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