Why do I have a file full of scripts for tests, bloodwork, MRI etc for myself? I go to the doctor but never follow thru. However, mom is up to date on everything! I just ran into a neighbor/caregiver who lost her mom last year. She told me within 3 months of her mom passing away she began having serious health issues. She said she just fell apart. I just can't seem to find time with work, kids, caring for mom.
Like you, I let my own checkups slide. I was fortunate not to encounter anything horrible, but I did contract an autoimmune situation - very common in caregivers. All any of us can say is that you MUST find time to follow up on your own care. Hire respite care for your mom, take sick leave from work, whatever you must do, you need to take care of yourself. If you don't and you get sick, who will take care of all the people you take care of now?
You are as important as they are. Please follow through on your own healthcare, too, before you have something that will take over your life - and theirs.
Carol
I too let all my doctors appts and upkeep of my health slide and went downhill. I am still 10 pds underweight. I got sick all of the time, my allergies got worse, I had emotional breakdowns, I never followed up with doctors appts myself. Until..... I had to hire CG to help me out with Mom and Dad not only for upkeep shopping of the house, etc....but so that I can follow up with my own doctors appts. I know that you've probably heard this a million times, but you cannot keep taking care of Mom if you don't take care of yourself. You must MAKE the time to follow up on your doctors appts, not only for your Mom, but for yourself and your children. Your children need you healthy and strong. Think of them if you have difficulty thinking of yourself. You may end up in hospital sooner than Mom if you don't, then where will your children and Mom be without you?
Hire CG for those times that you must see the doctors. Please, please take care of yourself and get to those doctors appts!!
window. I have been caring for Mother for close to 9yrs I shut down for one whole month thot I was dieing stayed in the bed, got thru that then went to ER for emergency gallbladder removal had to have Mother go to other family in other city for 2 weeks, she just passed Oct 4 so now I can breathe so relieved but please get help somewhere, there's more help now than ever & PRAY,PRAY,PRAY I am prayin for all you caregivers out there you are making God smile
1. Find support – Don't shy away from asking for support, when needed.
2. Recognize the signs of stress – You set your own limits.
3. Get help.
4. Be kind and patient with yourself.
5. Take care of your body.
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