[Bannet]

This is for all you wonderful caregivers! Please, Please, Please don't ignore your own Health

A friend of the family passed away a few days ago at 58 years old.

Linda was the caregiver to her wonderful hubby who has MS and is in a wheelchair.

She was so focused on taking care of her hubby that she ignored symptoms regarding her own health. When she finally went to see her doctor it was already to late. She had cancer and because of her ignoring sx's it had spread like wildfire.

5 months after her dx she passed away leaving her disable husband.

This is going to be a hard long road for her dh because Linda did everything for him.

Please take care of yourselves! You are important too!

[tamiloo]

Such a sad story...thanks for sharing this with us. My Olhipie reminds me all the time to take it easy and to care for myself...he see's to it...thanks again!!

[SandyC]

Oh, how sad. I read the other day that caregivers are dying at a rate faster than the one's they care for. Thanks for the reminder!

[Bannet]

When this happened to our friend, Sandy, I thought of you because I knew you were the caregiver and you do alot for Jim. (He is so lucky to have you)

Just make sure you are getting Well Checks at your docs because you are important too!!!!

[Victor H]

CareGivers should always consider their physical and mental health first,..., above and beyond anything else.

Each CareGiver should have at least one "Spa-Day" and another "Free" day each week. You all deserve time off and should be pampered.

Thanks for the heads-up, Beth.

-Vic

[SandyC]

Beth, I do see the doctor every three months. He does a through exam and takes blood. He's quite the stickler and sometimes I wonder if he's either too laid back or too on top of things? lol Either way, the blood work is getting done and that's a good thing. I also get my mammo's every year as scheduled since I have some issues there and my mom had BC so it's a must. I cannot die on Jim and leave him.

[CrystalSword]

I am caregiver to my husband and I'm glad he is not totally unable to do for himself....he does cook, he knows how to wash a load of clothes....as far as me taking care of myself...that's a joke, right?

I have NO health insurance and make a couple hundred a year too much to qualify for any state aid for medical for me. He has full coverage through SSDI
and a suppliment insurance. I only hope that I am able to be here for him since he no longer drives (his driving is extremely limited, he goes to my mom's two blocks away and my sister's which is two blocks further but driving in traffic really bothers him.)

I do have diagnosed sciatica, aside from that, I just have the normal aches and pains of old age. I have beginning signs of carpel tunnel and arthritis in my hands. (by the way...I'm also 58).