MS Caregiver Sharing - MScaregiver Donna

by Donna
(Richmond, VA)

MS Caregiver Donna

MS Caregiver Sharing - written by MScaregiver Donna


http://mscaregiverdonna.wordpress.com/

I am a full time caregiver for my husband who is disabled with MS. Though diagnosed in 2006 with Relapsing Remitting, he has probably had MS for at least 10-15 years prior to that. He is a published writer and continues to work on his writing skills.

I work from home and in reality am a full time employee and a full time caregiver 24/7. My blog is written for other caregivers and provides a real life view of the challenges and triumphs of living with MS. My hope is that it will provide support to others who may be in the same situation.

The three children have now grown up and are out on their own. Our daughter married a wonderful young man who took my place in caring for her (and does a fantastic job of it) and they are expecting our first grandchild. Both boys are out on their own–struggling still–but doing okay.

It’s unclear if my husband has now developed a progressive form of MS (secondary progressive) or if his many losses have been due to exacerbations, hospitalizations, or severe spasticity. Whatever the reason, since 2006 he has gone from being very healthy and able-bodied to being in a wheelchair and unable to do very much without assistance.

His decline in 2010/2011 due to three hospitalizations has caused me to have to be home with him full-time. I’m very fortunate to be able to do my job remotely. Our three children are wonderful about helping out but for the most part, I’m a full-time wife, employee, and caregiver. I’m doing one or the other of those roles 24/7.

I often am helping Lynn with his care as I simultaneously try to get “work” done. My schedule and Lynn’s needs are such that it is impossible to consider attending support groups for MS caregivers. My world is pretty much narrowed down to home now.

I expect many of you are in the same situation. Therefore, I offer you this opportunity to share with me as I share with you. Hopefully by doing so we both will get the support we need to make it through each day and each new challenge.