LaurieLB

Member since November 06, 2009
1 Answers, 2 Replies

Bio

Hi, I'm 47 yrs old, and taking care of my MIL. She has Parkinsons with dementia, and NPH( Normal Pressure Hydrocephelus). She just had a shunt placed in her brain 2 weeks ago to drain excess fluid as it builds up. This procedure has given her back some of her faculties, and helps somewhat with her incontinence. (both urinary and bowel). She also has issues with mobility. Its very difficult to be a caregiver. I have never done anything like this before, except be a mother to my 2 sons, who are 19 & 26. I am pretty much stuck at home all week, until my dear SIL comes on the weekends to give me a break. I feel guilty about that alot, because she works full-time and lives 2 hours away. I feel like she needs a break too! I have no real support system in place, other than my husband, and his family...to a certain extent. I used to work full-time, until we moved back to Florida to care for his Mom. Now I sometimes feel very isolated. I also have a chronic illness with pain, that makes it difficult some days to get up and do what I have to. Its difficult for me to take time out for myself,unless it late at night, and then I am exhausted the next day.

Its also dfficult to take care of myself, such a Dr. appointments,hair appointemnts, lunch with friends, etc...unless I know well in adnvance when the appointment is, in order to get someone in the family to come here and sit with my MIL. Everyone else works, so its very hard for them to take time off from work sometimes. My husband works odd hours, which makes it hard for us to get together time, too.

My youngest son and his G/F of 3 yrs. are making me a Grandmother for the first time in March. I am so very excited to meet my granddaughter when she gets here! I am so looking forward to that baby getting here!!! I am here to learn, brainstorm, vent and ask advice. I hope I wil be able to offer some advice or suuport also.

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