Home of all blogs previously written by Donna Steigleder either for this website, multiplesclerosis.net, or MSCaregiversharing.com
I got hit by feelings of sadness unexpectedly today. Keeping myself out of my husband’s sight at all times, I had to work really hard to hide the fact I was very close to crying. Usually, I guard my emotions well, and rarely break down. However, I have one weakness that I can’t seem to […]
Unexpected Sadness Read More »
In many families, both the person who has MS and the caregiver work in jobs outside the home. The impact of MS on the employer, therefore, is not only directly related to the individual with the medical condition but also the person or persons providing support to that individual. However, according to a recent study
Impact of Caregiving on Employment Read More »
New Year’s Day often brings a time of reflection, and for some, a time for establishing resolutions for change. My life tends not to be stable enough to attempt to create resolutions for change. However, I have been indulging in reflection quite a bit. I’ve been thinking back over how my role as a caregiver has changed over the
Reflections on Caregiving Read More »
Have you heard of Typhoid Mary? Mary Mallon or Mary Brown (she used both names) worked as a cook and harbored the typhoid bacteria in her gallbladder. Wherever she worked, the families in those households became sick, and many died, but Mary herself never became ill. Authorities believed that Mary infected over 50
Avoiding Typhoid Mary Read More »
I have always had a tough time saying no to anyone. Saying no fills me with guilt. I like to solve problems and make others feel better. I, therefore, tend to suffer from a lot of blame if I can’t solve the issues presented for a resolution quickly or at all. I feel like a
Retirement to the Rescue Read More »
Getting ready for the holidays at my house incorporates specific considerations that many families who do not deal with chronic illnesses do not consider as part of their preplanning task list. Since most of you readers have similar concerns, you probably know where I’m going with this but for new caregivers just starting to deal with
Holiday Preparations Read More »
I recently needed to use that phrase in a way I had hoped never to have to use it. No, my husband did not need CPR, but he was unresponsive. He had lost consciousness while being moved using a ceiling transport device and slipped out of the harness to fall four feet landing first on his shoulder
As a former nurse, and as a current caregiver, let me emphasize to you the importance of your role as a member of the healthcare team. If you ever doubt your value, let me assure you that you are valuable beyond measure. Continue reading here: https://multiplesclerosis.net/caregiver/essential-member-healthcare-team/
An Essential Member of the Healthcare Team Read More »
Something’s different. Don’t you hear that? Don’t you see the difference? It’s not the same. Something’s wrong. Something’s changed. Trust me, I know. I can tell. It’s not right. I don’t care that the lab work is normal. I don’t care that he looks good to you. I don’t care that you’re an expert in
Something’s Different. Something’s Not Right. Listen to Me. Read More »
One of the joys of having a progressive disease is that everything changes. Just as you adjust to one change, something happens and the “fix” you had in place is no longer working. As Lynn’s caregiver, I have not found his physician to be particularly helpful in warning me about things to come. If I
What Goes In Must Come Out Read More »
