For Matsonia, knowing her husband is the best thing that has ever happened to her.
Transcript
In my trade, I have noticed women that would get Multiple Sclerosis and their husbands wouldn’t be able to handle that. They would start playing around on them and having affairs. And of course they’d feel horribly guilty. But you see, there’s been a change. And these marriage vows that we all take for better, for worse, through sickness and through health, but I think that people should really think twice when they make that oath, that promise to that person. You have to really think, “Am I going to love them and like them as much if they do get ill?” [My husband], he was sick to begin with so I fell in love with him the way he was. Chances are if he was well, I wouldn’t have been able to stand him; he would have been too much for me. So Parkinson’s had to slow him down a little so I could catch him. He’s a great man, what can I say? He’s just the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s a fair trade-off. He’s good for me. I’ve been good for him. I’ve, I don’t really see myself as the caregiver. I think he’s sort of my rescuer caregiver too.
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- When care changes over time (2) – MatsoniaAfter consulting a pharmacist, Matsonia’s husband was able to adjust his medications. Now, they both sleep better.
- When care changes over time – Matsonia Matsonia has observed a form of dementia emerge which makes it harder to care for her husband.
- The future and caregiving – MatsoniaIn two years, Matsonia hopes to move into a new home that better suits her husband’s needs.
- Personal growth and transformation – MatsoniaMatsonia feels fulfilled and happy knowing she can take care of her husband.
- Navigating the system – Matsonia“You have to be creative and foxy sometimes”, says Matsonia about resolving a medication issue with the nurses in a care facility.
- Effects of care recipients’ behaviour – MatsoniaCertain medication made Matsonia’s husband hypersexual. It is not something people speak about easily, and it took some time to discover the cause.
- Becoming a caregiver – MatsoniaWhen Matsonia started dating her husband, she didn’t know that he had Parkinson’s disease
- Advice for other caregivers – Matsonia (2)Over time and with experience, Matsonia has learned many tricks to make the caring easier.
- Advice for other caregivers – Matsonia Don’t turn down help, even if your care recipient is refusing it. Use the help available to you. Matsonia explains that the caregiver must be careful not to burn out.