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Jackboyone Asked August 2015

I ignored the Doctors advice and Mom is doing very well. How do I deal with family that thinks I'm still wrong?

My sister in law took upon herself to be the driver to her doctors, and I thought this was great of her until I became the 24/7 caregiver ( I work from home). I decided that it would be best if I had a one on one with the doctor that recommended my mom drink ensure meal replacements. Her weight is back (berry,yogurt, protein, banana...smoothies and three square meals a day) and she has gained without that sugar product. The problem with that was she has thrown in the towel entirely because I wanted one visit alone. She has created an argument in front of my mother and now my mother hates her. I took her off a medication and her night terrors stop, she actually carries on conversations now. Why must pride be a factor in this? (doctor said pill could be stopped without withdraw issues (worth a try)). I am too friggin tired to deal with drama when Mom has improved. Maybe I should have put this in "whine". She has alzheimers. I am just venting.

MaggieMarshall Aug 2015
I don't know how your family can think you're wrong. The proof is in the pudding, yes? Maybe without realizing it, you were making her feel as if you thought she'd done something wrong...should have been doing things differently...made mistakes with mom's care...you get the picture.

IMO, there's bruised ego involved. Not your SIL thinking you're actually wrong. You may be a very straightforward communicator who didn't give a second thought about how your report of talking to the doctor may have sent the message that she dropped the ball.

It may even be the way you FEEL. Orrrr, you could be so proud of yourself that you're doing a bit too much crowing. ;) (BTW, I'd be darned proud.)

At any rate, SOMETHING ruffled feathers. Figure it out and fix it would be my heartfelt advice.

anonymous281963 Aug 2015
On another note, even lame atempts by family could be encouraged and fostered into a real relationship. If we take a hard look at ourselves and consider how long if took to become good at caregiving, and that we need relief and help to continue, (it's alled respite care), we may be able to tolerate a sibling willing to drive the patient to the doctor's.
Of course, only you know the sibling, and many here have siblings to ignore for the sake of ourselves and our parents. Trust your own instincts and experiences.
Do you really have to report to SIL or brother what you did and did not do as far as doctor's advice? I report everything to my own detriment at times, wanting to share is normal. Since I am doing what is right, I could keep it to myself.
You can post here, like you did Jackboy. This is your post, if you just want to vent, that is okay too. I am used to having discussions by myself, but there are so many who can relate to you.

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anonymous281963 Aug 2015
Family too, should be ignored.

gladimhere Aug 2015
They are something, aren't they? These family members that do not do one bit of the care and want to attend the doctor appointments. Happened here too, though I went and sat there quietly while doctor asked questions. Naturally, the conversation returned to me as sis had no idea how to answer. Kind of funny, the sudden concern and not a clue what to talk about or how to answer. The end of these appointments were alway wonderful as the doc would give me these inquisitive looks. Doc was puzzled and what cauaed this? Dysfunction, naturally.

Gershun Aug 2015
Yes the one who does the lion's share of the care giving usually knows best. Doctors don't always. They have their patient's best interests in mind but they aren't in the trenches day in and day out.

jeannegibbs Aug 2015
Yeah, whine and vent. It is a lousy setup.

Maybe SIL was looking for a way out of taking Mom to appointments and to make it look like your fault. Maybe it is about control or pride.

Whatever it is, you don't have time for it.

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