I realize that this is a trivial caregiver issue. But as a caregiver, I've been getting a bit sad lately that I can't ever wear my nicer clothes at home because they'll inevitably get stained and ruined fast. I'm not talking about designer clothing, sometimes I just want to look presentable to myself. Sometimes I want to feel uplifted and wear something pretty at home. But wearing jeans and sweats and T-shirts and and tennis shoes seems to have become my daily drab uniform. I'm so tired of looking as run down as I feel.
Besides the usual caregiver self-care routine of enough sleep, good nutrition, exercise, occasional outings for fun - how do you manage to look okay to yourself while you're actively caregiving? Is it even possible?
Should I lower my expectations about this, too?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts about this.
Your comments are appreciated. My neurologist prescribed several medications that are already helping me tremendously for the migraines, and for the muscle pain and exhaustion. He also recommended an over the counter supplement that helps me sleep better. I'm waking up in the mornings and feeling so much better! Yay.
Actually after reading about your migraines and stuff, I'm wondering about my brother.
Sence he has had covid he has had horrible headaches, and neck pain. Physical therapy, chiropractor, not much is helping.
Maybe suggest to your brother that he schedule an appointment with either a neurologist or a rheumatologist. According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors with these specific specialties are the very best at diagnosing Fibromyalgia, which is difficult to diagnose. They can also rule out other possible conditions. They are also the most experienced at treating Fibromyalgia.
The only downside is that your brother may have to wait months to see a specialist. The earliest appointment I was able make with my neurologist was six months in the future. But the wait was worth it.
Very sorry to hear about your brother's long covid and I hope he recovers soon.
It would be ironic if my brother gets diagnosed with a fake deasses, anyways. LoL
Anyways, glad things are going better for you!
So I said to her I'm not gonna tell him, and I'm sure my sister is going to tell him. Mom said thanks! Lol
I didn't think Fibromyalgia was a real disease either! I was totally skeptical when my neurologist diagnosed me with this. I thought I just had extreme caregiver burnout and I made the appointment to request a more effective medication for my migraines.
So when he examined me and said it's Fibromyalgia I said "Whaaaa??" He gave me some prescriptions and I thought WTH I'll try them....lo and behold they are helping me So Much.
I also got a book recently written by doctors at the Mayo Clinic specifically about Fibromyalgia- they've got real "cred" as far as I'm concerned. So yeah, it's a real medical condition but not a disease, per se.
It sounds like your brother won't even consider Fibromyalgia - but if his symptoms worsen he may become more open to seeing a Neurologist who could possibly help him (?).....
As far as my brother that a whole other story, I had to threaten to call APS on him because he was praying away my nephews eating disorder.
Disfuctional families are wonderful. 😂
C'mon, puuleeze stop with the "just wear prettier clothes and make-up" stuff.
Enough already with that BS
apologies for my cranky reply to you (but to clarify I have no intention of dressing as a Stepford wife).
Pjs vs make an effort 🤔
I have compromised haha & found the most comfy sloppy pants, yet black, sloppy top but nice pretty scarf. Slip-on shoes.
I am very tempted to stay in but life is short. Why not celebrate someone's birthday when you can!
(My vibe is less 'smart casual' - more 'sleep comfort').
I hear you about the ‘ sleep comfort’. DH says that 1/2 the time he can’t tell if I’m wearing Pjs or clothes when I’m home .
I have developed my own personal style which is best described as boho meets french girl style.
And changed my hair, a little more highlights, kept it longer.
I feel good, lots of compliments along with criticism of some, how dare I care about myself while my husband is so sick?
In my defense , I like to be comfy when I know I will be home all day . I do have designated comfy clothes that are not pjs ! He just can’t tell the difference for some reason .