My Story

Australia, Greece, Australia

Written by enidgamvros

I met Michael, my husband, about 8 years ago on the island of Samos. He was the chef at the taverna we went to. He was great fun, putting on silly wigs and playing his accordian when he had finished cooking.

When we got together he was about to leave Samos to return to Australia where he had lived from the age of 13 until he returned to Greece with his parents.

I followed him there and we were married at Sydney Register Office on 3rd February 2001. After a year in Australia We then returned to Samos as I wanted to be nearer England to visit my children.

During the time we were in Samos he had a number of strokes caused by diabetis not properly managed in the past. On one occasion he had to be flown by helicopter to Athens and I had to go by plane not even knowing what hospital he was being taken to. Fortunately the pilot found out for me.

On our return to Australia due to his declining health (he also had colon cancer and needed three operations for that) he began to behave in odd ways. He couldn't dress himself properly and had very bad mood swings. His memory began to deteriorate. He lived in Sydney for many years but has to depend on me to take him everywhere. He doesn't know where he lives. If anyone asks him his address he does not know it. He once served up porridge instead of rice with a meal. He can never remember where things are and has lost 4 pairs of prescription glasses. He needs them but I have given up buying them for him.

He often puts on my clothes instead of his own. I could go on and on, but we all know these are typical signs of dementia.

I am English and all my family are there. My husband does have a brother and some uncles and cousins here but I feel very worried about the future and very alone.

I am in the process of learning more about the condition and where to find the support we both need.

The road ahead is obviously a very scary one as I am sure it is for all of us and I know I have to learn to be more patient with him. It is very difficult though not to get impatient when he has been told for the umpteenth time not to do something (such as putting weeds in the recycle bin and I have to get them out and put them in the right one.)

I should be very glad to receive some feedback from other carers on how to deal with these annoying things.

Enid Gamvros
Tahmoor, NSW












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