The Family Caregiver Forum
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Welcome to the NFCA's Family Caregiver Forum - a place where all family caregivers can post questions, receive support and communicate with others.
AStaff
Posts: 1
Joined: Jul 2010
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Tuesday July 27, 2010 3:29 PM
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I have been caring for my husband with a back injury for over 3 years. I had always considered myself strong, but boy has this tested it. Most days I am so busy working, taking care of our 3 year-old son and trying to do things around the house that I do not realize how tired I am until I go to bed. I never really thought of myself as a "caregiver." At 32 with a 30 year-old husband, a caregiver, in my head, was always someone older or someone who was taking care of someone with an illness, not an injury. It was not until I recently saw a story about caregiver fatigue, that I realized that I am a fatigued caregiver. I am a bit nervous, as I have never been on a chat room. I do not even post much about it on my facebook because my husband is a fairly private person. However, when I came upon this site I just had to join. I am surprised how many people have similar stories to mine. I have a big, wonderful, supportive family, but I am hoping to connect on here with some people who may better relate to my situation. So, if nothing else, Let me thank you for being there to listen.
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rzxq2y
Posts: 1612
Joined: Jun 2009
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Tuesday July 27, 2010 10:05 PM
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Hi, Astaff,
Welcome to the forum. We are always here to listen. We have caregivers here as young as 19 and as old as I am. We also have caregivers caring for loved ones with diseases or with injuries. We are all caregivers and at least each of us understands some aspects of caregiving. This is a great place to share, and it is a safe environment that no one will be judgemental. The worst you may get is unsolicited advice, which you can simply ignore.
Yes, no matter how strong we are, we all have limits and we do get tired out. Try to take a break at least here and there. Kind of steal some time for yourself. Sometimes I simply lie flat on my back on the floor for a few minutes. If my wife needs something while I am on my back, I tell her just to wait for a few minutes, unless it is something like she needs me to help her to the bathroom badly.
How serious is your husband's back injury? Is he mobile? If he has mobility problems, there are some discussion in this forum on safety and mobility issues.
Please stay in touch with us.
Best Regards,
Min-Shih
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