MS Caregiving
In research titled, “Caregivers: Expectations and Lifestyle Sacrifices“, the results indicate baby boomers expect to make significant financial sacrifices in order to care for loved ones. The report was produced by Bankers Life Center for a Secure Retirement. The findings will surprise no one who cares for a loved one with multiple sclerosis. We understand … Read more
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In the world of psychology, denial is considered a normal human response to information that may be overwhelming. Denial allows a person receiving bad news to take a break. It lets one hold off bad news – like a football player with his arm out to block a tackle. It offers one time to fortify … Read more
It’s an odd thing I sometimes consider. (Trust me, I’m not crazy) – but once or twice a year I wonder, what if the neurologists are wrong? What if my wife doesn’t have Multiple Sclerosis? What if she has something that looks like MS but isn’t as bad? I know it’s wishful thinking. And I … Read more
Continue reading about Wishful Thinking: What If It Were Not Multiple Sclerosis?
Driving past a neighbor’s last week I saw him and his wife setting up Christmas decorations in their yard. The lights around the edge of the house had been put in place the week before. These decorations were the large figures that sit on the ground and are lit up at night. Later that evening … Read more
Readers of the Multiple Sclerosis Caregiving blog make comments that can usually be separated into just a few subjects related to caregiving: 1) shock at an MS diagnosis, 2) concern about the future and worry about how difficult caregiving will be, 3) questions about a particular aspect of caregiving, and 4) support for another reader. … Read more
When my daughters were smaller I loved to play with them in our yard. Some of my favorite memories are of them running barefoot through the green grass in their pajamas early on a cool, Spring morning. Running so fast their long hair flowing behind, grinning from ear to ear, their eyes shining with delight, … Read more
Continue reading about Too Many Blessings and Not Enough Time!
I’ve thought it many times since my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis: I want to outlive my wife so I can take of her. I’ve always known exactly what I mean by this. And it’s simple. I want to be here to care for her as long as she lives. I don’t want her … Read more
The title gives it away, but with which medical professional is a Multiple Sclerosis patient likely to have the most contact? In my experience, it has been her pharmacist. Most medications are refilled monthly. Between quarterly or annual visits to the neurologist, I believe most concerns about Multiple Sclerosis are related to medications. And in … Read more
During the last few weeks, I’ve been asked by caregivers (via this blog’s contact form) for help finding support for themselves in their local communities. I take these requests seriously. In fact, it would be impossible not to because the caregivers include information about their particular needs. Perhaps it’s empathy, or a sense that we’re … Read more
On a recent evening, my wife and I were sitting in the living room, both of us reading and sipping hot chocolate before we ended our day. She, snuggled in a dark pink sweater and wrapped in her light pink afghan, caught my eye as I sat in my chair. She smiled. “I enjoy the … Read more
Today’s Herald Tribune in Sarasota, Florida, offers an excellent story of one couple’s journey of love. The subtitle, “A Manatee County man’s devotion to his wife seems limitless“, summarizes the story of Oliver and Phyllis DeSofi. Mr. DeSofi is a committed husband and MS caregiver for his wife. Don’t miss this story … “One couple’s … Read more
Spend time on the Family Caregiver Alliance website at: http://www.caregiver.org Of particular interest to Multiple Sclerosis caregivers will be the Family Caregiver Alliance Fact Sheet on Multiple Sclerosis. In addition to common information about MS, the fact sheet includes important information about cognitive problems caused by MS and their impact on caregivers. For example, “About … Read more
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“Doing Your Best When You Can’t Make It Better” has been the tagline of this blog since I started it. I think the tagline may express too much futility. Maybe I was having a bad day or month when I wrote it. Today, I’m changing the tagline to something much more positive and more reflective … Read more
One of the first commitments I made to myself after my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis is that I wouldn’t allow it to impact my children in negative ways. That was eight years ago. They were five and eight years old at the time. Fortunately, my wife and I have been able to keep … Read more
As a caregiver, you know your family finances are probably different than those of some of your friends. You have medical expenses most of your friends do not have. Chances are good that your friends’ families are dual income families. Yours is probably not. Caregiving often brings its own unique set of financial burdens. Helpful … Read more
Recent Comments
“I think it's normal to want your significant other to have something you can manage. My husband found out just…”
“Kim, I am 36 and newly diagnosed (July), stories like yours are the exact reason that I have decided to…”
“Hi Gloria You're an amazing daughter and an amazing person. Youre moms decline has been fast. It sounds like your…”
“I haven't seen many posts on this site that are recent. I've been a caregiver since 2000..my husbands condition has…”
“Hi everyone! I've been reading all your comments and I feel relieved that what i'm feeling it's not an exclusive…”
“Great post. I've been looking after my sister who has multiple sclerosis and this was very helpful.”
“Hi Daryl I'm so sorry to hear about Amanda. But I also feel a sense of relief for you both…”
“Hi DH, I know the feeling. It took me a while to realize it to. It can be overwhelming at…”