Caregiver perspective: Sharing the BurdenIn the day to day activities of living and doing what is necessary just to get by, I often get into a rut and if I’m not careful, start feeling... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Caregiver perspective: The Frustrations of Dealing with LimitationsLife at our house over the past month has been rather challenging. My Mom was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer and lives about two-hundred miles away; so we have moved... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Caregiver Perspective: Letting Go of Unrealistic PlansLynn and I had to make a very difficult decision this week-- whether to cancel our summer vacation or to go as planned. Now, on the surface that might not... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Caregiving Perspective: The Many Faces of CareAs a caregiver, I understand that my role involves providing a lot of physical care. For any caregiver, how much care is provided depends a lot on how significant are... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Caregiver Perspective: Stages of CaregivingI have not always been a full time caregiver. As I look back over Lynn’s journey through the maze of MS progression, I have had different roles along the way. For... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
From a Different Perspective: CaregivingEach of us filters information through our previous life experiences. Through those filters, we evaluate comments made and inferences perceived and eventually make conclusions based on those filters. We also tell... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
A Caregiver's Perspective: Am I Competent to Do This Job?I earn a living by working in a hospital in the department of Human Resources. Hospitals are heavily regulated and one of the most stringent agencies who monitor us is... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments4 comments
Take Care of Myself?While I know people are well meaning, when they remind me to “take care of yourself,” I honestly want to ask them, “Now, how do you suppose I do that?”... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments18 comments
Character FlawsI have a tendency to feel sorry for myself at times. I also know that I may at times play the martyr. What I didn’t realize is that I sometimes... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Giving the Gift of Receiving“Giving the gift of receiving,” sounds like a contradiction. How can you give a gift that you receive? I think you can and I think it can be the greatest... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Planning for the Future with Our ChildrenSometimes I forget the impact our life has on the rest of our family. Today, that impact is more evident as I wait for our three children and their spouses... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Managing Caregiver ChaosFor some reason, I have found that when I have a period of peace, quiet, and routine that I can expect a similar period of chaos to arrive in the... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Saying GoodbyeLynn’s Step-Dad has only days or maybe hours to live. Just one month ago, he fell and had a lot of pain afterwards that did not get better. He went... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Thankful for MS?In as much as it’s the Thanksgiving season, I was thinking about the impact Multiple Sclerosis has had on our lives and trying to think of reasons why I could... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments
Handling GriefI attended a webinar today called, “Grief: What Helps When It Hurts” by the Hospice Foundation of America. I was interested in this presentation because I work with a lot... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments3 comments
What Happens When It is My Turn?Having turned fifty-seven this week; Hope of retirement in eight years seems bleak. Thinking of losing my income somehow; Is much too scary to think of just now. To think... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Thankful to Be a CaregiverBeing a caregiver is difficult. It’s a lot of hard work; it’s emotionally trying; it’s downright exhausting…but it is also very rewarding. I try each day to come up with... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments0 comments
Is This It? I Thought It Would Be BiggerFor the past year, I have excitedly looked forward to this year’s beach vacation. I have dreamed about how awesome it would be, talked about it with anyone who would... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments1 comments
Who Can Afford Respite Care?Before I get started on this blog, I want to write a disclaimer: I’m very tired and having difficulty this week coping so if you are a caregiver; read on—you... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments6 comments
Would Hydrotherapy Be An Option?We had the great fortune this year to rent a beach house for our summer vacation that included a handicap accessible pool. The pool was large enough for our entire... By Donna SteiglederBookmark for later Reactions 0 reactions Comments2 comments