I just found out through a counseling session that my 12 yo daughter has been living in fear of me dying from this dreaded disease and is ate up with fear, sadness and anxiety.
I try to hide my pain and limitations but I guess not good enough because she is ate up with fear and anxiety that she has been holding in for 5 years.
I'm 41 yo and mother to her and her 14 yo brother who seems to be handling it better. I used to be active but now have a hard time playing outdoor games, riding bikes, walking and such. I work full time and am exhausted by the time I get home, cook, clean, do homework and prepare for next day. But I try to not "whine" about how I feel. Which is mainly symptoms of arthritic pain all over, knee issues, exhaustion and back pain. If I try to except use I pay dearly for days.
My treatment has been on hold for months due to gastrointestinal issues.
Anyway, just curious to hear from anyone that has ever dealt with this and might have some advice. We've pray every day!
Blessings to all!
Posted by momindeep (Member # 7618) on :
I was always afraid of my mom dying when I was young and my mom wasn't even sick or anything...it was just how I was. Sometimes I would be stricken with fear and sometimes I would be okay.
I feel sorry for your daughter because when we are young like that we don't have the ability or the tools to put things into perspective and haven't had many life-lessons to draw on yet.
It's also difficult to control worry at any age.
Maybe gently telling her how it affects you knowing that she is so distraught...that it upsets you that she is so upset...and maybe she can pull her little self up a bit.
Poor thing...I know that fear she is having.
Posted by lyme in Putnam (Member # 11561) on :
My son is 17 and he started watching me with this for years. He learned to take advantage of the good days, but now he's 17, I lost him to a closed door. My 2 sisters, nieces, husband and myself have/had it, and he had it from 9-12 on orals. Is there anyone else in family or school that has it. She can then see someone else and know that it has good and bad days. God bless, feel better. Hope this makes sense,
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Did you sit her down and reassure her that you ARE NOT GOING to die any time soon??
She needs to at least hear it from you. She may not believe you, but try!
Posted by LymeNotWelcome (Member # 33799) on :
Thanks for the replies. I have tried to reassure her on numerous occasions that she's stuck with me and I'm not going anywhere soon.
I just keep praying my gut will heal so I can resume treatment and get better some day.
She's just so young to have such worries consuming her.
Posted by soccermama (Member # 35101) on :
Both of my girls ages 9 and 7 worried about me dying. It seemed to help them when they were able
to talk about it. I try to connect with them every day even if it is just laying in bed cuddling.
My nine year old and I downloaded a book off of the internet and she would read it to me.
Surprisingly, when my husband started insisting they help with the housework, it made them feel
less helpless.
It is not easy to watch our children struggle with our struggles. Also, she is at the age where
emotions can be overwhelming so if you were not sick she may be worrying about something else.
Pray avails much. Do not become weary in well-doing for in due season, you will reap the reward.
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