How common does the primary caregiver forget to take care of themselves? I just got home from my cardiology appointment.

Personally it has been less about finding the time and more about a loss of trust in the medical profession and an ambivalence about the value of self care - what, I want to live to 100?

Needhelp, it is extremely common for caregivers to take care of everyone BUT THEMSELVES! I think it’s the nature of the beast. I can kind of relate to this because as stay at home mom managing the schedules of 3 other people, I put myself on the back burner. Seems like every time I make an appointment for myself, I have to cancel it because my husband has something come up & he won’t be able to take the kids to school for me. Or pick them up. I’ve been neglecting 2 broken molars and again—I am putting myself on the back burner because my husband just paid $800 for a root canal and next week will get a crown which comes with another $1800 bill. Next month my daughter gets braces which will cost us $4500 after insurance! When it comes to my health, I continually find myself putting it off! Either the money can be used on something else or there other appointments for the rest of the family. I spend all this time making sure they are taken care of and I just forget about myself! It’s not the same as being primary caregiver to an aging ailing parent but still, I understand how easy it is to forget to take care of yourself!

You’ve got to listen to your body and take care of yourself too!! You don’t want your mom to outlive you, do you? Use the respite hours to take time to yourself-go to the doctor, go to the dentist, get a massage or a pedicure. Do something that takes your attention away from your mon. Your body is telling you something so listen to it :)

i am glad you liked the new doctor. It is hard to find a doctor you are comfortable with.

Thanks Cali and cwille. We do put ourselves behind our kids too. Yeah, good points. Wow! A lot of money for braces! All medical costs are skyrocketing!

Hey, cwille. My friend who switched from being a prosecuting attorney to working in the malpractice field for doctors would agree with you! That’s one reason why we pay so much for care, to cover their malpractice insurance costs. Interesting, huh?

He is actually filthy rich defending these doctors! Says he makes a lot more than he did as a prosecutor.

Silent heart attacks -- what a frightening concept! I'm glad to hear you have a good doctor on your team to help you start safeguarding YOUR health. Kudos to you for being proactive.

Thanks Snoopy. Appreciate it.

See NHWM you made it to your appt. You would be amazed on how just a few small changes can change your health. You took the first step. You stated "our bodies are fascinating." They are! Did you know that the body can heal itself on the inside?

I am proud of you for going to see a Cardiologist. I know it was scary for you.

I may seem selfish, but I always take care of myself. I wasn't always that way, but I went through an illness for almost 10 yrs after that now I make sure I get what I need even if that means putting myself in time out. I live by the old saying, "you can't take care of anybody if you don't take care of yourself first."

Do you have a plan on how you can relieve some stress from your body and life?

Just take baby steps is a good start:)

I had to learn that the hard way, as I expect most people do!

Raised 5 kids basically alone in a 1700 sf home (DH is a great provider, but has to travel, so he is gone about 75% of the time, leaving me with the bulk of, well, everything.) We were packed in here like sardines.

At age 40 I had a complete mental/physical breakdown after an emergency gallbladder removal. I had put aside how incredibly sick I was, losing 40 lbs in 4 months and vomiting up even cold water for months--and not even thinking it could have been something serious b/c I was a MOM and Dh's company was in the midst of a hostile takeover of another company---very stressful time. I actually had to schedule a morning with him to take me to the ER as I was unable to stop throwing up long enough to drive myself.

Turned out to be pretty darn serious, the gallbladder was necrotic and pouring poison into my body, and had been for ages. Had emergency surgery and all was 'well'......but didn't recover. Panic attacks, depression, anxiety 24/7, unable to sleep and DH telling me everyday I HAD to get better, he didn't have time to fuss me. He's not the world's most patient guy.

About 3 weeks post op, I decided I better kill myself, it seemed like the best option. (This is how sick I was, it truly, on all levels, seemed like the right thing to do).

Told my hubby and he FREAKED. A short stay in the hospital and the dx of 'total psychotic break' was dxed. Medication, therapy, etc all followed.

I was told it would take a year to 'heal'. Couldn't believe that because I am TOUGH...but in fact, it took longer. I still get 'tweaky' and I know that means I am overdoing.

Since that time, we have dealt with Primary Liver Cancer (DH) his liver transplant, a post op infection that nearly killed him, all 5 kids getting married, DH's stroke, Dh's horrific motorcycle wreck (should have died) and last summer, DH had 2 major heart attacks, again, a miracle he lived.

So--life has remained and always will be stressful.

My go to?
Sleep. In my own, dark, quiet bedroom.

My psych doc gives me Seroquel and it knocks me out. I cannot fall asleep on my own, since the initial breakdown, and we've tried everything. Turns out 50 mgs of Seroquel will give me a solid night sleep. And honestly? Some days I give up about 2 or 3 and take one and go to bed.

I take a low dose antidepressant. A benzodiazepine for anxiety as needed and the Seroquel to help with sleep.

The stress? I can't control that. People who 'annoy me' or are time/energy sucks just don't get a place in my life. That sounds selfish, but I do a LOT of compassionate service and I do a lot with my 14 grandkids.

Telling my DH "no" I will not got to his Mother's anymore has been terrific. She was a HUGE stressor. She's his problem now, not mine.

Baby steps. I'm 63, semi retired and just realizing NOW how much I have given, given, given to others.

And truly, NOBODY cares for me, but me. I don't have a 'fussy husband' and I never expected he would be that way.

I have to accept that I have worn myself out in service, and then I'm no good to anyone.

Just recently stepped OUT of a bad situation with a neighbor who uses people up and tosses them aside. Reminded me of my limits.

I do what I feel I can and should. I do what I can with love, and when I can't...I know it's time to step out.

Good for you! You went, even though there was trepidation.

It is common not to put our own needs on the list of priorities.
You count too!

You are a giver. That is a wonderful thing. It’s time to make yourself a recipient of your caring.

Make sure to do something nice (and relaxing for yourself every day). Spoil yourself with kindness - so you have the energy to take care of everyone else.

Thanks, A caring daughter. I like this answer a lot. I am seriously going to try to follow through with your advice.

One thing my cardiologist told he during my visit that I found very comforting was, “Baby steps unto you are strong again.” So, Yeah I think I can incorporate kindness for myself into my day. This really helps me to move forward. I appreciate your message.

SendHelp,

Thanks. Believe me, I felt like canceling. I go to so many freakin doctor appointments with mom that the last thing I feel like doing is going to my own doctor even if I know it is best. Hey, I would rather go to my favorite coffee house and savor a cup of coffee.

While I was waiting to see my heart specialist, my nurse from my primary doctor calls my cell and tells me my labs were off. So change in meds and back to primary doctor in six weeks. Never ends, does it? I will make it, just sick of these bumps in the road.

I appreciate your support.

MidKid,

First of all, a million hugs! There is so much to learn from you. I appreciate everything you have to say. You’ve been on a long winding road, my friend.

You may have psychically and emotionally broken down but I have to tell you that I see one very strong woman that I gain strength from. You have inspired me and many others on this forum. You can’t deny your comeback, MidKid. That didn’t happen on it’s own. You are a fighter! A champion in my opinion, lots of people survive but they aren’t champs like you. I sincerely mean that.

The awareness that you gained from your struggles and heartbreaks is remarkable. I truly appreciate the kindness in your heart to share your experiences with others. I thank you and I know many others do as well.

Shell, Thank you.

Yes, I had a talk with mom about my health. She was understanding. Afterwards I saw her praying the rosary. I know she was saying it for me. I smiled. I don’t turn down anyone’s prayers.

I was thinking about returning to my adoration chapel for an hour a week. I used to enjoy that time. My church has a sign up sheet where we sign up for one hour at the time to pray for others. It is open 24 hours a day.

The goal from our pastor is, someone praying around the clock for needs of those in our parish. I actually love that. We have reached the goal and if someone has to drop that hour, a notice is placed in the bulletin to fill it.

It’s a beautiful chapel, gorgeous mosaic tile, candles, bibles and other spiritual literature. I love reading about Mother Teresa’s experiences. She herself started her day with chapel so she could fuel herself with the spiritual nourishment needed to fulfill her purpose.

We have a prayer request book and a testimony book. I love reading them both. I realize I miss that time to meditate and how I had more peace when I went to chapel. So, that’s one thing I am going to do.

I am going to try and walk outside some days to be in nature instead of riding my exercise bike all the time.

One thing I am not sure how to deal with but if you can help me or anyone chime in, I’d appreciate it. I just really struggle with mom’s negativity.

I do my best to be positive and she zaps me every time! I guess I need coaching on how to be a better cheerleader for her. Or maybe I am not seeing something.

I’m not looking for perfection. I honestly don’t like perfectionist. They make themselves and others miserable. I think that is one of mom’s issues. She was a perfectionist and was so talented in many areas and it’s depressing for her not being able to feel good about herself. I do understand that but she’s 93!

It’s not like I don’t understand her frustrations. God knows she has reasons to be frustrated. We all do. I wonder if a healthy balance can be achieved. That’s all I really want. Not perfection, a healthy balance in our lives.

cwille,

If you do make it to 100 would you want a big party if you were in good health? When my husband’s great grandma made it to 100 the family had a huge party with a band, great food, huge cake. It was fun! She loved it. She was a tiny little woman didn’t even use a cane and was dancing to the music!

She had no cognitive decline whatsoever. She knew everything going on! She had 12 children, a couple of miscarriages. She named her children after her favorite characters in her novels that she read. Okay, with 12 kids where do you find time to read? Haha

My mom lived to be 99. Her aunt lived to 102 or 103? My mother's mom lived to her early 90's (perhaps she may have lived longer if she hadn't broken her hip) so the odds are high that I will live a long life. Of the three only my grandmother kept her mind until the end. You joined after my caregiving days were waning so you don't know my mother's story but no, just ... no.

cwille,

Wow, long lives! I just can’t imagine living to that age. I don’t know how I feel about it.

That's good that you like your Dr.☺. I hope the tests turn out well for you. Let us know please✌.

Thanks Tiger,

I appreciate it. Will give an update as I go along.

It happens quite a bit: A ex-neighbor of mine used to take care of his father before he got a paid caregiver...He put on a lot of weight and ended up being borderline diabetic. He, then, made the decision to get a paid caregiver and go on a diet. He ended up losing a significant amount of weight and was no longer diabetic.

Anonymous,

Wow, amazing isn’t it? I am glad that his health improved.

Currently there. I live with my mother. I'm an only child. I suffer from anxiety and depression. My cousin was helping me take my mother to appointments but has recently ghosted us (specifically me she's pissed at). My father died suddenly at 69, 3 years ago. My mother (who was 10 years older than him) has been in the hospital 3 times since then and has fallen 4 times in the house (3 times sleeping at the kitchen table and falling off). My PTO time is being used for her (New job not eligible for FMLA yet). Her belligerence causes me a lot of stress. Constant repeating of things causes my blood pressure to rise (ex: 30 years she's a diabetic and every day she asks me why she has to take her blood sugar before she eats -why she has to take humalog - why she has to go to a follow up appointment with her new PCP, why she has to have certain tests etc.)

Dr tested my blood pressure which has been elevated recently (wants to jump and put me on meds even though he's only seen me once). I never feel like eating (cereal is my go to), I'm tired all the time as I work 40 hours per week. I cancel dr appointments for myself all the time especially if she has a few in one week as I feel like I'm taking too much time off.

I lose PTO time if she's late for them and they cancel her on the spot. (she has some idea that since she's 82 she's entitled to be late and they will take her). She gets pissed when I'm pissed that I lose the PTO time I set aside for her as I could have used it for myself and my appts. She will wait until the last minute to get ready (that doesn't even include a shower as she's fighting me on taking them) and that doesn't leave time for the slow walk to the car, the 30-40 minute drive and the slow walk into the office. Yelling doesn't work to get her moving to leave the house; it only makes her play the victim. The kicker was last year I had surgery for my ear (I had a virus and lost my hearing in my left ear for a few months). A friend of mine took me as I have no one else to help me. After general anesthesia and pain in my left ear from the surgery, I came home and she didn't even ask how I was feeling and expected me to wait on her that evening. Funny enough she will text me constantly about anything, but when I was home that day, no calling my cell to see if I needed anything or how I was feeling. Life had to go back to normal.

I'm tired and I hate my life. I never pictured 20-30 years ago It would be this.

Cdkskully,

Preaching to the choir! Oh God, do I feel your pain! I lost my appetite too. My blood pressure is not stable. Doubled my meds awhile back and it’s still high.

It’s the stress. I hate the constant repetition of everyday too.

Cdkscully,

You are not alone. I hate my life as well. I would have never thought that I would be back in my childhood home taking care of a person who didn't take care of me. And yes, it sucks!