caring for the caregiver

[kitten]

living with 2 chronically ill people in the house is a challenge.
There are times when it seems that each day is robotic and just about getting through it and going back to bed at whatever time I get finished. There are times when the joy of small successes are paramount to everything else.

There are times when running away would be nice. So, I do.
temporarily.

I run to this chat room, I run to my favorite chair on the back porch, I run to the coffee shop and allow myself to spend $4 on coffee and feel so decadent.

Please if you are a caregiver in any form - don't forget to take care of yourself, too.

hugs all around,

[Bicuriousity]

I can see how things would be best taken one day at a time. Do you find time to exercise and take care of your own needs. This is important to avoid burnout.

I get the feeling of burnout from my job quite frequently due to the long hours. I have been trying to exercise and sleep more regularly and i am watching more comedy.

[nakedkite]

I can understand and appreciate your position as my wife has MS and her well being is my responsibility. She is not as bad off as many but the day to day challenges do tend to wear one down. I always try to remember that while it can be a strain on me it is her that is truely suffering and my lot in all of this in comparrison is minor. Escape however and whenever you can as your sanity needs to be protected. Seek plerasures of the mind and body when possible.:)

all my best
Kiteflyer

[open2both]

Everybody... GIVE IT UP FOR THE CAREGIVERS!
They're soooo vital and worth their weight in gold!
As a disabled man I can't express how much caregivers have enhanced my life. (The good ones, anyway)
Kitten, bless you and enjoy yourself.
:):tongue::flag2:

[kitten]

Thank you for such warm responses and for the support. I appreciate that very much!

as always, hugs-

[Realist]

Kitten, I salute you! I know exactly where you're coming from.

I took care of my mother for the last two years of her life. Riddled with arthritis and deteriorating bones, she also suffered with Alzheimer's. She didn't know who I was, or my sister....she didn't even know who she was. It was pitiful.

There were days I thought I'd go crazy, then I'd think..."Who'd take care of her, if I wasn't here?"

She died in her sleep one night...finally at rest.

I'm glad I was here for you, Mom!

[onewhocares]

Kitten,

I do know the challenges of caring for a loved one. My mom came to live with us two years ago next month while she underwent chemo and radiation. Her treatment ended in September 2009 and she is still here. While she is much stronger, we are here with her, it can be a challenge.

My aunt, who was supposed to have come to live with us, took care of her mother and father and basically gave up her life to care for them. I used to make sure that she came to our house for dinner, or go out just to try and keep her sane. In the end she ended up going to a nursing home as I was not medically qualified to take care of her.

Kudos to you for being a kind and loving caregiver.

Belle

[Vikkster230]

My hubman cares for me on the crappy weather days and my hip and back want me to walk around like I'm 98 with diaper rash. I couldn't imagine how I could get out of a chair, let alone survive without his kindness, generosity, and compassion.

Thank you Kitten an the other caregivers out there. Life for us who need it wouldn't really have that much of one without you and your support!!!:tong:

[Cherokee_Mountaincat]

As a semi-disabled person, I send Kudo's and hugs to you, Kitten-Honey. Come on out to the campout with us, and run away for a while with a bunch of crazy people..lol
I'll save a spot at the fire for ya next to handsome men, and beautiful women. ;)
Cat

[kitten]

I think I can consider myself hugged which is just what I needed!

Thanks everyone!