Mandi,

I'm not a caregiver, but maybe my perspective will help. For the first month, it didn't hit it was me. I intellectualized the whole experience, basically pretended I was needling these doctors on behalf of my clients (my line of work entails much hand holding, whether it's tax, estate, medical, or even buying their cars). When the realization it was *me* finally hit, I went into a downward spiral REAL quick and it was REAL dangerous.

Hopefully it WILL hit him soon, but it sounds like it could hit him harder than mine did. Just be there when it does. I'm still embarassed to tell my husband how much it meant to me to have him there in those bad times. I can guarantee he'll feel or already feels the same way, regardless if he says it outloud.

It also REALLY helped to attend those Support Groups and one-on-one social worker visits. Hearing about others having the SAME thoughts really helped draw out the anxiety of accepting my situation. It made me feel okay to know others had the same seemingly bizarre thoughts and feelings. It was the emotional turning point out of that spiral.

This board has done the same with my physcial ailments and helped prepare me for other problems. It's such a relief to find out you're not crazy and the symptoms aren't all in your mind. Stick with him, he'll get there, he may just need some coaching.

Sabrina