This seems to be a question that is not asked enough or we think what we are feeling is not as important as what our loved one is going through. This job we have taken on is a tough one and there are days when I think my "stress rope" cannot be pulled any tighter. Then there are other times that make those bad days just a memory. Do you feel like banging your head against a wall one day? And then the next day your loved one is attentive and loving and comprehends whatever you say? There are some who keep those feelings bottled up within themselves; others take the time for outside resources and others who look at sites such as this for some understanding. I do better when I have someone else to bounce my feelings off of. Let's face it....we aren't superhuman and besides ourselves and perhaps a family to take care of we now have taken on the responsibility of another human who is incapable of taking care of themselves. Do you breeze through the care giving without a problem? If so, I would like to know how you do it, maybe you can offer some new ideas; do you have feelings of frustration and need to talk about those? Come and talk and know that you can speak freely and without judgement and without finger pointing.
I am caring for my mother-in-law and have been for about 1 1/2 years. She has moderate dementia and incontinence. Other than that she is very healthy. Sometimes that short amount of time feels like 10 years and I wonder how long I will be able to do this job. I get so very tired of hearing the same thing day in and day out, but I have to remind myself that to her, each time she sees me, she is offering new information. At times I have no problems communicating with her, but it seems like more and more she cannot retain a thought longer than 5 minutes. We have had to make signs for her so she will know what she can and cannot do. So far it's working, but for how long? Maybe I will have to end up making her a "Book of Do Nots". She is on memory drugs, which don't seem to make a difference. So why do I continue to dole them out to her? I guess I'm afraid of what might happen or how she might act without them. I might have to rent a boat or buy a helmet! Sometimes I see something in her that leads me to believe that she could get aggressive and what would be my reaction to that? At the end of each and every day, after she is tucked into bed, I breathe such a sigh of relief. The "inner beast" is quiet at last, or at least for a few hours.
Pull up a chair and visit........I would like to know how you are coping everyday..be it good or with handfuls of stress.
Oh joy the cleaning lady comes tomorrow...good thing I have the morning to get the house clean before she comes! Hahahahahaha
Jam- Now i am going to be checking out this commercial. I haven't seen it yet and I'm sure i will be thinking of you jumping his bones. Haha
Vic- Glad that God knows whats in our hearts... Hugs!
Ros- I'm glad that you don't have any gas near by sweetie. You know we love you!!! And we are here for you!!!! ((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))))
Asg-Wish i could hug you too!!!! I'm glad that someone feels the same way i do. And that way i won't think i am going crazy, well maybe i am and i just don't know it yet....
Oh have any of ya'll heard from emjo and shawna on here lately? I still have yet to see either one of them post anything in awhile...
Love and hugs stormyyyy
You are still our sweet Tina, at least the more tired and grumpy we become the dark side of our humor emerges to keep us from totally going over the edge...
So new posters, you'll eventually feel comfortable enough to let us see that side of you.....
And Tina all you and Stormy were doing was being honest about how you feel.... nothing wrong with that.....
A major storm coming in.... it's like spring here and the wind is blowing so hard the GoWW is rockin' and rollin'.... I'm about to be seasick......
love you all, hugs and angels.....
I don't know ASG, but my hunk looks to have blue eyes and killer dimples.....Target has green eyes......course years ago when that beard and hair were still dark and he wore blue scrubs...ooh lala.....his eyes got very blue....:) COW PATTIE!!!!!!!
ladee had a Jerry Lewis Syndrome going on.........hope things have settled down for you. Did you find Diva?
My world is just starting to wake up here so no news to report this morning. Wanted to let everyone know I'm thinking of you today and will check back in later.
Happy Trails,
Jam
CALGON, TAKE ME AWAY.......... FAR, FAR, FAR AWAY. WHERE NO ONE CAN FIND ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm thinking about entering the witness protection program. Anybody know WHO i need to contact???????? love and hugs stormyyy
Burned, sorry you are having to go thru all this crap just to be able to still be employed and keep a roof over ya'll's head...... prayers for you....
We got some major rain and wind this morning....don't even want to think about this spring.....
ttyl, hugs....