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 Posted Thursday, July 22, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Thursday, July 22, 2010
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
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| I am the only caregiver for my husband who's injury level is T4. He has not trunk support. After being in the hospital for 5 months, he has only been home for 3. It has been a real challenge. I'm trying to find another woman to talk to who may be going through the same thing. Is there anyone out there?
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 Posted Thursday, July 22, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Posts: 139,
Visits: 120
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Hi Nikki,
My husband is a C3-C4 quad. He has been injured for 8 years. We have been married 17 years and have 2 sons. My husband has hospitalized for 9 months after his accident and as been home ever since.
His care is pretty intensive. He has no movement or function below his neck and has a trach to help with his breathing. I do much of his care, but we do have some paid nursing help to care for him while I work.
This is a big adjustment for both of you especially with his injury coming so soon in your marriage. I hope you can find some support here. That’s what we are here for; to support each other.
Trish
“You change your life by changing your heart.”
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| Posted Tuesday, July 27, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Friday, October 29, 2010
Posts: 46,
Visits: 114
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Hi Nikki,
I am in the same situation, I am the caregiver to my husband who is also a T-4. My husband has very good trunk control now, 20 months after paralysis. But your husband must do physcial therapy. My husband is 52 years old. Your husband can and will improve.
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| Posted Saturday, July 31, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Tuesday, November 02, 2010
Posts: 6,
Visits: 11
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I also am the sole caregiver for my husband with a C-4 injury. It is alot of work, but it created a stronger bond between the two of us and has also made the connection with our children (different but) stronger.
Be strong, but don't hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, and professionals.
Valola
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| Posted Wednesday, August 04, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Wednesday, August 04, 2010
Posts: 1,
Visits: 3
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I too am the primary caregiver to my husband of 20 years. His accident was almost 3 years ago and is a C2 incomplete and has much of the same challenges that you've brought up. It is really tough position to be in, trying to juggle kids needs, his needs and god forbid your needs. You can only do the best you can, I can completely understand where you're coming from.
Jeannie (posted under my husbands id)
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| Posted Sunday, August 15, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Friday, October 29, 2010
Posts: 46,
Visits: 114
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Hello ladies,
I am saying hello ladies because it seems that so far only ladies are in this forum. I can not help asking why this is? I wonder if there are any gentlemen out there who are care givers like us. If so, can you please give us your perstective. How do you feel being a care giver?
Hope we hear from you.
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| Posted Sunday, August 29, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Posts: 2,
Visits: 13
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Hi there Ladies, it's a pleasure to meet you.
My hubby is a C5/C6 quad with a TBI. Due to circumstances, I haven't yet been able to be his caregiver but as soon as immigration let me back into the US I will be!! I am so glad that we have this forum to be able to support each other.
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| Posted Friday, September 10, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Friday, September 10, 2010
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
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Hi Nikki,
My husband is a T4, fell in our pool last summer, and I am his primary care giver. It has taken some time, but he is able to do more for himself, understanding there are many challenges and obstacles. He is very good a problem solving, even came up with leg straps that enable him to lift his legs and move them around all day and night, just one example. I can give you our web site if you would like. To top it off, we found out he had cancer in March, which he has kicked using an alternative therapy (docs gave him 2 months to live, its been 5 now)
This is my second time around with and SCI, our daughter was in a car accident 12 years ago and is also a T4. She has gotten better over time too, got married and had a baby.
This is not easy, but its our love that gets us thru it. Someone mentioned using friends and family and professionals and this is great advice, they can give you a break. Try to get time away and take care of "you" so you can take care of him and be renewed when you return (should take my own advice here too). I would be happy to chat with your personally if you need to, email me at adirondackstills@verizon.net.
Linda
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| Posted Friday, September 10, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Friday, September 10, 2010
Posts: 1,
Visits: 1
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I have to say that although this is a terrible situation to be in, it's nice to find other women in my shoes. I am the primary caregiver for my husband, Ben, who is a C4/C5 quad. He was injured 2 1/2 years ago just before Christmas. It has been an interesting journey... One that is extremely tough but has made us better people and a better couple. It has also helped our family. Our daughter was only 4 months old when Ben hurt his neck. It wasn't an easy first few years but things are getting much easier. It did take a long time.
Get help. We have a nurse come monday through friday to help get Ben ready for work (he works full time). We are surrounded by family and friends who help us with everything we need as long as we ask. So ask... Those that tell you to ask really do mean it. GET HELP. Get equipment to help you at home and people to help you as well since you'll need a break from being a caregiver.
Take breaks and take care of yourself since that's what matters. You are his wife and his caregiver and you need to make sure you put yourself as the wife first.
Good luck! You're not alone.
Erin
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| Posted Saturday, October 09, 2010 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Saturday, October 16, 2010
Posts: 2,
Visits: 11
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Hi Ladies,
It's really lovely to read you.. I've been with my hubby for 4 years (we married last year). I longed for someone to talk to in the beginning, someone in the same boat, just to help me through some questions and personal issues, and wondering how possible life together would be. I finally tracked down someone and chatted to her for an hour on the phone. That hour let me realize how possible a family life can be, and how fulfilling life could be, with a deeper love than a normal relationship. But it can also be exhausting being super-woman, as all of you are saying... make time for yourself. If your batteries are recharged and you're happy, that will spill over onto your hubby, and he'll soak it up and heal from the inside out.
Sylvia, what is TBI? Nikki, if you have any personal questions, catheters, etc, don't hesitate to ask and I'll try and help where I can. We don't have all the best answers, but one learns to become a McGyver and find innovative and unusual ways of doing things. I'd LOVE to learn how others manage around the house. jessica@themoment.org.za Our wedding pics at www.themoment.org.za. Francois is C5/6 complete, and he's an absolute sweetheart.
Take Care, Jesscia
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