caretakers w/ chronic conditions

queeniebat

My mom was recently dx'd and I've been helping to take care of her as far as driving to appts and the hospital and watching over her and all that. I have diabetes, and I was wondering if any other caretakers had a chronic disease and how they handle that while taking care of your family member at the same time? I know that it's important for me to be healthy in order to take care of her, but running back and forth and the stress and everything, makes it harder to control my diabetes and keep track of everything that I need to do personally. Is there anyone else out there like me, and how do you do it? Really, any caretaking experiences will help, but I'm hoping to gain a better understanding of how to take care of both her and myself.
Thank you.

~bat~

Hattie

Put your own oxygen mask on first! You first, so you can help her. Get more help, too. (Ask the hospital social worker, the American Cancer Society--they can help at times with a buddy, transportation, etc. If you belong to a church or other organization, they may be willing to help).

When you have a treatment plan, things will get more predictable and the stress will ease up a bit. Right down a schedule so you can plan meals and exercise and down time.

There are some women here in your mom's condition who are taking care of their moms! We're stronger than we think, and should be strong enough to ask for help (hope we can find it when we need it).

take care,
--Hattie

MargaretB

I'm in a similar situation as yours. I'm recently out of my cancer treatments, however, my mother has been in and out of the hospital 5 or 6 times (I've lost count) since February 15. Each time they release her she's back in the hospital two or three days later. for another week or two week stay. I've set up two home care workers but each time I get something set up, and someone to stay with her, she ends up going back to the hospital. I've had to cancel dialysis appointments I've set up as well. I finally refused to do anymore and the hospital social worker is handling most of it. We've contacted a local transportation service who will pick her up for her dialysis appointments and my sister will pick her up after the appointments. On the days my sister can't do it, the caregiver will drive. Take care of yourself.

Margaret