It can be difficult to take care of yourself when raising an autistic child. I spend most of my time and energy on both of my kids. With my son, I am also taking him to appointments several times a week. I am homeschooling him, too.
For the last couple of years, I have been putting off going to the doctor to have a skin abnormality checked out. I would tell myself that it isn't important. My mother and sister would insist that I needed to get it checked out, and I would dismiss their concerns.
The bottom line was that I didn't have the money or time to have it checked. Actually, that's not quite true. I didn't want to spend the money or take the time to have it checked. If I did, then I would be doing something for myself, instead of taking care of my kids. I feel guilty whenever I spend money on myself or do something just for me.
I know. My logic was a little screwed. If I don't take care of myself, who will? If I don't visit the doctor for regular checkups, something that is minor could turn into something serious. Then what? What happens to my kids?
I finally went to the doctor. At the appointment, four spots on the side of my nose were biopsied. The doctor is also having an appointment made for surgery to remove a basil cell carcinoma. The results of the biopsy results won't be back until next week.
Bottom line, I should have gone to the doctor when I first noticed the skin abnormality. I still feel bad about what this is going to cost my family. I am going to feel guilty when my husband has to take a day off of work to take care of the kids, while my father drives up and takes me to have the surgery. I know that I shouldn't it, but it is who I am. I am glad that this is being taken care of, and I pray that the biopsy results will be fine.
Given all of what I have just written, I urge all parents to take care of yourself. Take the time to visit your doctor for routine exams. Don't put it off due to time or money. In the end, you could be hurting your family a lot more if you don't take care for yourself.
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11 comments:
This is so true. We're no good to anyone else if we don't take care of ourselves.
you are so so right. I am very bad at this.
trisha
momdot
I agree with you but you are right we have to take care of ourselves to keep things going in our homes.
I'm so happy you went and took care of yourself. So often we neglected ourselves and what if something more serious happens what would happen to our families then. What could be prevented is key. Good luck and I'll send you some good vibes{{♥♥♥}}
I've been putting off my regular yearly check-up for two years now and have recently made an appointment. I know how you feel and am praying that everything is okay with the results.
I'm terrible at this too! I actually need to get into my doc asap but can't afford it.
I hope your biopsy results come back normal! Your right we focus so much on our kids we forget about ourselves. I am just like you I feel guilty when I spend money.
You're doing good. We all have things we put off. It's not like our plates not full or something. ((Hugs)) and keep me updated.
Glad you got things sorted - well, started at least.
At first, I thought this was another article in the "First things First" Series. It deserves to be;
See: http://www.hartleysboys.com/2010/02/ftf-jaw-dropping-experience-by-marla.html
Good luck and take care of yourself. Your kids need you at 100% efficiency.
I am not sure you know this or not hun, but I am a skin cancer surrvivor. I was dianosed a few years back and have to have yearly checks. I was lucky they caught it early on.
I pray that everything comes back well for you. *hug*
You have my thoughts..
And you're so right.. YOU MUST think of yourself , even if you are caring for others.
Thanks for sharing with me, Kari. I should hear something this week about the biopsy results. I am still waiting for them to contact me with the surgery information. They have to coordinate with their doctor and a plastic surgeon.
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