

Ah, I'm like you. Totally specialised in the mental health Field. I gave my license up and getting it back would require all sorts of training to show I am up to date. Its going to be supermarket shelf stacking for me I'm afraid!

Wishing you the best.

Lots of hugs from myself and Lizzie sends them too.

xx

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar in reply toKevin_1

Oh Kevin, I think there just has to be some way for you to get paid to do what you are doing for us for free here - advising folks how to navigate the health care bureaucracy. You are such an expert!

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toeasterncedar

Now there's a talent!

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply toeasterncedar

Hi ec

That is very sweet of you.

I do try, but...

I do the anorak stuff mostly because I have needed to find out for us.

We were so lost before we came to his forum.

You and other posters add to it, correct it and do other things.

Together we make a helluva forum.

Besides I couldn't afford your bill for what you have given to us!

Hugs and love

Kevin

xx

doglington profile image
doglington in reply toKevin_1

You have found a really important role here, Kevin. I do appreciate your knowledge, generosity and humour. Thank you.

What will Liz say to that !!!

love, Jean x

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply todoglington

Hi Jean

Chuckles.

She will be pleased.

She is a retired Social Worker and she encourages me.

Thank you for the supportive words.

I do what I can, as have you and you have given us much too. You are an important guiding voice here for us.

Love

Kevin

xx

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toKevin_1

amen brother and back at ya....hold on to the good days and let go of the bad.....I speak it as if I do it ....hahah

AVB

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toGeorgepa

No chance, we will all recognise your musical lyrics and sense of humour.

Sending big hugs for you and Kate.

Lots of love

Anne

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toHeady

True that!

doglington profile image
doglington

So right, Heady. Hope you're not bowing out - for the sake of us still soldiering on !

Its so important that the site includes those at all the " stages ".

Georgepa is right . We have all shared too much to leave. I really don't know how I would be if I hadn't found this site.

Jean x

Heady profile image
Heady in reply todoglington

No, it wasn't my farewell speech. Like you said, we have all shared too much to go.

This stage, is pretty much the same as the last one, crap!!! Only I haven't anyone to shout and scream at, except the dog.

Lots of love

Anne

Amilazy profile image
Amilazy in reply toHeady

So true Anne, adapting to life without our loved ones is not a bowl of cherries. No matter what social or family activity and new routine days, nothing fills the void, quickly, especially in the dark nights. Thanks for your good words, not just now but over the last 3 years which helped keep me sane. Hope you are moving on without too much grief.

Best wishes to you and all who have lost their loved one to PSP especially this year. Tim

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toAmilazy

Thanks Tim. It's nice to know you are still around. We helped each other, I know I got lots of support from you too.

Grief is weird isn't it, keeps jumping up and hitting you right between the eyes at unexpected moments.

Lots of love

Anne

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar in reply toHeady

yes. It's not an easy road now, but I wouldn't have missed having that man in my life for all the happy endings I could otherwise imagine.

doglington profile image
doglington in reply toHeady

I wonder when there will be a non-crap stage !!

I'm always following and learning.

Enjoy your holiday though - even though nothing can be as it was, I know.

love from Jean x

Heady profile image
Heady in reply todoglington

Feels a long way off yet, Jean.

Lots of love

Anne

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply toHeady

Oh, so you are still going to stay?

Bother - I wrote a farewell post!

:)

xxxxx

Marie_14 profile image
Marie_14

Anne

I can understand the need for you to build a new life. PSP takes so much from us all?

I totally agree that people who read posts but don't share their experiences are not getting the best from this site. It has gone quiet recently and I wondered where everyone had gone. I always read the posts and help if I can. However there will probably come a day when I do as you are doing. So new people need to open up about their problems and they will be swamped with love and support. Otherwise the site will fade away and that would be tragic for all those newly diagnosed or to be diagnosed.

Perhaps we need a new group for widows and widowers/children who have survived PSP too?

Anne you have been so helpful to so many people. Enjoy the rest of your life. Perhaps you might send some of us a message from time to time?

Marie x

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toMarie_14

Here here Marie....I don't think Anne is leaving I think she is encouraging those who are new to the site to become more involved. Like you said it seems to be fading . Maybe praise God, so is PSP! but if its still around then new people to this site, so should you be....I won't be going very far .... if someone wants to yell ,ask, tell, me a specific something feel free....I think that goes with the rest of us too

AVB

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toMarie_14

There is the bereavement forum on this site....for general grieving ....it's pretty new I think not many use from here....

AVB

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toabirke

I did try the site, but can't say I found it useful. Maybe I ought to look at it again.

Lots of love

Anne

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toMarie_14

I'm not going any where. I still read every day, just find it difficult to find advise for some problems. As AVB has said, there is a site for bereaved people on Healthunlocked. Didn't find it helpful though.

Lots of love

Anne

Marie_14 profile image
Marie_14 in reply toHeady

Anne,

Glad you are not vanishing totally. Wouldn't blame you if you did as you have been such a help to all and looked after Steve so well too. Time for you to have a life?

I do remember you having the odd meltdown too and I have to say it really helped to know others were feeling the way I felt. That's the kind of thing that is missing now as people are afraid to share their emotions?

I agree with you that the next step is crap too! I think maybe we expect too much of ourselves though? When you consider what we have all been through with our loved ones it's a wonder we are functioning and sane...well kind of! 😀

When are you going on holiday? I think you are really brave! I don't think I am ready for that just yet. I have no doubt there will be a day when I actually want to go somewhere. England is so beautiful when it's not raining that I am happy here for now. Might venture to Scotland eventually. Ireland too. Can work my way out? 😁

Thank you Anne for all your help and just hover in case you are desperately needed? I still feel it will take a while to become real again.

Wanting to hear the details of that holiday as I think it will do you good. Wish I had your strength.

Agree about the Bereavement site by the way! Although one of the people who runs it has posted a good report about grief just a day or two ago. Read it as it might help?

Marie x

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toHeady

Yah, I try but it's nothing like this site...and the depression site keeps knocking at my door ....I don't want it . I'm sure it's useful but I don't know how to cancel it....I can happily say I am not depressed and don't want to get there....I read a booklet given to me by B's Hospice about grieving....it was what I was feeling to the T. They even talked about the grief feelings one has when they knew the end was near....So there, I am grieving...the hardest part about this is that I am in the "stuck Phase". But hey this site is about getting through PSP and I will keep it that way,,,

AVB

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toabirke

Hi Andrea, "the stuck phase" I keep thinking I am there, but have to remind myself, that is at least two years, if not more down the line. We are both still very new to this. I am going through the six month blues. Up, feeling perfectly normal one minute, then floods of tears the next. Haven't been like this, all the way through. Perhaps I feel I can now give into tears. Until recently, I was more than happy to be on my own, even preferred it. Now I hate it, feel so lonely and fed up. Hopefully, this will force me into getting out more, finding things to join in, meet new people. Start living again.

One day at a time AVB! We will get there.

Lots of love

Anne

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toHeady

Yes Blood pressure up then it';s fine but my heart rate is a 110 then it's fine and then straight up anxiety ....I make myself walk the dog about two miles every day....two goals walk dog and no alcohol! been doing quite well on both goals.....eating is still well lets just say I eat every day......hahaha

AVB

abirke profile image
abirke

Anne, Heady, lover of Steve, sister of everyone who's' been on this site for the last 4 years. That was a beautiful post. I too feel the same about my presence on this site. I want to encourage the folks who have just been diagnosed to write; ask; tell; rant and rave....You will find a love and camaraderie not found in the doctors office.

Like Anne, I encourage all those who are new to this diagnosis (be it patient or carer), to become a part of this post....who knows you, may help- someone with a word that will get through one more day week month even year......

Thank you again Anne Though not as participatory as I used to be, I do miss the gang ....

AVB

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toabirke

Know what you mean. Not only have I lost Steve, but part of my family support as well.

Lots of love

Anne

Nanny857 profile image
Nanny857

Dear Anne, As usual you have given us a very honest account of your experience and sound advice. I'm ashamed to say that this past while I've just been dipping in and out of the forum and commenting now and again which is just not fair to everyone who has helped me on my ongoing journey with PSP. So apologies to everyone.

Anne I hope you will not be too far from us as you are a fountain of knowledge but I can understand if it hurts and reminds you of the awful times you and Steve went through and it's time for a new start for you.

Thank you for being my 'friend' whom I'll never forget and for all the support and advice you gave. I wish you all the very best for the future. Sending love and hugs to you. Nanny857 xxx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toNanny857

Thank you. But I am not going anywhere. It just meeting Sawa the other day, made me realise, how much some people are missing, by not joining in fully. The love and that feeling, you are not alone. There is always someone who can sympathise and know exactly what you are going through.

Lots of love

Anne

Nanny857 profile image
Nanny857 in reply toHeady

That's good to know you're not leaving. xx

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar

Brava, Anne! You speak the truth, as always, bravely and directly and well. I love you, girlfriend, although we have never met.

Sarah, aka Easterncedar

( Like Heady/Anne, I originally didn't want to use my name, being concerned about protecting my sweetheart's privacy. That is no longer an issue so, while I loved being called Easterncedar and will not entirely give it up, for anyone who cares, my name is Sarah. Love and peace and courage to you all.)

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toeasterncedar

Go Sarah!!! I love you back and we will meet one day.

Lots of love

Anne

abirke profile image
abirke in reply toHeady

Heady, if you ever get across the pond I want to meet you and ec, aka Sarah!

Love to all my people that got me and Bruce through this ordeal!

((HUGS))

Andrea aka AVB

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toabirke

Ditto Andrea!

Lots of love

Anne

daddyt profile image
daddyt

Thank you for your advice and wisdom. God Bless xx

honjen43 profile image
honjen43 in reply todaddyt

Thank you, daddyt for your blog! I have gained a great deal of insight into how my J must have felt because of your openness.

I now feel strongly that early diagnosis of brain disease is most important. Hopefully, at that point and with this site, people will have the courage to share with their loved ones, how they are affected and can make the most of the quality time they still have, and for carers and loved ones to understand them too.

Hugs

Jen xxx

Again this site is so powerful for so many reasons.I thank you all for being here , knowing this is truly the last place anyone would want to be.

Spread your wings Heady/ Anne

Deidre in BC

Heady profile image
Heady in reply to

I am trying Deidre, I am trying.

Lots of love

Anne

Julieandrog profile image
Julieandrog

Yeahhhhh! So right heady aka Anne , I love to swear on here, gets rid of so much anger!

Sun shining today, hopefully going for a wheelchair push to see the local carnival.

Julie x

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toJulieandrog

Paint a banner and join in!!!

Lots of love

Anne

Zeberdee profile image
Zeberdee

I have only just started to post as I felt it was disloyal discussing PSP issues but it is a very lonely time and knowing that others are also feeling the same does help. Thankyou for you post. J

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toZeberdee

There is nothing disloyal about discussing your loved ones problems on here. The amount of times Steve's life was improved, because I got that necessary bit of advise, or someone calmed me down, picking me up, when I couldn't go on any longer, doesn't bare thinking about. Without this site, my husband would have been in a nursing home for most of his illness, all my knowledge came from people on here. The medical profession were absolutely useless. Nobody EVER told us what to expect or how to deal with PSP. Only here did I learn the dreadful truth, which gave me the strength to fight for the necessary services he needed.

Lots of love

Anne

Zeberdee profile image
Zeberdee in reply toHeady

Thankyou for understanding. Jx

Brenive profile image
Brenive in reply toHeady

Thanks heady aka anne, when we were told Ivor had psp no other information was forth coming , no one knew any thing about it , let a lone pointing us in the right direction. If our daughter hadn't looked at this site we would have been floundering like a fish out of water.so I for one thank god for you and the other carer's who post such excellent advice , with good humour . And straight forward language, are there when we need a lift. I haven't needed to write and ask for advice.so many of our problems have been experienced by so many others, and already been discussed. So once again thank you for passing on you valued advice. Would like to meet you one day to thank you in person, you never know this may happen.....Brenda. .x

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toBrenive

Thanks Brenda.

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1 in reply toZeberdee

Hi Zeberdee (great name!)

I try to keep myself on the right side of the loyal and sharing divide.

So many times folk here have come back with superb information or care advice, because I took the risk.

It is a hard one.

But you are anonymous...

Waiving hello

Warmly

Kevin

Zeberdee profile image
Zeberdee in reply toKevin_1

Thankyou Kevin your words are very comforting and I am feeling more at ease. J

loppylugs5 profile image
loppylugs5

Yes Heady I am so grateful too.A year nearly has gone and I can talk to people who have never heard of PSP and not blub!Obviously I still read this site and try to offer my experience.Love to you all,Px

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toloppylugs5

You too, Loppylugs.

Lots of love

Anne

Tippyleaf profile image
Tippyleaf

Thank you Heady, you are so right the only people who really, know, understand and do not judge are the members of the site. So many HCP have absolutely no idea the hell on earth that is PSP.

Some days there are no words and no energy to contribute. But as with most things in life the more we put in the more we get out. You and NannaB were the first people I came into contact with on this site. The care, support and love is amazing here.

Hope everyone has the best Saturday they can wherever in the world what ever stage of their journey.

Thank you again

Xxxx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toTippyleaf

Thank you Tippyleaf.

Lots of love

Anne

Katiebow profile image
Katiebow

Never a truer word spoken Anne, this site is basically the only true emotional support we get and we would be totally in the dark about the journey of PSP without it. Thankyou for all of your input, we are all very grateful for that and I hope that your pain is beginning to ease as the months pass. I will message you to get your details for when I manage to get down to Bristol and hope that w can meet up for a coffee.

Much love

Kate xxx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toKatiebow

That would be great Kate. We miss last time, due to both our loved ones being in different hospitals!

Lots of love

Anne

Yvonneandgeorge profile image
Yvonneandgeorge

Anne you are an amazing lady, you have helped so many of us, I can remember posts from you, always the wise one. You fought to get all the help for Steve, and then you helped us get the help, we were denied, you are truly amazing. Yvonne xxxx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toYvonneandgeorge

Thank you Yvonne. I am always here, if you need to chat. How is George today?

Lots of love

Anne

Yvonneandgeorge profile image
Yvonneandgeorge in reply toHeady

George has been unwell, stone in his bladder, always something, coughing really bad, sleeping quite a lot. Sending you a massive hug xxxxx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toYvonneandgeorge

Big hugs to you too.

easterncedar profile image
easterncedar in reply toYvonneandgeorge

hugs from me, too, Yvonne. I think of you more often than you'd know. Love, ec

Yvonneandgeorge profile image
Yvonneandgeorge in reply toeasterncedar

Thank you lovely lady back to you xxxxx

Flemingc profile image
Flemingc

Thank you, Anne. I so appreciate the help I've found here. Been kind of overwhelmed lately because my husband's symptoms are progressing at breakneck speed. All the "regular" stuff is worse. Plus now we're dealing with some wicked personality changes. I fear it's frontotemporal dementia. To those of you that have been sharing and supporting for some time now, thank you! Even when I'm silent I appreciate you knowledge and support.

Hugs - Chris

doglington profile image
doglington in reply toFlemingc

So sorry to hear that, Chris.

Big hug from Jean xx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toFlemingc

Hi Chris, please don't be silent. That's when you need us the most. I always found just writing things down on here, knowing somebody would understand exactly what I was going through, helped me sooooo much. Steve never had any dementia, so I can't advise, but I am sure someone will. Write a post, asking for help. I wish you well and hope that your husband finds a plateau very quickly.

Lots of love

Anne

JantheNana profile image
JantheNana

I just want to give thanks for all the friends on this site,both vetrans ans newcomers.We are all in this together and there is really no where else to turn for the best advice and encouragement when new problems or symptoms emerge. I love all of you!

Sawa profile image
Sawa

Dear Anne, what a wonderful post 😊. And what a special treat to have been able to meet you in person. Folks, our dear Heady is even better in person and is the perfect hostess who gives the best hugs! I'm sorry this is such a quick visit but I'm looking forward to our next meet up.

What you say is so true. I found such amazing support from this site through our journey. The practical advice was a life saver on more than one occasion. But the unbelievable generosity of everyone, in the midst of struggling with the daily demands of PSP, to still share their knowledge, time and unstinting support to other members was humbling. And it also helped me to help others when I could. The participation helps everyone, the poster and the readers. What an unfortunate in PSP but fortunate group we are to have found each other!

Hugs to all of you!

Sharon

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toSawa

Thanks Sharon. It was meeting you in person and the bond that was so obviously there, because we had taken the time and effort to communicate, that inspired me to write this post. Realising that some are missing out on that love and support I received from you and so many others.

Lots of love

Anne

Lucy602 profile image
Lucy602

Very well said and I totally agree. This is the best support you can ever get. Only from others going from the same thing can be so supportive. It's great to hear from you Heady. I hope you are doing well. Glad to hear you were able to meet with another person you've communicated with through the site. I've wondered how often that happens. I know it's a very difficult time for you, but it's time to take care of yourself and grief, get your life back together and decide what is next for you in life. Please check in once in awhile. There are so many people that need the wonderful advice you have. Love and prayers for you.

Jon27run profile image
Jon27run

Anne: I am confrotned with this damn PSP with my wife.. the very tough part is the acceptance that I have NO control over this horrible disease. You are a brave lady and did what you possible could do for your husband. I sincerely wish you well one day at a time.

Benjamin J. Jones

Laguna Beach,CA

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toJon27run

Hi Benjamin, you do have control, not a lot, granted. I suggest you write down things you can control and the you can't. You will be extremely surprised how big the control column is. OK, it might be only the small things, but it's still control. Might help. I never use to be a control freak, although my kids say different, so I totally understand your feelings, of trying to have some sort of say in your lives.

Lots of love

Anne

vidvv profile image
vidvv

Agree Anne.

There hasn't been a single question of mine that have not received answers in this place. I am grateful to all of you who responded and am responding to the ones I can.

Asha

Cuttercat profile image
Cuttercat

As always you say it, said it perfectly. You are the steady rock on this site and all of us who have responded to you feel like I do.

Thank you and bless you.

Cuttercat

Kevin_1 profile image
Kevin_1

Dear Anne

I so totally agree with what you have said.

I would like you to know that your voice has been essential for Liz and I as we travelled this road. You've been quite a midwife for us!

So I would say, as you might, as you hand the baton on, "Please folks, there are no experts here, we share and we add to each other and even a simple question gives the opportunity for someone to post and in time you will start adding important stuff for us all.

Thanks Anne

I am glad you are moving on and we both wish you the very best of what you can envision for yourself and your folk.

Thank you for the gifts.

We will not forget you.

Big hugs

Love

Lix and Kevin

xxx

Gracie_Girl profile image
Gracie_Girl

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Heady/Anne, your wisdom, your kind words and unwavering support has gotten me through many a crisis and many meltdowns. Mere words are not enough to describe how you and so many others have helped me when I couldn't find any answers or any support. Your spirit as a caregiver gives me the courage to carry on with my sister.

I, too, feel guilty for not posting lately. I began to feel like I did nothing but rant or cry on everyone's massive shoulders and have nothing to contribute. As usual, your words of encouragement open my eyes to see the bigger picture and to come out of hiding.

I wish you brilliant and beautiful blessings as you continue in your journey. But, selfishly, I wish that you come around from time to time. Your wisdom and heavenly spirit are still needed by some of us and our loved ones still hanging around dealing with this dastardly disease.

Huge (((((Hugs))))),

Gracie girl (Becky)

Robbo1 profile image
Robbo1

Too true, Heady, Well said and thank you for saying it. I think I would have gone under without this site. It's like a second family and there is always someone willing to help you, as you are doing now. X

millywigg2 profile image
millywigg2

Well said Heady.Hope you are ok and enjoyed the good weather.My hubby had a stroke last week but poor lad cant walk or talk anyway,its just made him look more poorly.The nursing has proved to be amazing,superb care.He has now been there 6 months.We have another grandson due in 5 weeks.Sooo excited.Good to hear from you.Keep looking after yourself xxx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply tomillywigg2

Hi Millywigg, sorry to hear about your husbands stroke. Steve had one right the beginning of his journey. That seem to bring on most of the PSP symptoms. Lovely to hear you have something very exciting to look forward. Nothing like holding a little bundle of joy, especially when you can hand them back!

Lots of love

Anne

Katet68 profile image
Katet68

❤️❤️❤️❤️

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toKatet68

How you doing Kate? Always on the message page if you want to chat.

Sending huge hug and much love.

Lots of love

Anne

Cjhorseygirl profile image
Cjhorseygirl

Hi All

Going through some posts and jumping in here as a newbie - as encouraged by Heady - as I know my mum has now posted a couple of times and I haven't wanted to post before she was comfortable doing so herself.

M and I read the posts and compare ideas and thoughts - this site has been so helpful and you guys really are so supportive - you're right - it's a lonely and frightening road and it's a struggle to go it alone.

M does an amazing job caring for my dad (who is the one affected by PSP) and what a rollercoaster it is!

All carers deserve angel wings! I help as much as I can but only see a snapshot of what M goes through with my dad.

I know each journey is different - but I am sure the emotional and physical exhaustion wreaks the same havoc.

This week has been a long one so far......

CJx

Heady profile image
Heady in reply toCjhorseygirl

WellDone CJ. The more you and Mum post, the more you will get out of it. You get to know other carers, even some fellow sufferers of PSP. Each gives you and insight to their journey, whilst different to yours, in many respects, exactly identical in others.

The best advise I can give you, in helping your Mum, is make sure she gets regular breaks. Either you sit with your Dad, or better still, find someone else and take her out. That way, you know she is relaxing and doing something nice. And NOT sat in the car around the corner crying because she doesn't know what to do. Believe me, I did that loads and I am sure everyone else has as well.

Lots of love

Anne

Cjhorseygirl profile image
Cjhorseygirl in reply toHeady

Thanks Anne - yes I try with that side as much as possible. A recent facial and pedicure was well received! 😉

Xx

EricaE profile image
EricaE

Thank you Anne/Heady.

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