I don't know who else to talk to...

I dont come on here for months and then I want to come in and unload. I guess I just need to pick up the phone and call the dayum shrink.... I guess it has taken 8 months for the toll of hubby's stroke to hit me and I guess it is with a vengence. I  dont sleep anymore....tried taking my Lunesta 3mg....nope....wake up 3-5 x a night....so I added an Ativan to it...(I know its not a good idea), but at least I DO sleep that way. I cant concentrate at work anymore...the thoughts that keep  spinning in my head ALL THE TIME! If you looked at hubs, you wouldnt know he has had a stroke...its all in his brain...his cognitive processes are *poof*.......he tries to help me out around the house....but thats not whats eating at me....its the financial end of it....disability, social security disability, if his company retires him, ALL that crap......making appts for this and that...having to do the maintenance..........STOOPID people at work............... Yeah, I just need to call........... Sorry to vent......I wont again........

I clicked on to check my email and was drawn to your post. I'm so sorry you are going through this. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything better , but I tried and that didn't work. I can however give offer some suggestions and definately my prayers.  As far as sleep goes,  sometimes Melatonin helps with production of the hormone your body already makes to help with anxiety and sleep.  It is OTC and fairly cheap. Since you are dealing with SO MUCH-and you are-talking to someone would help, if only to give you a source of acceptance and provide feedback or just a good, non-judgemental shoulder to cry upon.  What area of the state do you live in?  Some places, like Birmingham, have support groups and home health agencies that provide in home family services and respite care to YOU in order to help YOU with what sounds like a very overwhelming situation.  I know there are services for families of stroke victims in several parts of the state.  Finally, give yourself permission to vent, whine, moan, cry, scream, and just be PISSED OFF. It's okay. God gives us these emotions for a reason-USE THEM without shame and harm to others or yourself. If you will PM your area in the state, I will be glad to research what I can and send you links or information.  The MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do for yourself right NOW, is CALL your doctor as he/she may be able to suggest something to help your anxiety and/or depression or at least refer you to someone who can help you.  You are in my thoughts, Nanci

Please don't apologize for venting, it is normal. I'm not familiar with your situation, but I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with such tough issues. I think anybody in your position would feel the same way. i hope you don't mind if I pray for you and your husband.

I agree, please continue to post and vent, that is what we are here for!  I'm having a difficult time sleeping since my last surgery, it's like i can't shut my brain off at night and relax.  My doctor started me on Remeron which helps with anxiety and also increases appetitte which i needed.  I follow up with the doctor tomorrow and im going to request something else to help me sleep.  Please let me know if you find something that helps you. I'm so sorry to hear about your husbands stroke, i hope he continues to recover and that you get some help juggling all the finances, appointments and such.  I can see how that would be overwhelming. Thinking of you.. Heather

This board has become a sort of comfort for alot of people, so don't feel bad for coming here to vent.  I don't think anyone would flame you for unloading here.   Sometimes, you just need to get it off of your chest.  I'll be praying for you - and for your husband.   Try the Melatonin, it's worked very well for me over the past few months.   Soon you'll find something that will help, and things will get better. 

Margie, we are here for YOU!  Please don't hesitate to vent all you want.  That's what we are here for....EACH OTHER!  I will PM you my number in case you need someone to talk to.

You vent any time you need to.  I cannot imagine what you are dealing with right now.  I pray that things will get easier for you and that your husband will improve.  We are always here to listen.

Margie, I am praying for you. I do know what you are going thru. My husband became disable when he was 29 (low alpha one anti tripsyn)I was 23. He went on life support when he was 35 and lived nearly 18 years with machines breathing for him.I took care of him, I worked a full time job, raised our son, and took care of his mother. Some nights I slept 2 hours and some nights I slept 4, never longer than 20 minutes at a time. He's been gone 11 years and I still can't sleep thru the night and usually sleep about 4 hours a night.  Now these best pieces of advice I can give you. Delegate. If someone ask you what can I do? Tell them something to do. It will give them a wonderful feeling to help you and it will take a little worry off you. It doesn't have to be much. Take a child to practice. Sweep off the front porch that you've been trying to get to for a week and something else always demands your attention. Fold a load of laundry. Give the kids jobs. If at all possible let your husband do some jobs, peel potatoes, chopping vegs for the salad. Most important don't look at the big picture, think small. It's overwhelming to think of what can happen and what the demands on your time and energy are. Some days I started my day thinking Lord, please let me make it until nine o'clock. At nine I would think Lord, please let me make it to ten. It does get easier. The problems may not be any easier but we learn to take the pressure better.  Now one last thing, take time to laugh. I was extremely blessed. My husband had a wonderful sense of humor and we could always find something to laugh about. Now I'm going to say this and then shut up. We are a family here. We don't just share the good times but also the bad. If you feel the need to vent, we're here. If you feel the need to cry, that's what our sholders are for. And please know that you are in my(and others) prayers. Love, Miss Mary

Miss Mary, if you were a stock on the New Stock Exchange, your value would have tripled today if I had anything to do with it.  In other words, I am impressed -EVEN MORE SO-with your wit and humor. I already think you are so funny and adorable but to think you went through all of that in your life and you still LAUGH and help OTHERS to LAUGH. Good for you, Mary.  The world needs more Marys!!!!!  God bless you as you have greatly blessed others. Love ya!  Nanci

Ditto!!! Precious Miss Mary! Thank you! And MLambert I've added you to my prayer list. I'm going to trust God for a freshness of the Holy Spirit  to help you rest your thoughts and rule in your dreams tonight and every night, I'm going to ask God to conquer your fears and give you peace. I'll pray that God will manifest himself in you and your families life in ways you have never experienced, that  your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be realized, and your prayers be answered and pray for peace, strength, healing, health, happiness, prosperity and joy. And I hope you've been encouraged! HUGSSS!!! Debby