Chris,
This is a very good topic and one I can relate to as well. My health suffered greatly while Mike was ill. Over the 5 years from his first diagnosis and surgery til the day he died , I put myself on back burner. Physically and emotionally I went all to hell. I gained a ton of weight (still haven't lost it ) and I developed venous insufficiency in my legs.. they were so swollen, red , infected and I had weeping edema. I had fluid running out of about 50 holes at once in my legs.... I know it sounds awful and it was.
Within a month after Mike died I headed to the doctor. I got a physical , a mammogram, colonoscopy etc. Was sent to the wound care doctor with my legs.. spent about 7 weeks of weekly bandaging... 4 layers una boots they are called and had to lay on my back with my legs in the air. That was to get them healed but the problem is ongoing and I have to limit sitting and standing plus it hurts to walk a lot. I wear compression stockings every day... blahhhh... I ended up with female problems , had to have surgery and a cancer scare, but was not cancer. ... The first year I was at the doctors about 18 times and last year I swore off doctors and then there are many things going on family wise again.. Mom's cancer diagnosis, surgery etc. I'm still trying to get myself back to taking care of me. In the meantime,I getting arthritic aches etc..
What is the answer? I don't know. There was no one else to do what I did for Mike . Icouldn't leave him . I don't regret that. I am saying that I am in a mess right now and I need to get back to the doctor and I sometimes feel I'm drowning in my own health problems. It's crazy.. Just got my eyes checked a couple weeks ago , plus new glasses after putting it off 10 years.
Anyhow, Chris, I am so sorry for all you are going through and you are very right that
we need to do better than this. I hate to see anyone get into the state I'm in. It is sometimes easier said than done, but I'm here to tell you that you pay for it later and it's hard to stop the cycyle and get back on track.
Hugs,
Sue