Living with Huntington's Disease

hello my names michele….im 17 yrs old. 3 yrs ago my mother was diagnosed with HD i have 2 aunts and one uncle that also have it. one aunt recently passed away from it. the HD signs for my mom started when i was about 7 yrs old. she used to hit me…and always fight. all through my childhood…i had to deal with being constantly kicked out of my house..being called names….absolutly everything. at first i didnt understand why my mom hated me so much, but now i do. there sick, and they dont reason. my mom didnt deserve this and neither did i.

ive been dealing with all this pain alone. i have one older sister whom moved to florida right after she got disagnosed. my family never was there. it has only been me and her. i pay the bills…do the groceries….take her to all her appointments etc. ive been doing this since i was 14. in my house im the mom and shes my daughter. her HD has really progressed so much in the last 3 years to the point that my family wants to institutanalize her already….only at 47 years old. i feel like she not ready yet..because shes not that sick yet. but my family thinks otherwise. its just so hard to let her go. i love her so much…..but deep down i know it might be the best decision. in institutions they get the best care. i just want her to live the rest of her life peacefully with out any worries.

dealing with a family member that has been affected my HD isnt easy. im 17 and i feel like im 40…i get anxiety attacks. i have nerve problems. my advice to everybody that has a family member affected my Hd….get help for yourself too. it isnt easy coping with HD. you cant take care of a sick person if your getting sick yourself like i did. —-i love you mom