The Rocky Road of Naughty Neurons

By Sylvia Bryden-Stock

Sylvia and her husband, Brian, were enjoying an unconditionally loving relationship when suddenly, it all changed, and Sylvia found herself investigating young-onset Alzheimer's disease. A nursing and care home management background did not prepare Sylvia for the journey ahead. The Rocky Road of Naughty N

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors' Tranquility Press
• Release date: Feb 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781957208923

Sylvia Bryden-Stock

Sylvia Bryden-Stock was born in 1943 in the midst of the second-word war. By the age of six, she had a clear goal of becoming a Qualified Nurse. Health issues challenged this dream but Determination resulted in a successful career and a life journey of experiences which has led to Sylvia living her true life purpose. None more challenging than journeying with her husband who was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Her Nursing and Caring Careers plus Master Coaching skills and deep faith in God's power to help overcome challenges did not fully prepare her for this journey that was to lead to her ultimate purpose - creating Books and other materials specifically for Carers. Helping with the Mental Health Issues of Caring became her passion and the creation of the Carers Coaching Academy. Sylvia strongly believes that life is a journey of experiences from which we grow and learn and find the secret to finding Inner Calm in times of Turmoil.https://carerscoachingacademy.co.uk

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Copyright © 2022 by Sylvia Bryden-Stock.

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THE ROCKY ROAD OF NAUGHTY NEURONS/Sylvia Bryden-Stock

Paperback: 978-1-957208-91-6

eBook: 978-1-957208-92-3

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

FOREWORD

Fate or Co-Incidence

Deceit or Necessary Clarification?

The Nightmare Becomes a Reality

The Journey Begins – Emotions and Frustrations

Coping with Emotions, Frustrations; Letting Go

Brian’s Perspective

Finding the Blessings?

Suddenly the Rocks on the Road Appear

Yes, You Can!!

Get me to the Church on Time

A Scary Honeymoon

Life is Somewhat Settled

Oh my! What is Happening Now? The Blue Badge Scenario

We Did Have Clear Cut Goals!!!

A Holiday – well sort of!!!

A Change in Challenges – Letting Go?

24/7 Care – A Journey of Its Own!

Integration – A Holistic Approach

Some Suggestions from Sylvia

IN SUMMARY

REFERENCES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Firstly, I wish to dedicate this book to my darling husband who so bravely took the diagnosis and the implications of the pending journey. I love you for your approach to this drastic change in our life together.

Thank you to the Consultant Dr. Jonathan Robbin who so sensitively announced the diagnosis and his support with our desire to holistically approach the ensuing journey we faced.

Thank you to the local Alzheimer’s Society who were so supportive as I struggled with researching what I knew one day soon would be Brian’s diagnosis. Also, blessings to you for being there at times when I needed help to cope in the earlier days.

Thank you to Brian’s local G.P. who was always so kind and understanding when we visited for appointments, plus his prompt referral after our first very painful visit. He must have had his own feelings of sadness as he knew Brian for many years because Brian did regular Barn Dances at his son’s school.

Thank you to the family and friends that have been there for us and unquestioningly cared and supported with kind words, encouragement, and healing prayers.

Thanks goes to our Lawyer who so successfully helped us achieve our goal of being married.

Thank you to all the wonderful Staff at Princess Christian Care Home in Knaphill, Surrey who give what I consider 5-star care to my darling husband.

Thank you to the Angels and that God Essence of Sylvia that has helped during some of the darkest moments on this rocky road.

FOREWORD

As the owner of Nursing Homes, I meet people in what is often the most challenging time of their lives, whether it is a resident with Dementia or a relative caring for the person.

I know that no-one aspires to having to consider the being admitted into a Dementia Nursing Home as they live their journey.

Yet the people that work there and the relatives that are involved, do so with huge compassion, bravery, determination, and love.

They can make a huge difference by working together to overcome the challenges, but it can take a huge toll emotionally.

Sylvia’s books are not only a huge help for anyone going through the trauma of losing a loved one to Dementia, but also a valediction of love’s little victories casting light into the darkest of times.

Sylvia is special – She has thrown herself into her husband’s care with all she has, and I wish everyone had a Sylvia to support them. Brian’s journey is brighter because of her.

Nevertheless, my role has taught me that everyone is special! We can all make a difference, and you don’t have to do it alone.

The sequel to this book "The Rocky Road of 24/7 Care is equally inspiring as it expresses the ongoing journey in the Nursing Home, I urge you to not only read her books – But feel them

With love,

Martin Barrett

Managing Director

Nellsar Ltd

INTRODUCTION

Suddenly releasing that your Partner could potentially have Alzheimer’s Disease is majorly impacting, even when we do have a deep spiritual faith and are operating a Holistic Lifestyle as a Transformational Coach and Healer.

Believe me, no matter how much you have learned through life’s experiences and have tools and skills that you share with others seeking to transform their lives, this earthly journey can throw up some very interesting experiences.

Life experiences have much to teach us and enable us to grow within our soul and give greater understanding to what others are going through as they journey through their own challenges.

I recall a time of my life when I volunteered to be the First Aid Nurse for an organisation called Interact based in Walton-on- Thames in Surrey. Every Tuesday at the finish of school both mainstream and learning disability children came together for two and a half hours to participate in drama and music together. Of course, I met the parents of the learning disability children and was in awe of how much love they had for their child. It was evident that there was a good bond between them and some of the parents actually said they would not change things having come through the initial shock after the baby was born.

I was truly humbled by this experience which lasted two and a half years total. Leaving the role due to my Holistic Career taking off was heart wrenching as I had grown to really bond with many of the children and would be greeted every week with big hugs from the Down’s Syndrome children and one epileptic teenager who would throw her arms around me and nearly break my ribs with the power of the hug!

Why do I relate this time in my life? It shows how with inner determination and deep love for someone who develops a very challenging condition you can, find ways to cope with the ups and downs of day-to-day life.

It is important as the Carer to look after oneself and as you journey with Sylvia and Brian through their own journey you will realise how honesty, coupled with our deep love for each other has stood the test of time so far on the Alzheimer’s Path.

You will also see how Sylvia faced her own grief and had to learn to care for herself first to best care for the man she loved and married during the earlier stages of his condition. There is still much to learn about Alzheimer’s, and I will share some thoughts on a Holistic approach to helping someone when diagnosed.

Brian has a unique manifestation of Alzheimer’s disease as he also has been diagnosed with Posterior Cortex Atrophy - more about that in the story; what it is in lay terms and the added challenges it causes.

The objective of this story is to help others as they have to take this tortuous journey. If certain points seem to be repeated throughout it is because they need reinforcing to help you.

There lies deep within all of us the higher self that will guide us through the darkest of experiences. It is by drawing on that part of me on our journey that I have come through thus far developing Strategies of peace and a knowing that I cannot walk my husband’s path for him and neither should I feel guilty about Should I have done any more to hold this journey back?

May our story help you on your journey - as Eckhart Tolle - Author and speaker so aptly put it: -

Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.

CHAPTER 1

Fate or Co-Incidence

It was a typical Sunday evening and Sylvia lived on her own in Woking in a downstairs one-bedroom flat having left her Partner of ten years. There had been an engagement and potentially pending marriage until it was finally realised that his past marriage partner was still in control. The parting of the ways was traumatic, however, with grit and determination Sylvia moved on to focus her attention on work and her Spiritual Calling.

Evenings out to typical Singles Clubs left her totally disillusioned with the opposite sex and thoughts of never meeting someone on the same wavelength seemed almost impossible.

So here we are at 6.15 p.m. contemplating whether to attend the local Spiritualist Church Service only minutes away - or - stay at home. Something within spurred on the decision to go to the service. Quickly Sylvia donned smart clothing and preened herself - makeup and hair to perfection, got in her car and speedily but safely drove the short distance. Just in time it was a back row seat that was left. The Service would involve a visiting speaker and medium who would give inspiring messages from loved ones and the angelic world beyond. This particular night it was a local gentleman and as he walked down to the front of the room and sat down the thought was Cor! He’s nice! Probably married with the statutory 2.8 Kids! I recall him coming to me during his mediumship demonstration and giving me an accurate and encouraging message which also impressed.

At the end of the service tea and biscuits were served. As Sylvia indulged a voice seemed to say to her Go and talk to the Medium (Sylvia also has a gift of channeling and knew it was an inspired thought coming in). Getting up from her seat at the back of the venue Sylvia went down with her cup of tea and sat by the Medium and thanked him for the message. Conversation ensued and Sylvia talked about her own Spiritual gifts she was blessed to work with.

What then followed was what has been described many times since as the best chat up line ever received in Sylvia’s life "You know, us Mediums never seem to