Kitt needs help................please

(((Kitt))) You are not being selfish at all. You WILL be ok. It is very difficult for us to function under high pressure, anxiety induced stress, and lack of sleep. PLEASE don't be so hard on yourself. Just do the best you can tonight, and try to get as much sleep as able. Also, nice deep breathing. I know first-hand how difficult it can be to care for an ill loved one. Sometimes I would wonder how I was going to do it, considering I needed to focus on myself so much to stay well. But, I pulled through. I am sending big hugs and prayers your way, Kitt. I will be praying throughout the evening. We are here for you. Blessings, Julie

I will be on my knees praying for you and your sister. May God hold you in His arms and you feel His mighty presence. God, grant her your peace and mercy.

Sue

(((((Kitt)))))

I have been off the boards for a few days and just came across this.  I am SO SORRY for all that you and your family are going through.  I will be keeping you, your sister and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers.

I know you are weaning-off the Cymbalta, is there something else you can take that's temporary just to get you through this very difficult time?  Stay where you're at with the AD, though perhaps a bit of a benzo on the side to keep the anxiety down and help you function more smoothly.  Just do whatever it takes to take care of yourself.

I'll be thinking of you......

Many Hugs,

Karen

Good Morning Family

I am overwhelmed as I sit here in the lounge at the hospital. I am looking right down at the Mississippi River and the Minneapolis Sky line toward the west as morning dawns and I am so happy to be alive, tired, and sleep deprived but alive as my sister's surgery went extrremely well.

Your prayers, cards, caring and support mean the world to all of us. She could not believe that people from all over the world were praying for her and wish her well. Her outcome looks very good and depending on the pathology reports she may need more chemo but there was no visible cancer on any other major organs............ [img]/community/emoticons/smile.gif[/img] . Today we will be walking her in the hallways.........to her protest, lol.

I am going to be making a donation to HW in honor of all of my HealingWell Family as you have made such an impact on my life and without you I would be so lost. So accept my thank you and know I am always here for you.

Still some expectations coming my way but I will be saying no to some as I am taking care of me too.

Love to all

Kitt

I have been thinking about you and your sister, Kitt. I'm so happy to hear that all went well. Continuing in prayer. Sending big hugs your way! Blessings, Julie

I am so happy for you both, still best wishes and big hugs to you both

Oh Kitt, I will start praying now.

praying for you & your sister.
praying for her doctors to figure out what's happening & to get it fixed right away.

-frances

Definitely praying for you and your sister...please keep us posted. (HUGS)

Update from Monday Afternoon

Well things are looking better again, the bleeding is under control and her psychosis seems to be clearing, she just called me a bit ago and is back in a regular room.

I did not go up to the hospital today, I was exhausted mentally and physicially, got the errands done and then took a nap. Tomorrow I work and after work I will probably try to go back up but wait until after the rush hour traffic in the cities.

I have been asked by her daughter to come and spend 72 hours straight at the hospital as my sister's daughter wants to drive to North Dakota for the week end for her husband's birthday.....which falls on March 1st. I would be the only one with my sister as everyone else has gone back to N.D.

My own daughter's birthday is March 2nd and I have to work 3 days next week.................how weak and guilty I feel but I am going to have to say no. My only mental health support I receive is here from all of you .................do you think I am being whimpy?

It feels like the more I do the more I am expected to do and I am feeling very anxious and sad as I am not good at saying no and then letting go. cry
Well that is where I am at but I know I will have to pray and give myself permission to just be human.

Hugs and Love to all who have been here for me. I have needed you and still do. You are my life line to sanity right now.

Love

Kitt

Aww Kitt! I am new here, but I can't help but be moved by your situation, and from all the responses, I know that you've been a godsend to many, many people. I know very much how you feel, because I had to get on a plane and fly 1500 miles when my Dad had to go through some very serious surgery, and I hadn't even been out of the city in years, let alone so far away. It was strange and surreal and wierd, but I'll never regret that I went. I even had one or two moments where I actually noticed how beautiful North Carolina was...

I know you may feel all alone, and that the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but you know what? We are all here, and I hope the thought that you have dear friends to help you shoulder your burden is helping. Just the thought that you are taking on this burden is a wonderful testament to your strength, character, and how wonderful a person you truly are.

And there is certainly nothing wrong with knowing when you need a break and taking a break. You aren't a wimp, you're human, and allowing yourself permission to be human is.. well.. human!

Post Edited (babblin5) : 2/23/2009 10:39:30 PM (GMT-7)

(((Kitt))) Do not feel guilty at all. Just refuse and tell them you can't do it. You need to take care of yourself first. It's called "caring for the caregiver." Continuing to pray. Be gentle to yourself. Get some rest. Blessings, Julie

I don't think you're being selfish either my friend.  This has been a long road for the lot of you, and it seems to me that you have been putting out more effort than anyone else.  You definitely have to take care of your business and priorities right now.  I know that is a hard thing to do when those priorities pile up after awhile and things feel hopeless.  Be strong and say no, because I think your niece needs to realize that you are a very busy woman too, and have a life outside of doing the family's beck and call.  It will be hard, but it does work, cause I had to do the same to mine and they were all crabby with me for quite awhile trying to make me feel guilty. . . Now I hardly ever hear from them since I'm no longer useful, and I really don't care.

Anyway, you lay down the law and take care of you.  I am here for you along with all your other family on here and we love you!

Your Bro,
Sam :)