My son's father who is remission for stage four cancer and physically fragile 6'3 ft 110 lbs was just diagnosed with Wet Brain. He appears to be in the stage of Korsakoff's psychosis. He's 36 years old and completely disillusion. His short term memory is completely gone at this point causing him to make up fictional stories that have never happened. I share this because I have a 10 year old son who has already been on an emotional roller coaster thinking his dad is going to die of cancer, now I have to figure out how to share the news about this new condition.
From what I read, the odds of recovery in this stage are very slim. Any insight, resources, and or experience shared. I am in my 10th month of recovery in AA myself so I understand the complexity of alcoholism. Figuring out how to move through this with my son is a heartbreaking experience.
Welcome to the site sh0716....That's a heartbreaking post to read. First I want to congratulate you on your 10 months in recovery. I haven't been put through anything as extreme as that....But when I am faced with a rough situation I have to have complete reliance on God. I let God do for me what I can't do for myself. This is only a result from living the principles of the 12 steps....To the best of my ability. I don't know where you are in your recovery. But I would lean on whatever Higher Power you have....I'd lean on trusted friends you have in AA....And I would pray on that. I'll send a few myself. I'm so sorry for what you are going through....Maybe someone here has some kind of experience with something like that...There are some good people here....And I'm glad you found us.
My son's father who is remission for stage four cancer and physically fragile 6'3 ft 110 lbs was just diagnosed with Wet Brain. He appears to be in the stage of Korsakoff's psychosis. He's 36 years old and completely disillusion. His short term memory is completely gone at this point causing him to make up fictional stories that have never happened. I share this because I have a 10 year old son who has already been on an emotional roller coaster thinking his dad is going to die of cancer, now I have to figure out how to share the news about this new condition.
From what I read, the odds of recovery in this stage are very slim. Any insight, resources, and or experience shared. I am in my 10th month of recovery in AA myself so I understand the complexity of alcoholism. Figuring out how to move through this with my son is a heartbreaking experience.
Stick with your sponsor and the trusted oldtimers in your group. They will help you through this.
Pray, consult and move forward with love and humility. I always wanted to do the right thing but didn't know how .. and got frustrated.
The program of AA and the people in the fellowship of AA can be a life-saving resource to help you stay sober through this.
But for guidance and advice and support to help your family deal with this situation, you should also get assistance from those who are trained in this.
For example, the medical staff or medical facility that diagnosed your husband should be able to refer you to support groups, counselors and other resources for the families of people who are facing these types of situations.
You might consider throwing in an alanon meeting like 1 time a week at least for now too. That would help you a lot. Talk to your sponsor about it and see if they agree.
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that has got to be a very hard situation.very good for ya to be reaching out! this is just my opinion:
I see no need for your son knowing about the wet brain. I know the program teaches us rigorous honesty, but I don't feel it should be at the cost of causing someone else pain. communicate with your son but it just doesn't seem right to mention the wet brain. ask God for guidance.
and keep the line of communication open with God and others in recovery.
Welcome sh0716, ... WOW, what a heart crushing experience to be going through ... there have been some very good replies to your post already, and I have little to add other than you and your son and his dad will be in my prayers too ...
It's been my experience that 10 y/o's can be very 'intuitive' ... I doubt you'll need to explain things to him the next time he visits his dad ... I think the most difficult question will be on the order of ... why? ... ... ... whatever happens, just don't drink ... stick with the program winners, the old timers will coach you through this ... and we, here at MIP can also help if nothing more than lending an ear ...
God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Aloha Sho and welcome to the board. Pinkchip had a good suggestion with the Alateen message. Look in the white pages of your local telephone book for the Al-Anon hotline and call the number...see if they mention the availability of Alateen. Alateen is a 12X12 support program for children of alcoholics and while the recommended start age is 12 I've known of younger members who got help from the affects of living with an alcoholic and within the disease. Also the Al-Anon suggestion is a good one as the Al-Anon groups usually have a good supply of literature available some addressed to children. Congratulations on your own recovery. Keep coming back. ((((hugs))))
