Happy World COPD Day!!!
Many years ago, right around this time of year, I was with my family at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas to strike it rich (or so my kids thought 😊) when I slipped on some pine needles hiding under a soft layer of beautiful snow. As you can imagine, I did not look like a graceful swan gliding across the water as I slid down the hill, but rather probably more like a flapping chicken. I ended up with a terrible fracture in my ankle and leg (I will spare you all the gory details). Two surgeries later, I ended up in a wheelchair unable to walk for about 6 months.
I had young children at the time, and as you can imagine navigating this new circumstance proved to be a challenge. One big takeaway from that time in my life was just how much I appreciated and needed the people around me. Sometimes we think of a caregiver as only being your spouse, but this is not correct. Let me tell you, there are so many more caregivers in our lives than just our spouses. In my case, family, friends, church members, and even fellow homeschool families came out of the woodwork to help. People stepped in to help with chores, finances, schooling the kids, cooking meals, and so much more. I think that we ate better in those 6 months than we had in the years before (or since😊). The love and care my friends and family showed were so much more than just the physical tangible things they did. They listened, laughed, and cried with me. My friends and family even encouraged me through the physical therapy process when I wanted to give up because of the immense challenge and pain. They truly were my lifeline during that time.
As a nurse, I have had the pleasure of sitting for many hours with both patients and their loved ones. One of the most common things that I see among those caring for loved ones is that they forget to care for themselves. I was reminded about this on a recent trip to Scotland. I was looking around as the flight attendant was giving the safety demonstration and to my surprise almost no one was paying attention to what she was saying. Everyone was on their phones, picking out what movie they were going to watch as they settled in for the long flight over the “pond”. As I sat there watching her put the seatbelt in and out of its buckle I had a thought, sometimes we think we know something, but are we really acting on what we know? Immediately after that, she began the oxygen demonstration. We all know it….” In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure oxygen masks will fall from the ceiling…”. She went on to say if you are traveling with a child or someone who needs help make sure that you put your oxygen mask on first, and then help them. I think that most of us understand why they tell you that, even though it seems to go against your natural caretaking instinct. But the truth is, you can’t help someone if you are not well yourself.
To all of you wonderful caregivers out there. YOU are important too. If you are feeling alone and stressed reach out to your local community-based service organization or your health care provider and see if there is a support group in your area. Take some time each day to do something that you love. Do something for yourself, even if it is sitting quietly reading, crocheting, or going outside in the garden. You have to fill your cup first…you can’t pour from an empty cup. The COPD Foundation has many resources for caregivers and loved ones. If you are a caregiver check out the conversation that I had last year with Dr. Necka answering some common questions caregivers have.
November is National Caregivers Month, and we at the COPD Foundation want to say from the bottom of our hearts, “THANK YOU to all of you wonderful caregivers out there!” Your selfless acts of love and kindness do not go unnoticed and unappreciated. We would not be where we are today without you!
If you are a caregiver, what are some tips that work for you to keep yourself happy and healthy? If you are a person who is receiving care, what are some things that you do to show appreciation for those who care for you? Let’s chat!