I have been a carer.
I cared for my husband for 3 years before he died of Motor Nuerone Disease. For me being a carer was rewarding but very tiring. It was a choice that I made in the beginning, not knowing what it would entail. MND is a disease that robs the person of his body but not his mind. My husband was totally dependant on me for everything, from personal hygiene to scrathing his eyebrow, to crossing his legs and uncrossing them, to getting the ant that was crawling up his arm, to being his voice when he had to talk. He was not able to do anything, only think.
For me it was a reward as I was able to give him all the comfort and love he deserved at home, and he was able to die at home beside me which was his wish. I would not have changed any of it.
It was physically and emotionally draining and had an impact on my body and still carry some of the effects today, 5 years on. It was a 24hrs 7days a week job that didnt leave any time for myself. But we did it and got through it. In hindsight there were some things I could have done differently, like ask for more help.
So if any one out there is caring in the same situation, ask for all the help that is available and put some of your needs first, as they as just as important and if you dont you will go down quicker.
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