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Monday, November, 23, 2009
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I Have a Problem, and Need Your Advice

Winston Smith
Winston Smith
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Winston Smith is Pastor With Boipolar Disorder
52,pastor,bipo,bp,o/c,closet bound, ect@2 yrs,resets the clock

Winston Smith

Tuesday, June 09, 2009
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My wife had a massive stroke on March 20, and spent the next 28 days in the hospital (7 days in NICU, nearly 3 weeks in Neurological Rehabilitation. She is doing ok, but still has a left leg and arm with little to no feeling, no left peripheral vision and some other brain issues. She is walking, but ...
  1. Untitled Comment
    Tabby
    Tuesday, June 09, 2009 at 08:17 PM

    I can not advise per se on being a caregiver of a person while having Bipolar BUT I can come from a person being incapacitated and having Bipolar being cared for by others.

     

    I also know that stress and exhaustion can intensify/trigger episodes.  In that you've said that you are her "everything" right now... my concern is that in being her "everything" you are going to burn out in a Bipolar blaze of unholy glory which won't help you or her.

     

    She also shouldn't be so concerned with getting better faster to make your job easier.  I know from first hand experience, to rush nature's process of healing sometimes does more damage than good in the long run.  She needs to be recuperating at her own body's pace and not rush it or try to force it for someone else's benefit.  It won't serve her well in the long run.

     

    My thought, and it's only my thought, is that you call in reinforcements and all those who offer to reinforce to do so.  Take respite where it is offered and if it isn't offered, ask.  It's not a sign of weakness and it isn't a sign of your not caring for her.  It's a sign of conserving and re-grouping the strength and mental/emotional agility you need to provide the care to her that she needs the most at the times that may be worst for her. 

     

    If you are worn totally out or swinging to and fro due to not looking after your situation, you won't be of any use to her when those moments come - and they'll come let me assure you - when she'll need you the absolute most.

     

    Take your meds, grab rest when you can and not feel guilty if someone offers to assist and let you have some time to yourself, continue to talk with your pdoc and tdoc, and continue to pray.  She is in this recovery and rehab for a long haul and I pray she'll do well in it.

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