Practical Tips
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
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
My wife fell this past week. When she fell, I was in an airplane between Phoenix and Dallas headed for a connecting flight on my way home from the last session of the Faith-based Leadership Institute. She’s strong and independent, but a part of me imagines she wouldn’t have fallen had I been home. She … Read more
Continue reading about Falling and Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Skilled doctors are busy people and tend to be very intelligent. Some of the mystique that surrounds doctors places them above most others on the social ladder. Not only that, but doctors tend to be “experts” in the very thing you need help with. It’s difficult for many people to think of doctors or talk … Read more
“I need more Leg Hours in a day!” You’ve heard the term “man hours” before. I heard my wife use a new term today. It’s “leg hours”. “Leg Hours” are the number of hours in a day that my wife’s legs work well enough for her that she feels stable and productive. The number of … Read more
A bad thing happened last night. So I called the National Poison Control number 1-800-222-1222. (There is also an excellent poison control website!) A calm, friendly voice answered, “Poison Control. How can I help you?” I, a little stressed, asked quickly, “My 30-pound Cocker Spaniel just swallowed one of my wife’s 5 mg Aricept pills. … Read more
Literature exists because people need stories of others. Stories are why communities have libraries. Books of woe caution us. We’re encouraged by tales of people who advance against overwhelming odds. We’re quieted by stories of people with hope. Stories of others are important because they allow us to put ourselves in another’s place. Stepping outside … Read more
We choose to face the future in one of two ways: prepared or unprepared. If you care for someone with a disease, daily needs and routines often require so much attention that preparation for the future sits on the back burner (bad pun alert). In terms of planning, I think every caregiver should consider fire … Read more
I spent last week in Arizona at a leadership conference. It’s difficult to feel good about going out of town for a week because I worry I’ll be needed at home. Fortunately, cell phones, text messaging and email make it easy to communicate with my wife and daughters throughout the day. But there are things … Read more
Shopping for a wheelchair is not like buying a new car. I think my wife and I had psyched ourselves up about wheelchair shopping. Personally, I expected we would walk into a store and find rows of wheelchairs all shined up and waiting for a test spin around the room. It wasn’t to be. My … Read more
If you care for a spouse or other family member with MS you already understand the impact medical expenses can have on your family budget. The financial cost of a chronic disease like Multiple Sclerosis is high and the financial drain is constant. I was born in the early 60’s. I went to the ER … Read more
Pets are not for everyone. And if you’re not an “animal person” you should probably avoid getting a pet. Pets require attention because they can do so little for themselves. If you feel stretched already, you may not want the additional work a pet requires. Now, with that disclaimer provided, I’ll begin to tell why … Read more
I took a flu shot earlier this week. Afterwards, my youngest daughter and I were talking about influenza, how it spreads and why vaccinations are important. She was uncharacteristically silent for a few moments after we finished the flu conversation. Then she asked me the question I’ve dreaded, “Daddy, will I get MS when I … 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…”