Caregivers need care

Anonymous
January 2, 2008 at 7:06 pm

Wow! Brandy and Shannon…I usually do a lot more reading and very little posting. I’ll scroll down to the “caregivers and family” threads as I think about my adult children and husband and how lucky I am to have them. I tend to keep a lot to myself and not let them know how I am feeling and what is going on, but I know they are aware and worrying all the time.

I lost a lot of weight after being diagnosed in ’04. Friends and family were very concerned and both my Primary care Dr. and myself related the weight loss to the illness. During my ‘recovery’ phase, and I use the term ‘recovery’ lightly, my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I became both patient and caregiver and the weight fell off me.

Dawn mentioned in this thread that she wasn’t dieting, “food just didn’t comfort her”. What a revalation that was for me. I always related my weight loss to GBS. But looking back, and reading what Brandy and Shannon have written, I think it was more about the other issues in my life in the last 3 years. I have issues with my heart racing and feeling dizzy and it all makes so much more sense now.

Brandy and Shannon, you have always come across as such strong, motivated and caring individuals…and I am sure you are! But now it’s time to look at your own lives and all you have given. You can only be helpful to those around you who you care for if you are healthy yourselves.
You’ve made me more aware of those who would be considered my caregivers, and I thank you both for that. Now I ask you, for all of us who need people like yourself, that you take time for yourself!
Keep us posted on how you are doing!

Do take care!
JayDee