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My journey began nearly 9 yrs ago. I’m at a stage where I feel so alone, my life is not my own. How does this continue

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You are new to the Forum, D. And I welcome you.
In many instances it doesn't continue, because it cannot.
Everyone has a breaking point when limitations are ignored.
I hope you will learn a lot on this Forum, and share a lot, and I hope you will find help here when you have a specific question we might assist you with.

Meanwhile, again I welcome you and hope you will read on in the threads. I think you will at the very least feel less alone and isolated in your caregiving.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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Right there with you, Debray. It's so isolating, even if you still go to work. Your constantly subsumed by "what's going on now", "what is the patient's mental and physical status today", "what supplies do I need", "what food will she eat (appetite and acceptable foods change daily)". At this point you have given up your life and some days it difficult to imagine how long you can hold on to your health and sanity. There's never a day off, there's never anyone else because the patient wants you always. You never get a chance to get away and your home has become your prison. I don't know if I can offer you anything positive other than this: know you are not alone, there ARE others in the same place as you. But keep visiting this site; others here will understand. Some days it's the only thing that gets me through. Hugs to you!
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Reply to Tynagh
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It continues until the one you're caring for dies, or until you decide that enough is enough and the person you're caring for hires either in-home help or gets placed in the appropriate facility.
And since you've not provided any helpful information as to what exactly your situation is, we are limited in what we can respond.

I was a caregiver for my late husband for 24 1/2 years of our 26 year marriage, and the most important thing I learned in my journey was that I mattered too, and that it was important that I get out and do things that I enjoyed so I wouldn't lose myself and feel all alone.
Finding a local caregiver support group was very helpful for me as well, as knowing that you're not alone in what you're going through is beyond helpful.
So make sure that you're getting out and doing things you enjoy, lunch with friends, going to church, or just taking a walk around the neighborhood. You will feel much better once you start making yourself a priority too.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Debray , That’s a long time. I hope your ordeal ends soon for you and yiu are free to live your life unencumbered by caregiving. There is not much else to hope for when you are in this type of situation.

In the meantime do one nice thing each day — no matter how small it may seem —for yourself . It will help.

(((hug)))
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Reply to Hothouseflower
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Hang in there Debray. I've been caring for family members all my adult life - I'm 68 now. Difference now is that I'm retired - no longer raising two sons alone and working full-time while trying to care for someone - Thank Goodness! Try to create some peace for yourself - say with meditation, painting, walking (I have to walk inside our home - because Dad can no longer be left alone), gardening - something you find interest in, crochet, puzzles - something. I wake up every morning and tell myself to make today a better day. Doesn't always turn out that way but I keep going. Meditation has helped me tremendously. No one is coming to save us - so we have to do it for ourselves and We/You can. Find a way to create some peace in your life, even if for 10 minutes a day while they sleep. My Best to You. Take care - You've got this keep going.
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Reply to Mamacrow
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Hi debray, many of understand that feeling here.

Let us know more of your situation.

Who are you caring for a parent?

There age? And health issues?

Your age?

Does your loved one live with you?

All things that would be helpful, to help you figure this out.

I suspect you are at the end of your rope.
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Reply to Anxietynacy
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Only you have the power to break free. Need more info on your situation
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Reply to lkdrymom
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