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Sheila:
A close friend of mine is constantly going up and down with steriod dosages due to Lupis. She has stated that every time she has to come down she goes into a depression. When I was on steriods after collapsing after Chemo, I had to go on a high dosage and then taper off over at least a 3 week period. I hope this is helpful.
June
----------
From: Lillian[SMTP:firefly@islc.net]
Reply To: mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 1998 3:56 PM
To: mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
Subject: Re: [MOL] Caregiver Burnout.
Shiela: I thought I heard someplace that you have to be tapered off of steriods. Steriods have no middle area, they are great on one hand and horrible on the hand. I believe that I read that if you just stop steroids you can go into a serious depression, does anyone else out there know if what I am saying is right? Thanks, Lillian
John & Sheila Lloyd wrote:
Hello All,
I am sorry I haven't been as active here lately. Think I might have been a tad
bit depressed. Actually cleaned a little today. My dad doesn't seem to be
doing very well. He hasn't been getting out of bed much. He didn't know if it
was morning or night when he woke up this morning, he didn't know what day it
was, and he thought he had misplaced his pain pills. He hasn't wanted to eat,
and he hasn't been taking walks. I am real scared, but am hanging in there. I
wonder if they put him back on the steriods if he would do better. Am going to
ask the doc that on Friday. The news from the scans seemed to be good news, but
his symptoms and actions do not. I am trying not to give up hope, but it is
hard. Deep in my heart, I feel like maybe we should quit fighting, but my mind
hasn't followed totally on that yet. I probably ought to have him sign a living
will, (his wishes) but havn't the courage to do it yet. I guess I think that if
I keep putting this stuff off, it will all just go away. Anyhow, I have felt
bad for not responding more, but at this time I haven't felt like I had much to
give. I am exhausted, and I haven't even had to become a caregiver yet. I need
to build up my strength for what lies ahead. Pls continue to keep us in your
prayers, and know that even if I haven't replied, you all are in mine.
Sheila
THOMAS P CARRETTA wrote:
> Thanks very much for the list you sent me.
>
> Tommy
>
> ----------
> From: BetsyEMT@aol.com
> To: mol-cancer@lists.meds.com
> Subject: [MOL] Caregiver Burnout.
> Date: Monday, June 15, 1998 7:35 PM
>
> I found this on another list. It seems like it would be a great help, I
> know
> I will try to do some of the things they suggest. Hope someone finds it
> useful.
>
> Betsy
>
> Learning How to Cope with Caregiver Burnout
>
> When someone is diagnosed with cancer, the patient is not the only one
> affected. The person responsible for care is also affected. Providing care
> for
> a loved one with cancer can be very stressful. When caregivers don't attend
> to
> their own needs and allow other pressures to take over, they lose the
> ability
> to continue to care for the loved one or friend. This condition may be
> known
> as burnout.
>
> Recognize the Signs of Burnout:
>
> ?Irritability. You snap at people for small things; you lose patience
> easily.
> ?Withdrawal. You don't stay in touch with friends and activities like you
> used
> to. ?Fatigue. You are constantly tired and exhausted. ?Insomnia. You have a
> hard time getting to sleep, staying asleep, or sleep restlessly. ?Apathy.
> You
> feel numb and must force yourself to do routine caregiver tasks. ?Appetite
> Changes. You eat more than you used to, or don't feel like eating
> anything. ?Increased Substance Use. The only relief you can get is from
> alcohol, drugs, or smoking. ?Feelings of Guilt. You think you are not doing
> enough, or you feel resentment for the amount of work doing.
>
> What to Do:
>
> In order to care for someone else, you must take care of yourself. Your
> mental
> and physical health is just as important as the patient's, so it's
> important
> to recognize your limits. Be aware of how much you can do, as well as what
> you
> cannot do. You are not super-human. Don't feel guilty when you take time to
> re-energize yourself.
>
> 1.Exercise. Even if you do not have time for a formal workout, incorporate
> exercise into your daily routine. For example, take a walk around the
> doctor's
> office or hospital grounds during the patient's appointment.
>
> 2.Eat properly. Many times caregivers are so absorbed in preparing patient
> meals they neglect their own nutritional needs.
>
> 3.Read. For pleasure, or for information, reading can be a wonderful outlet
> for stress and anxiety.
>
> 4.Get a massage. Many people think that they need to spend all their money
> on
> medical bills and if they spend money on personal needs, they feel guilty.
> Getting a massage may not be that expensive. Many major cities have massage
> schools with low-cost student clinics.
>
> 5.Pursue hobbies. Don't lose touch with the things that gave you pleasure
> before your loved one became ill. Whether it is gardening, music, or art
> classes, continue to do what brings you joy, even if it is less frequent
> than
> before.
>
> 6.Practice relaxation techniques. Whether it's progressive muscle
> relaxation,
> visual imagery or deep breathing, anyone can incorporate these skills into
> their daily lives. Many stress management workshops and books are readily
> available.
>
> 7.Keep a journal or diary. It's helpful to use this as a way to keep track
> of
> what you are going through and how you are feeling.
>
> 8.Tap into your support network. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Many
> people
> want to help, but don't know what to offer. Ask friends, relatives,
> neighbors,
> co-workers, or people in your church or synagogue to help out with some
> tasks.
>
> 9.Blow off steam. Go to the movies, go to dinner, have fun, play games.
> It's
> okay to escape and not focus all your energy on your loved one's illness.
> They
> want you to be able to enjoy life.
>
> 10.Join a caregiver's support group. Contact your local ACS to find the
> nearest group. It's important to connect with people who share similar
> experiences.
>
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