Follow
Share
Read More
This discussion has been closed for comment. Start a New Discussion.
Find Care & Housing
I'm getting over having a stomach virus. I'm not surprised that I got sick. It's been a busy week with work and taking care of Mom. I'm feeling better today and a family friend is taking care of her all day. She had appointments 2 days in a row. One of them was for a PET scan and an MRI. We were there for 4 hours. The rest of the family thought we were in and out and that we were late getting home because we went out to eat or shopping. Lol! I wish! The next day she had and appointment to get the results. I was a wreck because we were kept waiting almost an hour past her appt. time and I was afraid the we were going to get bad news. Both tests were negative thank goodness.
(2)
Report

3am...and he's talking and accusing, lecturing... I need my sleep...going try...
(1)
Report

Book -yes make plans to get away for even a few days -you need it and deserve it-I am so sorry your Dad is such a mean man. Afew days away would help you tons right now.
(1)
Report

OMG Mom does not like that my daughter is getting all the attention today.. She's driving me crazy... She's acting like a spoiled child.. I'm just ignoring her...
(1)
Report

Assa, so sorry you didn't get to be with your daughter today.... this job sucks so bad sometimes...... and ya, ignore her...... I feel bad for you that there is that added stress for you today... hope your daughter is doing ok..... sending you lots of hugs and prayers for 'ears that can't hear nonsense'....
(0)
Report

LadeeM this job sucks all the time! LOL
(1)
Report

Assandy, I had to chuckle at your mother being jealous of your daughter's attention. That is just like how my father is when people make me laugh. He doesn't want me to laugh - only by him. If a family member makes me laugh, he becomes verbally abusive/mean to me in front of them. It got to the point that they try not to make me laugh when in his presence.

I went to the caregiver's monthly meeting today. A friend told me that if a cg doesn't attend these meetings, the program will not provide respite for them. These meetings are for the cg - and we need to support it by attending these meetings. So, I finally went today - since I'm off. We had bead-making activity for bracelets. I made a colorful one with my favorite color - purple. Since I'm thin, I had small beads in purple, and red, oriental blue.

The beadshop also provides massages. It was covered by the caregiver program but I didn't take advantage of it. I did get a card because the masseuse told me that she does have clients who are very ticklish. She charges a regular massage of $10 for 10 minutes. or $45.00 for 30 minutes. I'm seriously thinking of using her services for my constant neck and shoulder pains. If you want the deeper massage, it costs more. Next month's caregiving meeting will be on Physical Therapy. I work that day. So, I'm going to see if I can get my 1 week off around that time. Except the 17th is close to GRT payment which is by the 20th. So, I need to figure out how to do this.
(0)
Report

When I got the option to get fulltime work at my parttime job I told my brother well u wanted me to work more so now you are going to need to step up and take care of mom along with her caregiver. I know he won't think of things to help him so now i'm just giving him "chores". If he complains I don't care anymore I tell him I live with her you always get the option of going home. I dont regret caring for her Im just not going to be dumped on by my siblings anymore.

Book...i'm sorry about your siblings sounds like they are just like mine. My sister lives a few hours away and were able to get with her family with mom for easter. But most of the time noone is around the just know i'm here so they think they have no worries. I put updates on facebook for my mom and mostly its just certain friends i know that even comment and funny its never my family. I have tried for years to change them but its all wasted energy. When I was a teenager I remember my father telling me my siblings are lazy and selfish...guess he knew his kids well. My sister's inlaws are getting dementia now and she is in denial. Says its just being forgetful but i think she will have a rude awakening soon. I also understand about the pampers/depends. My mom goes through several a day now, she keeps putting them on inside out too which leaves the padding on the outside. You need to plan your trips give you a break. Going to work is my break right now. Everytime I plan a trip something happens to cancel it unfortunately. Hugs!!
(2)
Report

Chrissy I feel your pain! They just know I'm here!
(0)
Report

Well ya'll... going to the Dr. Monday... pretty sure I have Parkinsons..... deep sigh..... have all the symptoms and all the jerking and twitching is getting on my nerves..... I wanted to quit work, but not like this..... so will let ya'll know.... I'm not even scared... isn't that sad.... too f**king tired to be scared...
(0)
Report

Jealousy, rears it's ugly head sometimes with my Mom too. A few weeks ago, she thought the agency caregiver was a girlfriend of mom's husband. I had to laugh, though mom was quite serious, but not too terribly upset. Had to tell her what would that cute young blonde want with an old guy like him! LOL!
(2)
Report

Chrissy, thanks. All I can say about sister's inlaws signs of dementia - karma. Let's see if Your sister will step up for her in-laws what she wouldn't do for her parent. My oldest bro was like that. He bought a car for his wife's brother who was caregiving his wife's parents. They took out loans for his wife's side. He helped with his wife's parents' house/yard what he wouldn't do with ours. His wife's family meant something to him, while his own parents and siblings meant nothing. I'm soooo curious how your sister will react now.
(2)
Report

LadeeM, I somehow did not see your post. Before AC upgraded their system, when I hit on the News Feed, "Caregiver How are YOU", It usually opens to the last page I was reading. With the new upgrade, it seems to get stuck on comments several pages ago (example comments 18350-18359) for several days. Or, it would open to the last comment made on the thread. When I backtrack, I find commentors that I did not see earlier.

I'm sorry about your suspicions of Parkinson. I sometimes watch my finger twitch all by it's own. Twice when I was driving, I suddenly realized that my head was swinging left and right as I was driving. Unnerved me - but not enough to go see the doc. I only panicked when one of my eyes would start twitching uncontrollably. I was going to clinic for that when SIL said that it's normal. That that's what happens when you're stressed out. So, I never went and got checked. Anyway, I did see a neurologist when I thought I was gettind demetia due to my forgetfulness.

Since you've been an experienced caregiver for about 30 years, I'm sure you recognize the signs. wow.... (as in unbelievable)... You will update us, right? {{{HUGS}}} of support.
(2)
Report

Yes Book, I'll let ya'll know.... it may not be this at all, but too many symptoms to ignore any longer.... the twitches and spasms are just getting on my nerves... especially when I am sculpting.... my hand jerks and shakes and I have a gnome head with a huge gash in its face !!! Guess there would be a market for such ghoulish crap, but not my thing.... lol
(1)
Report

LadeeM I hope you get a clean bill of health from Dr.. I'm sending a huge hug and will be with you in heart my AC friend.. Hugs..
(1)
Report

LadeeM, I sure hope that your symptoms are a result of just plain old stress and not as you suspect. I really enjoy your posts. I only wish you were near me to help with my Mom. I'd pay you a decent wage and would treat you kindly. Wishing you good news and sending you hugs. I usually just read posts, but you are a competent, warm hearted caregiver.
(2)
Report

Dear Ladee M don't give up yet. I just did a search on parkinsonlike symptoms and found 11 other diseases with similar symptoms. Some of which are just as scary as Parkinsons or even worse but others could provide a not so bad explanation.How about Hypothyroid? Doesn't that sound better? You are overweight and tired all the time, is your hair thining too? Run with that.
the rest of the list is
Liver disease ? due to the alcohol
Brain infection
Brain tumor
Stroke
Carbon monoxide poisoning
Heavy metal poisoning
Psychiatric disease
Essential tremor disorder
Progressive supraneulear palsy
It may be time to give up caregiving but it certainly isn't time to give up on life.
oh yes and # 12 would be the side effects of certain medications
Love and hugs
(3)
Report

LadeeM is a TOUGH OLD BROAD. Ain't nothing gonna stop her! Prayers and love my dear friend.
(2)
Report

Really hope you get good news LadeeM...like was said before lot's of things can give some of the same symptoms...there are meds to slow down the progression too depending on age...MIL was diagnosed at 91...there had been symptoms before but I didn't recognize them, nor had her doctor.
Still waiting on the carpet...hope to get it installed next week. Went and ordered an OLD PEOPLES BED today...thermopedic and raises up and down like a hospital bed...hope elevating the head a little helps with heartburn...(as would staying away from spicy foods...what fun would that be) has a wooden frame so I won't have to mess with a bed skirt (hate those things) and can still use my old hand carved Indian screen for a headboard...one word to describe my mood today would be IMPATIENT...come on carpet!
(2)
Report

Veronica... hmmmmm, I have essential tremor...and have wondered about how long I have been on anti's.... so hopefully it is not what I am thinking it is.... it's getting bad is all I know.. and clumsy.... my lord... I am stumbling all the time... well, not stumbling exactly, just loosing my balance....having to stagger to get my balance.....but I do know that I do not have insurance or extra money for any extensive tests... so if my Dr doesn't know, then oh well, just have to continue stumbling thru life and shaking my way to the future...

Ahhh Bonni, ya, I'm a tough old broad.... but this is wearing me out, what ever it is..... hopefully something simple and treatable.... I have noticed that I am a lot more rested today so the symptoms aren't as bad....just know that whatever it is, I have to find out and get some kind of meds or treatment... I still have waaaay too many things I want to do in my life...

Thanks for info Veronica....sending you all hugs.
(1)
Report

Veronica... after some quick research.... I really feel now it is Essential Tremor... I have inherited this from my dad and his was bad... mine shakiness is more goal oriented, like reaching for something or trying to type....no problems when my hands are still.... and I did not know there was balance problems with ET.... so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is ET and my sleep deprivation and stress level... you know, loosing too many people in the past two years... the grief is weighing on me..... are causing my body havoc..... but surprisingly many of the symptoms are pakinson-like.... so thank you so much for letting me know of other possibilities..... I do feel relieved that it may just be ET and I can just get more rest.... I do know there is a blood pressure med that is given for ET but can't remember the name of it right now.... but having something else to share with my Dr will be to my advantage..so grateful you are on here.... you have no idea how relieved I feel..... thanks from my heart...
(2)
Report

LadeeM, I try to not diagnose myself, I will come up with the most frightening things. And I do not worry or stress over something a doc thinks may be wrong. I was able to change my attitude about thus about 10 years ago. I had some cysts develop that were quite painful, had them drained only to return. The doc asked me if there was a history of lymphoma in my family, scared me to death, was in tears instantly. It wasn't, and I have never worried about a guess at one of my health issues since.

So many things could cause your symptoms and stress could do it. Are you on any medication for stress? Best wishes at the doc, keep us all posted.
(3)
Report

I know Glad... and maybe I just went for worst case scenario to be relieved it was something minor..... or at least treatable....just know something isn't right... no telling what stress is doing to all of us.... I can't imagine the things we all are going to be suffering from that is stress related....not only an epidemic of Alz
(2)
Report

Alz/dementia.... but all the things we will be coming behind them with....the medical profession already is overwhelmed... we might need to get LadeeC to get us a health plan going.... ya out there LadeeC????
(1)
Report

LadeeM, let's hope it's the lesser of 2 diagnosis. ET. Any way to start back to including de-stressing into your life? Is there a hobby that you can do for a maybe 30 minutes a day - maybe something after a hard day's work? Even if it means just learning to admire the minute details of Mother Nature around you? I know, I know, easier said than done. {{HUGS}}
(2)
Report

Book, like you, what I need is a vacation..... just a few days to not worry about anything.... get up when I want, go to bed when I want..... too much grief for me to handle right now.... Stu dying in Nov and Gene in April..... just too much. I'm on overload, as most of us here..... maybe some people feel that paid caregivers do not grieve when someone dies..... not so in my case.... but at least I got to tell Stu bye...... just tired, past tired, like everyone else.... and I do look at nature all the time.... one morning out smoking before I got off work, and a huge rabbit hops under the tree and eats his breakfast... I felt like it was a breath of fresh air.... and seeing cardinals....my moms favorite bird... see them all the time and butterflys.... so ya, I look at nature... then I come home and pass out.... love ya...
(1)
Report

LadeeM - You know how the people here feel about you. Please note that you are in my thoughts and prayers as you wait for diagnoses. Wish I could bring you lots of chocolate. Please try not to worry and out it in your higher powers's hands. I know what you mean about a vacation. I was hoping the house would sell soon and I would go on a vaca for at least a week. I would put Jazzy in a cat hotel and leave with destination not thought of yet. Yeah, now that I am not home bound anymore I don't have the money. Oh well!!! Take care of YOU!!!!
(1)
Report

LadeeM ...keyed in on your earlier statement that the symptoms were some better after getting some rest .... so I'm hoping that you do not have either disease and that you are just slap wore out. But even if you do have something, reducing stress and getting plenty of rest will be key in keeping you on an even keel. It does sound like it's way past time for a lifestyle change and you need time to recharge your batteries and look in another direction. Sculpting is a wonderful talent. Make mine a bluebird please!

What I'm trying to say is that you will be fine. I've been the recipient of bad news regarding my health and the Lord has held me up and brought me through it. He'll do the same for you too. Big strong hug.
(2)
Report

For all of you that are so inclined. I have had a big burden of anger, resentment and bitterness that I've been carrying around for awhile. After some praying this am, I went to a favorite website that really ministered to my spirit. It can be found @ blueletterbible.org, do a search on Romans 7, go to verse 25, look for the tools button on the left and select commentaries. There's a sermon by Charles Spurgeon in the list of commentaries that will help if you are feeling this same burden. It takes awhile to read the whole sermon, but it was sooo worth it. Lots of hugs to you all, thanks for baring your hearts on this board, it sure does encourage many.
(1)
Report

FadingShadows, what a timely post you made... I have to share this with my AC family.. I was getting ready to go to a friends house and shower.... I have no running water... so I'm getting my stuff together and I start looking for the house key..... now, I got this purse at Goodwill... paid a whole whopping $6 for it... lots of compartments, big enough... just my style..... and I opened this one little zipper compartment.... now I swear I looked in every nook and cranny when I got this purse home..... and in this pocket.. something round... looked like a quarter... so I picked it up... and..... it is a "Pocket Angel".... an old one.... round like a quarter, with Pocket Angel on one side and an awesome relief angel on the other side..... I just sat here looking at it, turning it over and over in my hand..... in so many ways I live such an enchanted life..... that's why I am always grateful.... always...

So, had to share this with ya'll..... I'm going to be ok, no matter what..... love you all
(3)
Report

This discussion has been closed for comment. Start a New Discussion.
Start a Discussion
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter