What can I do?

  • 4 replies
  • 35 subscribers
  • 111 views

I’m at the bottom of the barrel physically, emotionally and energy is gone. My fibromyalgia is at an all time peak and know i can’t keep continuing like this.

We are 4 years in husbands cancer journey, unfortunately he ended up in hospital 2 weeks ago as the cancer near base of his spine had caused a collapsed disc. Radiotherapy and steroids - 10 days later came home with no real recovery plan. 

Also during this time, my father in law had a terrible fall and fractured his skull and back. He’s also only just been discharged with a care plan and brace. 

It’s been 2 weeks of hospital visits, working, caring for the house and animals and anything else in between. 

Christmas we’ve just managed to get through but it’s hard going even though i’m unbelievably proud how my husband is doing. 

But I’ve got to return to work in a week and a half as the breadwinner and i’m worrying so much for our future. 

My work have been understanding but that only will run out. I’ve increased pain management meds to try and aid sleep and the pain for myself. But I worry…. about everything 

We are fortunate to a point that have sick pay cover etc but i feel like im drowning 

I’ve probably lost my own point but any suggestions what i can with a brain that is fogged would be greatly appreciated 

  • Hi Amypug

    sorry to read about your situation, its tough being a carer and managing your own health.

    Can you take any more sick leave from work? I was lucky that I could take 6 months on full pay, I took 4. My dr was happy to keep signing me off as my hysbsnds full time carer, towards the end of his life.

    Have you had a carer assessment or contact with any hospice, this may provide additional support for you both. 

    Macmillan were good at looking into finances for us to make sure we were claiming everything we could. Like attendance allowance fast tracked because he was terminally ill. 

    Please reach out to any support networks available to you, caring is a tough exhausting and lonely job.  Emotionally draining watching the one you love struggling, or in pain.

    Keep talking too, it helps

  • As previously mentioned you can definately get attendance allowance fast tracked.. ask your palliative team or macmillan nurse they can do it on your behalf.  I'm lucky I get 6 months full pay then 6 months half pay. I'm hoping to go back into work in Feb when my 6 months is up..Thats if I can go a few days at a time without getting upset

  • Thank you for the kind words and advice. We haven’t had any of that and it sounds stupid but we just don’t know what to ask for. Particularly as both of us earn okish and always assume that means we can’t gain aid. 

    Thank you for those steps - I will contact them when everything reopens.

    Im also sorry to hear about your tough time and about your husband. I really appreciate the response xx

  • Thank you so so much - I am sending hugs as this is exhausting