Easing the Burdens of Caregivers: Meet @IndianaScott

@IndianaScott Hello Scott! My mother had emphazyma due to Alpha-1 (she passed away at age 58). My father retired early and was her sole caregiver. It was hard on him in many ways as I am sure you know. My hat is off to caregivers, I am sure it can feel like a thankless job. I heard a gentleman at a lung transplant support group once say that after his wife's transplant, people would call the house and ask how she was doing. He said "Not a one asked me how I was doing." Scott, how are you doing? How is that wine venture coming along?

thanks @windwalker for the kind words and the inquiry! I, too, was never asked how I was doing outside of the casual, throw-away comment of 'take care of yourself'. But here you are and you asked -- I'm doing OK. I'm not a big fan of my new life, especially since I had a stroke in mid-December, which stole the sight in my right eye. That said, I am focused on staying busy, never accomplishing a task, visit, etc. without putting a new, replacement on my calendar, which I find very helpful to me. The wine....no problem there! Seems to have grown into a family hobby now including our two adult children so that is fun! Plus being the son of an alcoholic I am forever vigilant to keep it in perspective! Cheers and I hope you are doing well also! Think Spring!

Hi Scott, I so admire anyone who can and will subjugate their self to care for another. I have been disabled for 6 years, but primarily I can not work or drive and sometimes have issues with decision making. Just these limitations put an extra burden on my wife as she is an elementary school guidance counselor and after completion of one more 8 week class will begin working on her dissertation for her EdD. She amazes me with her ability to stay positive and except when she had the flu over the past week rarely ever appears to be "at her wit's end" where I am concerned. What you did, for the period of time both your wife and you had to suffer is so very commendable. Thanks for helping others who are doing the same thing every day and I hope you are able to catch up with your kids and grandkids as much as possible. Gary

@seabee, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I just read your profile bio and would like to introduce you to @IndianaScott. If you click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification, you can read the Member Spotlight featuring Scott and you'll see why I'd like to 2 of you to meet.

My mother-in-law recently passed away from Lewy body dementia, and my father-in-law took care of her as long as he could. I admire people, men especially, who take on this new role! I realize that marriage is “in sickness and in health “, but some really step up to the plate. I recently had hip surgery (not the “normal “ procedure) performed at Mayo in Rochester and my husband has now been my care giver, as well as working a full time job as a plant manager. Many years ago we had a yellow lab named Sadie. She was incredibly smart and a great friend! We currently live in IN. I assume(ohoh!) that you do also, because of your name! So,
thanks! From: an appreciative wife!

Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, @blb3988. Thanks for sharing such a lovely story. We do look forward to getting to know you; would you be able to share a bit more about your hip surgery?

@IndianaScott so happy to see you recognized. I loved sharing eith you reading your encouraging replies to just want to talk. My problems are worse, husband retired last month and we have to move quickly. Glad to hear about your interest in Napa Valley Wines and that you raised Labradors. Will jump back on to mayo connect in a little bit into the two categories that I used . I was on" just want to talk" and chronic pain. Thank you again for your volunteering :you are a dear ,dear person to me. Sincerely Dori ( Victorious69)

@Indiannascott

@colleenyoung need help jumping bsck into mayo connect. Tried to start new topic discussion about shoulder tendonitis and rotator cuff tear especially about asking anyone if they've ever used a shoulder brace for support and what they do to treat their symptoms for shoulder tendonitis and Rotator tear. Signed Victorious 69

@indiannaScott wrote you a long thank you post and so happy to hear that you've been recognized as a great moderator. You are one of my favorites I will always always be grateful for your encouraging comments. I hope my original post pops up some where. I was encouraged to read about your interest in Napa Valley Wines and raising Labradors. Then I saw about you having a stroke in December and losing a part of your eyesight .that made me very sad. Things are even worse than they were before .My husband has retired in March and we have to move quickly to somewhere we don't know where we're going to a senior living that's cheaper. So I will probably jump back in the Mayo Clinic in to the just want to talk subject and also I posted yesterday a request for anybody who has ever used a shoulder brace for a torn rotator cuff or shoulder tendonitis. Thank you ever so much for being who you are and for the delightful person and posts that you've encouraged me along the way signed Victorious 69 Dori