Donna Shares holds nothing back as she shares her journey with readers about her life as a family caregiver. She began blogging after finding she needed an outlet to share her pent-up emotions with other caregivers; however, she had access to none. Starting a blog was her solution to feeling isolated and gave her an avenue to share what she knew with others in hopes that her experiences might help them not feel isolated. Since her history as a caregiver has expanded many years now, she has reprinted those past posts for new readers who might be interested in comparing past to present or learning from prior experiences. Blog Library has them all categorized by the type of topic covered. Some posts listed were from the time she wrote as a contributor for multiplesclerosis.net. Therefore, you will leave this website and go to theirs when you click on that link to read the full post. Happy reading!
One of the struggles we have had to address with Lynn’s MS progressing so rapidly at one point was the loss of his feeling useful. Lynn was very strong, flexible, and talented all of his young adult life. Then over the course of three years it seems he went from having the ability to build […]
The Need to Feel Productive Read More »
Early in discovering how to cope with MS symptoms, the nurse who works in Lynn’s neurologist’s office suggested that he might want to see a registered dietician. Lynn was feeling pretty rough all the time. He had no energy and more than that, he just felt bad. She shared that her husband had been seeing someone
Is There Really Anything to Being On An MS Diet? We Think so Read More »
If it’s one thing I have learned in caring for my spouse, it’s that in order to keep him healthy and functioning at his optimum level, I have to take a holistic approach to his care. Taking MS drugs to prevent exacerbations helps prevent significant loss of function; however, if his body is not in the best shape
Arsenic, Mercury, and Lead – What do They Have to Do with MS? Read More »
For you folks who have lived in the northern states, the reaction of us mid-Atlantic residents to the threat of snow must look like a bunch of panicked rats in a maze. The reason for this panic is that most people are spoiled by the ability to run to their neighborhood (insert store here) to
Batten Down the Hatches! Snow is Coming Read More »
I attended a memorial service recently at my church. It was the first time I had attended a church “service” there in three years. The last time I was there, I was rehearsing for our Christmas drama and had one of the lead roles. We were in the final weeks before the production and I
Lynn has never been good at sharing information. He’s one of those men who can go to the doctor about a problem, find out he has a new medical condition, start a new treatment program, and when he comes home will say, “The doctor says I’m fine,” or say nothing at all. He did that
I'm the Primary Healthcare Provider Read More »
Lynn loves to socialize. He’s much more outgoing than I am and often wants to invite people over; especially family members. However, what I hear when he says so and so is coming over is this: I’ve invited people over who may or may not have been exposed to a cold, flu, norovirus, or any other germs that
We Love To See You But…. Read More »
Once you become a full-time caregiver to your spouse, the relationship takes on many new dimensions. While in the traditional marriage roles, the husband takes care of the wife and makes many of the final decisions regarding big issues, if the one being cared for is the husband, and the one doing the caring is
Is That Your Final Answer? Read More »
Christmas is a wonderful time of year; full of fun, excitement, and family gatherings. For weeks beforehand, I spend time decorating, planning, anticipating the good times, and envisioning the perfect holiday. Like so many dreams, the reality is rarely the picture-perfect vision that I have in my head. That is particularly true now that MS
Planning, Time, and Flexibility: Essential Ingredients for the Holidays Read More »
Dear Lord, I don’t know why you do the things that you do or why you let happen the things that you choose. I’ve often doubted your wisdom and resented your ways; not willing to accept what I was facing that day. Like when I was a young and my friends turned away, I was
