Posted by TexasChic on February 16, 2006, at 20:57:23
In reply to It's Been a Long Strange Trip *Trigger*, posted by Joan797 on February 16, 2006, at 20:08:09
You poor thing! You sound completely overwhelmed. I recently lost my Grandmother to end stage renal disease. I was her primary care giver for several years.
Everything you said struck a cord with me, from the dementia being sometimes comical, to the bodily functions no longer under control. I think I have delt with every bodily fluid there is.
You are clearly suffering from caregiver burnout. I went through the same thing and somehow got the idea to go see a therapist. It was the best thing I've ever done. Just to have someone to bounce things off of, to tell you if you're over reacting or have a legitimate complaint, will save your sanity. Plus they can give you advice as to agencies to call and such.
You should be able to get some help caring for your Dad. There are lots of orginizations out there that you probably don't know about.
You need help immediately. Does your Dad have a social worker or nurse who comes by? If not you could go to his doctor. Tell them what you are going through and that you need help. If not this just look in the phone book for a therapist. You don't need to do this alone!
I hope you will write back and let us know how you're doing. I know only too well what you're going through. You've got to get help caring for your Dad. Its too much for one person alone.
-T
poster:TexasChic
thread:610414
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060212/msgs/610428.html