Living with PsA & AS While Caretaking For My Husband
I was diagnosed with AS and Psoriatic Arthritis about 6 years ago. Since then, I’ve also been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. My wonderful husband has always been there, right by my side, at every appointment and infusion.
Caretaking while living with PsA
Then the end of March 2018 (one month after his retirement) I took my husband to the Emergency Room, as he was having strange symptoms and fallen a few times. He was given a CAT scan immediately, it showed a large mass on his brain and he was transferred to a hospital that could help him. He was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4 (brain cancer). He had surgery, chemo, and radiation. When he came home, 3 months later, I became his caretaker. I did all the driving, helping him to get around (cane then walker then a wheelchair), did all the shopping, all the cooking, and he developed a habit of wanting me to be right next to him. At the end of his 14-month fight, I was changing his diaper and spoon-feeding him.
Honoring my husband
Whatever flares I had, how much my back hurt helping him around, and fighting with him to take his medications. There were many nights I cried myself to sleep and soldiered thru. But in the end, despite the pain I dealt with, it was all worthwhile and I was able to be with my husband, at our home, when he passed on 10 May 2020.
Join the conversation