Have you had to manage your own chronic illness while also being a caregiver?
Hello my AlzheimersDisease.net family. I recently wrote an article discussing my journey as a caretaker for both parents with the Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis.
I was the main caregiver and also managing my own chronic health conditions. It really was a difficult and isolating period in my life. Which is why I wrote the article below.
Here's the article link:https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/chronic-condition-while-caregiving
Hoping my story will help one person out there to know that they are not alone.
-Just wondering if any of our community members have or are currently experiencing the obstacles of caregiving, when you have your own chronic medical needs?
-If you can relate to my journey, what are some things you do or did to help manage the challenges of caregiving and taking care of your own health needs? 
My dx's include Fibromyalgia, C5 Instability, Chiari, Sjogrens..stress from caregiver has increased symptoms. Felt so guilty when I had to place HWD in facility last June.
I get it now.I just responded to you in a different forum and sent you a link to an article that I linked in this forum. Then I just saw you replied on this forum. So apologies if you have already read the article I linked in my previous post to you.
Very much appreciate you sharing. You, unfortunately understand first hand what I wrote about. I was too, consumed with guilt at first. My mom was not happy with me. However, things worked out and I was able to be a daughter. I still saw my mom every single day. Stress was still there, but in a different way. However, I was able to recharge a little when necessary.
Sending you a gentle hug. Hoping your symptoms have lessened a bit for you. Sending a gentle hug your way. Really appreciate you being part of our community.
Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "AlzheimersDisease.net Team Member"You cannot do both, because stress on the body and mind can result from having a chronic illness or from caring for someone who does. Both the person with the disease and the caregiver may exhibit similar signs of this stress. Anger, which can at times escalate into physical violence, is one of the symptoms. You need find an assisted living if you have $5,000 monthly to turn burn, then i'd go for those. Burn $5k month and find a job that will pay yo more than $5,000 per month.... at least you'll have month.
Hi
, I hear a lot of anger and frustration in your response. Are you struggling with the financial aspects of caring for a LOWD? There are some options for financial assistance with expenses. We're happy to share some resources if they would be helpful. -Warmly, Donna (team member) thank you for reaching out. It was difficult to find my mom the right placement. Finances were an obstacle in placement and in every aspect of her care. I went through a wide range of emotions. However, persistence and working with a social worker was key in helping find my mom the care place that was good for her. We of course want ur loved ones to get the great care that they deserve.
I was just wondering if you have been through or are currently going through this process of trying to secure appropriate care placement for your loved one? It was and can be an extremely frustrating process. Please reach back out if you can. Like to try to help guide you to the right resources for your situation. Really appreciate you reaching out.
Just Keep Swimming...Lynn Marie, "AlzheimersDisease.net Team Member"
