PH Caregivers, Family Members & Spouses

Thanks, @brittany-foster, I am sure this is not easy. I know that you also have your nephew often, Brady(?), that has to be tough, too. How are you doing with that?

Your mom can join us at any time if she needs support. I can only imagine the stress and worry that she is dealing with. As you say, not just worrying about you, but every one that is…[Read more]

Oh @mamabear007, I am so sorry to hear this about your daughter in law. I forgot that she is a nurse. I am glad to hear that she is better and that your son did not catch it. I cannot imagine how stressful this is for you as a mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Your son and his wife both are essential, and that is scary.…[Read more]

@jenc Thank you so much for your continued positivity here and the strength that you give to so many of us daily. Your words mean more to me than you know! My mom definitely has been extra stressed about my health and rightfully so. It has been hard with her not being able to see me as often or now with me only visiting once or twice a week at…[Read more]

@mamabear007 I know this must be such a stressful time for you too as a mom. I remember you saying that your son was married to a nurse. I know that must be stressful for her too when thinking about what she could bring back to your son and what she may be a carrier of. That is something that has had my boyfriend more worried and stressed when it…[Read more]

@colleensteele I know she would agree with you about being her baby. Even though I’m the oldest LOL but I get what you mean. I know it was so hard for her not being able to be in the hospital with me when I had to be in isolation. This was the hardest part for me too because I really trust my mom being there and just have the sense of comfort when…[Read more]

@colleensteele, I’ll keep your entire family in my prayers.

As for us, I’ve been praying a lot for my son with CTEPH and his wife. They both are “essential employees,” so they can’t stay home. He’s a butcher at a grocery store, and she’s an RN at a hospital with C-19 cases. More than a month ago, after being exposed, she got sick, so the hospital…[Read more]

@brittany-foster, I can only imagine how difficult this is for your Mom. My mom is 8 hours away, and as I told Colleen on another post, she calls me daily, some days more. She’s so worried.

With all that you have going on and the frustrations you’ve been dealing with, I’m sure your mom has that frustration, too. It must be so difficult for her…[Read more]

@brittany-foster I think of your mom often. You have been through so much already and more just seems to keep getting added. I’m sure it’s hard for your mom to see her baby having to endure so much. Yes, like it or not, you will always be her baby. That’s what I tell my boys. (I can see you eye roll Britt!)

I can imagine the concern and issues…[Read more]

Hey Jen and Colleen,

I know that it has been hard for my mom and I. It is frustrating because I have really been delayed with a lot of upcoming procedures and appts because of everything going on. I was hoping to get my tunneled cath line placed last Friday but there is now a delay in getting my scans and records for the surgeon to review before…[Read more]

Oh, I cannot imagine balancing all of this, as I am sure some caregivers are doing.

Oh no, like your son, my hubby is still working, and he is outside most of the day, but some days he is in the office. It is undoubtedly a concern. I can certainly understand. Just have him wear the mask, and I am sure that his hands are already raw from washing…[Read more]

You’re so sweet, Jen. Thank you for checking-in on us caregivers.

I recently mentioned to my husband that I’m kind of glad in this situation that our kids are grown. Working from home and homeschooling during a pandemic sounds really nerve wracking! I’m wondering the same – how are those who are balancing both, doing?

I too am a bath junkie! A…[Read more]

I so love this @colleensteele. Caregivers are certainly rare and much appreciated.

I cannot even imagine the pain and trials that you caregivers go through, especially with your children. Hugs to you.

Hey Colleen, please be sure that you make your appointments and get your check-ups done, too. I know that you probably are on the bottom of your list when it comes to appointments.

I am doing ok, thanks. I am working with a pain management doctor now. I am being optimistic that this helps.

@jenc I’ve been doing ok, thanks. I’m behind on check-ups for myself. Keep putting it off and I know I shouldn’t do that. How are you doing? I know you were going through a rough patch.

Hey @colleensteele, the distance certainly adds stress. I can relate to worrying and wanting to be there. I am one of 3 girls but the only one who deals with any health-related things with my parents.

I hope that you will share when you visit them in August. Wow, 90th, birthday, that’s a huge celebration!

I always worry about my daughter as she…[Read more]

@jenc I remember your mentioning in the past the concerns and challenges you have faced with your aging parents. The long distance adds to the stress…I know. I live in WA state and my parents live in NJ. It’s so hard hearing about their medical appointments and health concerns and wishing I was there to help them through all of it. I’m making…[Read more]

Hi Colleen, as a PH patient myself and trying to deal with aging parents has been a struggle for me. I can’t imagine being a caregiver and dealing with this already tough situation.

My parents(all 3)live 7-8 hours away. I often try to do what I can to help them, mostly by phone. Often this adds stress to my own health, as I’m sure you experience…[Read more]