Caregiving will SUCK YOU DRY!

What can I say? I'm a Pisces. I've done this almost all my life. My mother was very ill most of my life and died when I was 27. I married a man with serious psychological issues (couldn't save him). Hung out with druggies and alcoholics most of my life (couldn't save them). Brother. Hmmm, he's much better. Used to be a meth head, he saved himself. Still annoying due to his untreated ADHD and serious caffeine and sugar intake, but that's his problem.

I love animals. I've had some really bad heartbreaks with a lot of them. One dog had seizures and eventually died from a rattlesnake bite. One had a very expensive knee surgery and then had an a horrible accident and had to be put down. My Lily died from bladder cancer. Sabrina was just old. I tried everything with all of these dogs, from holistic diets, acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, vitamins, surgeries, you name it. I COULD NOT SAVE ANY OF THEM.

However, I saved my father. His life and his income. And I about killed myself in the process. The last 4 dogs I mentioned all died between the time my dad first got sick in September 2009 up until the end of 2011. Way too much going on. Throw in some abusive folks at work and I was a mess.

When you find yourself in a caregiver situation. GET HELP ASAP. Get a therapist, find a caregiver support group. Take meds if you need them. You probably do. Rest. Take care of your own health first. You can't be of service unless you are TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF. I had to find benefits and resources on my own. I "prayed" for helpful people and perfect timing and I got it. But not after I slid down into depression, stopped eating, drank and smoked myself silly. Massages will purge what you are holding in your body. Flush yourself with water, water, water!

I consider myself an expert in VA benefits and have a LOT of geriatric medical information. If I can be of help to anyone taking care of an elderly parent, please contact me. I want to give back in honor of the  wonderful people that helped ME. If you can, get them on Kaiser. They have a lot of support and financial assistance for co-pays if they are low on money.

It gets better. Trust me on this.