I have been a caregiver for 28 years. I have worked with a diversity of afflictions. Now I find that I am both a patient and a caregiver. I have my first appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon in two days. I have multi-level lateral recess stenosis and sciatica. I take enough medication to knock out a horse. I have found out that I have a birth defect at age 50. That is quite strange. What is even stranger is that this defect is related to dwarfism and I am 6 foot 4 inches tall. Is there any body out there who is a patient and a caregiver?

Yes, I sure am: both. Probably, the most perplexing facet for me is the uncertainty of not knowing how I can provide the best care for another when I am bed-ridden, at times, myself. Still working on resolving the situation, which hasn't hit as hard as it can, yet I know -- as do those closest to me -- that day will come.

In addition to county services being afforded (freely), I've also reached out to neigbhors. I've always been reserved and prefer not asking others for favors. But... when someone else is in need, I haven't hesitated.

As a patient and a care-giver, too: Please take good care of yourself.