Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
1 2 3
I wish I could reach through the space of media, virtually wrap my arms around you, to hug you through the pain. You may be experiencing survivor guilt. To go from the level of responsibility you carried all that time, basically living to support a loved one, then it all stops like turning off a light. Its devastating to you because of the foundation of your love with him. Please don't look back at incidents of fatigue fueled frustration and let it dominate over years of your loving care. Commit to let the good memories and shared laughter be what you remember of him. You must go through the grief process, but don't allow yourself to drown in undeserved, destructive guilt.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Oh dear Mrs Hoover, please don’t punish yourself with grief over the times you yelled at your husband. The things you became angry over would make any of us exhausted caregivers very upset, and exasperated at having more work to do! It sounds to me like you were a very loving and attentive wife, giving and doing the best you could for your bed bound husband. I’m so sorry for your loss, and try to let your grief be over losing him, and not for the times you became furious with him. But I know that’s easier said than done, as I get so angry at my own husband with dementia, and then feel sad and guilty because I know he isn’t at fault and didn’t ask for this horrible illness. But then, neither did I plan to be a caregiver instead of a wife for the last third of my life! So give yourself a break, and when you begin to feel grief over your hollering occasions, try to replace it with thoughts of all the ways you provided your husband with so much care♥️

Darlene
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Be easy on yourself. Sounds like you were a loving but exhausted caregiver. It's hard work! I've read a lot about folks who keep a journal of positive things that happen during the caregiving journey in order to destress. Maybe it would help now to do something similar. Write down all the things you did to care for your loved one each day...every gesture counts, brushing hair, giving a sip of water, preparing meals, etc. Possibly reading over this in times of guilt will help. So sorry for your loss. ((Hugs)) Prayers for peace and comfort.
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

You were acting like a human.

It is normal to lose it now and then, when you are responsible for someone else's health care.

It is much more difficult to change an adult diaper than a child's diaper. They are bigger and more ornery.

I am sorry for your loss.

It is typical that people always feel guilty about the hollering, but your husband was very very very lucky that you took care of him.

Sending hugs. You deserve hugs and a medal.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

A few years ago I was having a bad time so I bought a pretty notebook. Each night I wrote down 3 good things that had happened that day. Simple things like a kid giggling, fresh flowers, a chat with a friend. It wasn’t always easy to find 3 good things but I persisted. I started mentally bookmarking those things during the day until I began to focus on the good, happy things in my life instead of the negative ones.

Each time you have a memory of the bad times write it down on a piece of paper and throw it away or burn it. Then write down a good memory of your life together and put it in a special box. When you have those sad thoughts open the box and read the messages.

My condolences on your loss, your husband was fortunate to have had you in his life. It's only been a few weeks, allow yourself time to grieve and heal.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

I agree with wolf lover. You was angry and yelling at the disease and not your husband. Sometimes it is hard for people to sort out the two. The disease made him do those things. Never would he purposely do that to you. So no need to beat yourself up for being angry at the disease. Any of us who have had a family member, or someone close, with dementia has gone through frustration with what the disease makes them do.
Give yourself time to grieve and go to grief counseling or a grieving group. two weeks is not enough time. Some people need a year to grieve. It depends on the individual and circumstance.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Dear bereaved, I have rejoined in order to write to you with sympathy.
My husband died last April after 46 years together. I am still grieving, grief is a long process as one does ones best to carry on.
We all second guess ourselves. I was caregiver alone for 4 years .
I loved my husband and did my best never the less I was angry a time or two . We are human and I strive not to focus on that but think of all the times you got it right and did your best. Then think of all the good memories before he was ill.
Even now I talk to my husband and tell him all the things that upset me during his condition and how bad I felt when I lost patience.
Give yourself time you loved him now you have to love yourself and weather the variety of feelings from guilt, sorrow, relief , and the loss of your partner and how the condition was cruel for both of you.
I keep busy , still sob at times then carry on as they wouldn’t want us to be unhappy forever.
My husband loved life so I carry on in his honor and life is sacred so we must honor our own.
Its hard but you will get through the grieving process.
I send you love, understanding, and strength.
Aloha
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Mrs. Hoover, I'm sorry for your loss, and I understand what you are saying. I lost my mother about 9 months ago. She was in a nursing home, and each time I visited I would "resolve" to be as patient as I could--but there were days when her being extremely hard of hearing and her constant questions (often about things I didn't know or about why my sister did such-and-such (I don't know--ask HER when you see her!) that I'd finally raise my voice, and she would get upset, saying "some day YOU will be old" and "I'm here by myself all day...". I apologized, and she would forget soon afterward. By the time I left (usually after 1 1/2-2 hours, staying around to help her eat her dinner and provide additional snacks, etc.), I was sometimes stressed and exhausted. I simply chalked it all up to "I did the best I could" and admit I'm not perfect. My sister seemed to do better, but she didn't go quite as often and as usual when she did she talked so much that I doubt my mother got much of a chance to ask her many questions!
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

1 2 3
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter