Relationship to care recipient?

[MrsFishy]

Seems like many people here are a care giver for a spouse.  I take care of my mother-in-law (and am happy to be able to do so!  ).  How about you?

[okarol]

Just to clarify, I am caregiver for my daughter, who is the kidney patient, but also take care of my husband who is disabled after 3 failed back surgeries.

[looneytunes]

Currently I am care partner to my hubby who has been on D since 2007.  Previously I have been caregiver to my mother, a child, a couple of close friends, SIL.

Off topic for this thread but I wonder if Shorty's memory loss could be caused by a sudden traumatic change (D) and not wanting to accept it or maybe some depression and wanting someone else to handle everything for her.   A lot of D patients report some loss of mental function and I can tell you that my spouse suffers from this also.  There are days he is sharp as ever but more often he seems to be in a fog. 

[billybags]

I am the care giver for my husband who has been on dialysis for nearly three years.

[MooseMom]

I was the caregiver for my mom as often as possible while she was on dialysis, which wasn't easy seeing as my own kidney function was crap.  Unfortunately, she lived on the other side of the country from me, so I'd have her come to visit me for as long as she could before her clinic would give away her chair (max. one month).  Or, I'd go down there as often as I could and get her to and from D.

I am not anticipating needing or wanting a caregiver myself once I start dialysis.  I am hoping to do everything myself.  For seven years, I've taken care of all of my own needs...the never ending pills, doctors' appointments, etc.  My husband makes a great chauffer, though, so I'm grateful for that, but it would never occur to me to have him sort out my meds or train to cannulate me or something.  God Forbid!  I don't know how I'm going to continue taking care of HIM once I start!  I'm still going to have to do the cooking and the shopping and the cleaning; I need a WIFE!

[lmunchkin]

Caregiver to husband.  Mother in law and then my father.  My father passed away 7/2004 of cancer, then 11/2004 hubby diagnosed with Kidney failure.
I don't regret any of it either.  There are times I do wonder why, but no regrets!

Thank God Iam able to do for them! Very thankful to have them in my life!
lmunchkin