When the MS Patient Becomes the Caregiver: Tips for Caring for YOU

There I was, minding my own business – and by that, I mean my multiple sclerosis – when what should appear on the horizon? CANCER. In my husband. Once the shock and awe wore off, there was a myriad of details to attend to. What type of doctor does he need? Who is the best in our area? How can we get him in there FAST? I made and went to every appointment with him. Then the surgery. And the 12-hour-days at the hospital. Then he came home. And I made sure he had his medication, and was fed, and stayed warm, and had ice water, and, and, and, and...what about me?!

Remembering to take care of myself and my MS

If I don’t take care of myself, I won’t be able to take care of him. MS is a jealous disease. If it sees me paying too much attention elsewhere – it WILL get ugly. There’s a reason flight attendants tell you to put the mask on yourself before you help your children: YOU have to be healthy in order to help them. If YOU’RE a caregiver in addition to being a patient, don’t forget to take care of YOU. Go out for a walk, get some fresh air. Read a book. Go grab coffee with a friend. Take a bath. Get some sleep. Eat well. Rest. To care for you is to care for them.