How do you take care of yuorself when you are a carer?

DH's health problems seen to come in fits and spurts. At the moment he is fine although I will have my fingers firmly crossed tomorrow when he has a cardiology appointment.

I was tied to the house for three months earlier this year while he recuperated (slept) from heart problems and a painful op for skin cancer. Thankfully there was light at the end of my tunnel but I regarded it as a 'taster' for what might lie ahead.

Our large garden is my saviour. I can't describe how just getting stuck into a bit of weeding restores my spirits which is a good thing because someone's got to do it. The man who helps us once a fortnight had a stroke at the same time DH was in hospital so I was the last 'man' standing!

I don't miss being able to pop to the shops because the nearest ones are six miles away and I hate shopping anyway.

I dread winter. I know I will struggle to keep fit once I can no longer get outside and the temptation to slump in front of the telly looms large. I am also dreading the winter lurgies.

Ho-Hum. That's life.

Thanks for asking silverlining. Short answer - no immediate help still. Took several attempts to get someone to pick up at the health services I required and then not the right person and they could not put me through, only take a message. They said they have received DS1's referral and have sent a letter inviting him to a telephone triage on 9th October. Stressed he is in need of urgent care, doesn't need triage - already assessed by dr as in urgent need of meds review and 1:1 therapy - which he has had through the same services before about 2 years ago. Waiting to hear back now. Have also rung his drs to see if he can chase. Only slept 4 hours last night and feeling the 'zing' of my hearstrings today!

DS is calmer t present as short burst of diazepam is helping, but this can only be taken for a week and I think he needs to know help is going to arrive! I know I do !!!

A huge bunch of to all you lovely people who are silently bearing so much xxx

Did you get through to the mhs this morning imperfect? Were they any help?

I am waiting for the answer.
I escaped for 3 hours on Saturday. It was such a relief but could only go in 3 shops because of my painful hip and d knee but I could sit and people watch.
Everything was so back to normal yesterday that I was in bed at 8:30pm exhausted by constant questions and repeating things over and over again.
I am ageing by the day and I haven't got enough time left for that.?

Imperfect..I understand that feeling of being drained through supporting Son and GD with their mental health to do with depression and anxiety and also my lovely OH with his long road back from the black dog...
Maw your devotion to Paw shines through.......
And Anne and Lucky by the grace of God
hopefully not missed any one

It's difficult isn't it Imperfect? But vital! You sound as though you are doing all the right things. I hope things improve soon.

Agree with every word you say imperfect even finding "time" for yourself though does not make it go away does it.
I have been getting the "hard look" today because I decided to have my shower and hair wash before taking paw his breakfast (in bed)
I gently pointed out I do need to do things for myself too, but omitted to say that after I got up to him at 3 am I was awake for at least an hour and read most of today's paper