Shortly after we returned from vacation, my daughter started having a lot of right-sided pain just under her ribcage and nausea. It was getting worse after a week instead of it getting better. She called me to “consult” on what I thought it might be (nurse to nurse). I ruled out liver problems and thought […]
The Healing Touch of a Baby's Smile Read More »
For most people, deciding to go somewhere is simply a matter of making the decision to go and then going. For people who are mobilized through the power of a wheelchair, that process is a little more complex. Lynn and I have not been to church since he was hospitalized almost two years ago. He
Going Out Isn't Easy Read More »
As a caregiver, I’m asked to assume many roles–comforter, nurse, counselor, banker, chauffeur, and many others; but the one role that I really hate is being the man of the house. I’m sure the same holds true for men who are caregivers to women. I would venture to say that most caregivers are satisfied with
I DON'T WANT TO BE A MAN! Read More »
My journal entries often discuss the challenges of being a caregiver, but today, I want to share a blessing—my church family. Before Lynn was diagnosed with MS, he and I were very involved in our church. We both were in choir; I helped produce drama enactments to support the sermon; Lynn played drums
We were on vacation when I wrote this blog this week. I could not post a blog this week because, unknown to us, the condo we use changed its practice this past year, and each homeowner must now provide their own internet service to their renters. The homeowner for the one we rented decided internet
Was That a Vacation? Read More »
The life of a caregiver and their “caree” is always in such a delicate balance that I think of that old saying, “Don’t tip over the apple cart.” When I hear that analogy, I imagine a small cart piled high with apples, holding its own until someone puts one too many apples on the pile,
There Go the Apples! Read More »
Have you ever thought about how many choices you make in a day? Mine start before I open my eyes Wonder if Lynn will know I’m awake if I pretend to still be asleep. What time do I have to get up to be ready by xxx? Do I want to get up now or lie here? Those
In the early days of my journey as an MS Caregiver, Lynn would fall, or we would get into a situation that was difficult and we would look at each other and laugh. We coped with a lot of our hardships by laughing at how bizarre the situation would become as compared to
One night this week, just about bedtime, I became very nauseated and started feeling really lousy. It had the feel of when I’m about to have an allergic reaction to something. I have lots of food allergies, and I often find out about a new one through several hours of agony and being
911-Do you Do catheters? Read More »
For most of us, if we get a cut or scrape or even a deeper laceration, we start to heal immediately and in a few days or weeks, it’s much improved. The skin has miraculous healing powers. Immediately after a cut, the body clots the bleeding, sending white cells and special chemicals to the site
Oh, No. Is That a Skin Tear? Read More »
I think I can do whatever I set my mind and that my body and abilities will fall in line to ensure it happens. So, I strive to be the best manager, employee, mother, wife, caregiver, and friend. I want to take care of everyone’s needs, solve all their problems, and still have energy afterward
Reaching my Saturation Point – at least today Read More »
One of the greatest challenges of living with MS is how unpredictable each moment of your life becomes. I’ve shared that frustration before, but I keep coming back to it because it’s such a constant struggle. Adapting to it not only means being prepared for the unexpected and flexible but also being prepared to accept
Live in the Moment Read More »
