Thanks for a great comment. I agree with you. And there have
been several studies like the ones you mention that highlight the toll caregiving takes on caregivers; as a matter of fact, there is one such article in the current issue of "Heart and Lung" where I found the article discussed in my post. While I cannot attest specifically to the difficulty of coping with personal health problems while also caring for a partner with HF, I did care for my sister during her final months in the hospital and at home with hospice, and I know the mental and physical toll it took on me, and my mother (who does have a history of heart issues). My family (myself included) routinely urged my mother to take care of herself so she could be strong for my sister and healthy for my sister's children once my sister was gone. While there is logic in this, and while it was well-meant, it undermines the importance of my mother's health and livelihood in its own right. And I know at times she felt the pressure and guilt you mention.
Thanks again for reading and sharing.
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Thanks for a great comment. I agree with you. And there have
July 13, 2009 - 10:26ambeen several studies like the ones you mention that highlight the toll caregiving takes on caregivers; as a matter of fact, there is one such article in the current issue of "Heart and Lung" where I found the article discussed in my post. While I cannot attest specifically to the difficulty of coping with personal health problems while also caring for a partner with HF, I did care for my sister during her final months in the hospital and at home with hospice, and I know the mental and physical toll it took on me, and my mother (who does have a history of heart issues). My family (myself included) routinely urged my mother to take care of herself so she could be strong for my sister and healthy for my sister's children once my sister was gone. While there is logic in this, and while it was well-meant, it undermines the importance of my mother's health and livelihood in its own right. And I know at times she felt the pressure and guilt you mention.
Thanks again for reading and sharing.
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