I'm fried from both having lyme and my spouse having it. Many of us are ill, and taking care of ill loved ones.
It helped me to see this. At least I know it's not "all in my head."
Common Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout:
1. Extreme fatigue, lack of concentration and insomnia
2. Depression and loss of the ability to cope with everyday things
3. Denial about the severity/outcome of illness
4. Misdirected anger towards others, including the patient
5. General irritability
6. Mood swings
7. Withdrawal from activities and friends
8. Lack of appetite
9. Expression of anxiety about the future
10. General health problems
Burnout Quiz
Circle the appropriate answer for each individually. Seldom, Sometimes, Often, Usually
I can't get enough rest.
I don't have enough time for myself.
I don't have time to be with other family members other than the person that I care for.
I feel guilty about my situation.
I don't get out much anymore.
I have a conflict with the person I care for.
I have conflicts with other family members.
I cry every day.
I worry about having enough money to make ends meet.
I don't feel that I have enough knowledge or experience to give care as well as I would like.
My own health is not good.
If the responses to one or more of the statements listed here is Often or Usually, it may be time to begin looking for help with caring for the care-receiver and help in taking care of yourself.
Do you have any type of outside support? How long have you been caring for each other?
I hope your health improves. Just getting outside a few minutes a day helps.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
It's really hard. My parents went thru this .. they likely had lyme but were dxd with other things. Debilitating things. It was rough.
Do you have a church family you can go to for support?
Posted by hopeful4 (Member # 8486) on :
Well, we're just going through a rough patch, too. I know outside support is important. We've gotten a bit too isolated, due to fatigue and health. We do belong to a congregation, and we make an effort to connect when it's possible.
Just got back from a Dr. appt. It could be that my thyroid medication is up too high, so we're going to adjust again. That can definately make a person jumpy, and irritable, without control. Hmmm, maybe that's playing a role.
Also working on adjusting support for adrenals. Ahhhh, maybe I'll get some relief!
(I didn't mean to imply that I have all of the above symptoms, that's a clip from a website.)
Thanks, Dogsandcats and Lymetoo! You are appreciated.
Posted by WheelWatcher (Member # 34223) on :
I hear you. My husband got really debilitated with Lyme, and it turns out I have it too. i got so obsessed and taken over by taking care of him that i completely ignored my own health issues.
Now I started my own business hoping I could make enough money to pay for treatment, and it is SO much work to do, that is making some things worse. Right when stupid babesia is back and rampaging my husband again.
we are waiting for a month to have our 2 YO see our LLMD to get results from his blood tests and get her opinion on his development, whether he may be having some mild lyme issues or what. Please keep fingers crossed he is healthy!
Posted by Allsmiles (Member # 29417) on :
I'm sorry to hear that you are having this burnout. I feel that to some degree with my Mom and Dad who are very elderly and needing help, and who I live with alot of the time. Thankfully, they do have money to hire some help and are doing it.
Also, my brother in law started a small local business where he goes to the homes of elderly people and helps them with things they need around the home that they are unable to do, and he now has a couple of women working for him.
There are other businesses out there that do the same thing, and charge per hour. But it can be costly and not everybody can afford it.
Many grocery stores will deliver to your home. And I know that around here there are several people (chefs) who provide meals that they make and deliver to people's homes.
Check your area because sometimes there are free services for disabled basically homebound people who are not old enough to recieve Meals on Wheels. When I lived in New Mexico, there was a free service like this, and they delivered healthy meals to your door. All you needed was a doctors note.
And some churches ( like mine here ) have people who will come to the home and help caregivers for free.
Just some ideas. I sure hope you can find some help! So many of us need it to have any chance of recovery!
Posted by hopeful4 (Member # 8486) on :
WheelWatcher - I feel for you, and also you're taking care of such a young child. Hoping all is well.
Allsmiles - Thanks for your suggestions, I'll think about them.
A little update - I feel much less anxious since reducing the thyroid dosage, that happened quickly. I also feel like I'm getting through the day better already, with the adaptogenic herbal formula for adrenals. I'm really surprised, in a good way.