anger towards caregiver
Comments
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Oh, Yes
Oh, yes, if you read through some of the old posts you will see that this is very common. He isn't mad at you. He is mad at the situation. We just want to make them as comfortable as possible, and they are frustrated that they need help. We're scared. They think we are hovering and maybe we are at times. Besides, who else are they going to take their anger out on? The caregiver is there and a safe person to lash out at. I was able to call my husband on it most of the time, and he would mellow out. If that won't work for you, just walk away knowing that most of us have experienced this at one time or another. Fay1 -
Thanks Fay, I guess I needgrandmafay said:Oh, Yes
Oh, yes, if you read through some of the old posts you will see that this is very common. He isn't mad at you. He is mad at the situation. We just want to make them as comfortable as possible, and they are frustrated that they need help. We're scared. They think we are hovering and maybe we are at times. Besides, who else are they going to take their anger out on? The caregiver is there and a safe person to lash out at. I was able to call my husband on it most of the time, and he would mellow out. If that won't work for you, just walk away knowing that most of us have experienced this at one time or another. Fay
Thanks Fay, I guess I need to toughen up and not take it persona;
Debbie0 -
as time goes byjim and i said:Thanks Fay, I guess I need
Thanks Fay, I guess I need to toughen up and not take it persona;
Debbie
Debbie, My husbby was that way and once in a while still is , we have been in this battle since 2009. It is normal in a not so normal way that they say and do things as we try to help. Sometimes we just have to step back and let them fall down. Not easy to do but they need to still feel needed. So you are not alone in this. All of us have been in your shoes, it is a learning thing I think. Just Love him and be there for him.
Jennie0 -
It happenszinniemay said:as time goes by
Debbie, My husbby was that way and once in a while still is , we have been in this battle since 2009. It is normal in a not so normal way that they say and do things as we try to help. Sometimes we just have to step back and let them fall down. Not easy to do but they need to still feel needed. So you are not alone in this. All of us have been in your shoes, it is a learning thing I think. Just Love him and be there for him.
Jennie
Been a caregiver for 3 years now and she broke lose on me like stink on a skunk...It hurt like hell, but I hope it made her feel better. With the new chemo and now a blood clot she said she was "just tired of being sick" and who can blame her. just tell him you love him and let it go.
Steve0 -
Anger
Yes, I encounter my dad being angry at me all the time, but I know it's not really me he's angry at it's the situation and This BEAST we all hate and are fighting against. I know it's not easy but sometimes the best thing to do is understand it's not you. I continue doing what I need to for him at that moment and then will most of the time go up to my room where I have a "campchair" that looks out the window that has been labeled as my CRYING chair. That's where I go when things get too much and have a cleansing cry. Sometimes it helps sometimes it doesnt. It's really difficult when you have the person you are caring for and someone else angry at you, even though you know it's not you they are angry at it feels like they are personally attacking you for doing something for them.
Caregiving is the roughest role I have ever been faced with and I have been doing this for many many years. Since I was 9 if I remember correctly only 2 years for my dad though. I would love to just have a Job i can go to and when I come home it's over till i go back in but this is a 24/7 job.
Just hold strong and know it's not you he's mad at. And when you need support or to vent we are here.
Sending Lots of Hugs
Valerie from Kentucky0 -
Crying in the bathroomFaithful_Angel said:Anger
Yes, I encounter my dad being angry at me all the time, but I know it's not really me he's angry at it's the situation and This BEAST we all hate and are fighting against. I know it's not easy but sometimes the best thing to do is understand it's not you. I continue doing what I need to for him at that moment and then will most of the time go up to my room where I have a "campchair" that looks out the window that has been labeled as my CRYING chair. That's where I go when things get too much and have a cleansing cry. Sometimes it helps sometimes it doesnt. It's really difficult when you have the person you are caring for and someone else angry at you, even though you know it's not you they are angry at it feels like they are personally attacking you for doing something for them.
Caregiving is the roughest role I have ever been faced with and I have been doing this for many many years. Since I was 9 if I remember correctly only 2 years for my dad though. I would love to just have a Job i can go to and when I come home it's over till i go back in but this is a 24/7 job.
Just hold strong and know it's not you he's mad at. And when you need support or to vent we are here.
Sending Lots of Hugs
Valerie from Kentucky
I did a lot of that. It helps, mostly - my goal was not to lash out at him (from him, the anger manifested itself as complaints, cutting comments, nasty you-can't-do-anything-right looks). At one point, I was able to ask him to reserve being critical for things that were important (forgetting to fill his pill-dispenser before bed vs not being able to close the curtains to his satisfaction). He seemed surprised that I thought he'd been critical but I refused to argue about it (I can't win an argument when he can't talk much and even getting a bit emotional hurts his throat) - just asked him to think about it.
He did get better after that, both emotionally and physically. I think he will never believe just how tough he was to live with, but seems willing to take everyone's word for it.
Now, he just get critical when he's stressed - and I can go ahead and blow up at him for it. Nice to be back to normal "grumpiness" again.
I hope your situation gets better. . .1 -
So trueDrMary said:Crying in the bathroom
I did a lot of that. It helps, mostly - my goal was not to lash out at him (from him, the anger manifested itself as complaints, cutting comments, nasty you-can't-do-anything-right looks). At one point, I was able to ask him to reserve being critical for things that were important (forgetting to fill his pill-dispenser before bed vs not being able to close the curtains to his satisfaction). He seemed surprised that I thought he'd been critical but I refused to argue about it (I can't win an argument when he can't talk much and even getting a bit emotional hurts his throat) - just asked him to think about it.
He did get better after that, both emotionally and physically. I think he will never believe just how tough he was to live with, but seems willing to take everyone's word for it.
Now, he just get critical when he's stressed - and I can go ahead and blow up at him for it. Nice to be back to normal "grumpiness" again.
I hope your situation gets better. . .
Funny I'm sitting here almost laughing Knowing you must have a husband much like my dad. I have told him on more than one occasion if i want a "tongue lashing" I'll sign up for the military. He says Ok Point taken...You'd have less worries if you did go into the military...at least you could get some aggression out unlike now...Your having to deal with my moods and this cancer.
So sometimes it does pay to talk to them, in a way they understand.0 -
Oh yes.Faithful_Angel said:So true
Funny I'm sitting here almost laughing Knowing you must have a husband much like my dad. I have told him on more than one occasion if i want a "tongue lashing" I'll sign up for the military. He says Ok Point taken...You'd have less worries if you did go into the military...at least you could get some aggression out unlike now...Your having to deal with my moods and this cancer.
So sometimes it does pay to talk to them, in a way they understand.
I've been going through a lot of that. Roby just had his APR surgery on May 16th, two weeks in the hospital. After we got home he started running a really high fever one night so I took him to the ER, my name was mud he was convinced it was a waste of time. Well, it turned out to be an infection an absess where they removed his rectum. He finally admitted to the home health care nurse I did the right thing. It's hard but like the others a good cry in the shower usually helps.
Take Care.
Diane0 -
thanks for the laughketziah35 said:My mother threw an empty
My mother threw an empty cookie tin at me during Xmas. She is a retired award winning elementary school principal and she told me I was a beech under morphine and I was filled ith the devil. Does this answer your question?
Thanks for the laugh, Ketz. Last week my mother wanted to argue about which of us had picked up the Ritz crackers at the store. But the funniest is when she tries to curse. The little old lady who won't watch movies with the F word in them will take in as much breath as she can and then say, Oh Sh--. Cracks me up.0 -
Oh, yes...
It seems common.
A family friend's husband was very aggressive and angry with her for the last six months before his passing. Blessedly, he found his peace and was able to tell her he loved her before he passed on.
My mom definitely has moments with me (her primary caregiver). Just last week, I cursed (not even a REALLY bad one) when I was with her at hospice. My husband called me from the scene of a car accident where his car had been smashed to bits. She really laced into me for dropping the S-bomb. That's really out of character for her.
Take a breath. Walk away for a minute. Keep yourself operating from a place of love. And take care!0 -
Maybe now the question is
Maybe now the question is has anyone not had anger taken out on them??? My wife insists that I had already asked her or told her something at least three times before when it is usually the first time. Conversation is non-existent. She used to be in control of everything and saw her role as caretaker for me and our son. Now she can't get out of bed without help and has to be in a rehab facility since it is just not safe for her at home. I know that at home she will try to do something that she is not capable of doing. She is in the hospital now and fell out of bed because the bed alarm was off and she did not call for assistance like she is supposed to.
She is not the woman I married and fell in love with. I just keep reminding myself as we go through this journey and the emotional process that comes with it.
Thanks for reading.
Prayers, blessings and hugs to all.0 -
Copingcoping in CA said:Maybe now the question is
Maybe now the question is has anyone not had anger taken out on them??? My wife insists that I had already asked her or told her something at least three times before when it is usually the first time. Conversation is non-existent. She used to be in control of everything and saw her role as caretaker for me and our son. Now she can't get out of bed without help and has to be in a rehab facility since it is just not safe for her at home. I know that at home she will try to do something that she is not capable of doing. She is in the hospital now and fell out of bed because the bed alarm was off and she did not call for assistance like she is supposed to.
She is not the woman I married and fell in love with. I just keep reminding myself as we go through this journey and the emotional process that comes with it.
Thanks for reading.
Prayers, blessings and hugs to all.
I felt some of the same things as my wife and I have been on this long journey. But there was a clause in our wedding vows that said for better or worse. I am not being condasending, but I use that statement almost weekly as one thing or another goes wrong. It helps me keep things in perspetive and that She is still the woman that I married and always will be. It is the love that keeps me strong. I hope this helps, if not just disregard it. It is only my opinion.
Steve0 -
Emotions
It is common for the patients to take out their frustration, grief, anger, etc. on those around them and caregivers are no exception.
What I have told my husband is he needs to remember that it is the cancer talking, not me. If I feel that I have to constantly watch what I say or how I say it, then I won't focus my energies where I need to, getting well.
The very few times I have gotten angry or discouraged with him, I am quick to apologize, sincerely apologize. I make him look me in the eye and then I tell him how sorry I am about what I said or how I said it. I then tell him that I am having a bad day, but that is no excuse for how I treated him and I ask for his forgiveness.
I can't stress enough how hard it is for you the caregivers to continue to give to the patients. I know it is difficult, especially after months (or years in my case) of having to be the caregiver. I understand my husband's frustration with the cancer. I am also quick to remind my husband to take the time he needs for himself. He works a full-time job, we have a stained glass studio, and he takes care of me. So I encourage him to pursue his passion of playing golf at least once a week.
I, for one, do not underestimate the toll this has taken on my husband nor do I take for granted all that he has sacrificed. That is why I give him an "out" whenever new treatment is needed (surgery, radiation, etc.). The "out" is that he has the right to walk away from the treatment and the marriage if he decides that he has had enough. I love him enough to let him go if that is what he truly wants. After almost 20 years of marriage, he still tells me "you were drafted, but I enlisted".
My husband is my caregiver, but he is also my hero.
Blessings,
Teresa0 -
Note to selfpalmyrafan said:Emotions
It is common for the patients to take out their frustration, grief, anger, etc. on those around them and caregivers are no exception.
What I have told my husband is he needs to remember that it is the cancer talking, not me. If I feel that I have to constantly watch what I say or how I say it, then I won't focus my energies where I need to, getting well.
The very few times I have gotten angry or discouraged with him, I am quick to apologize, sincerely apologize. I make him look me in the eye and then I tell him how sorry I am about what I said or how I said it. I then tell him that I am having a bad day, but that is no excuse for how I treated him and I ask for his forgiveness.
I can't stress enough how hard it is for you the caregivers to continue to give to the patients. I know it is difficult, especially after months (or years in my case) of having to be the caregiver. I understand my husband's frustration with the cancer. I am also quick to remind my husband to take the time he needs for himself. He works a full-time job, we have a stained glass studio, and he takes care of me. So I encourage him to pursue his passion of playing golf at least once a week.
I, for one, do not underestimate the toll this has taken on my husband nor do I take for granted all that he has sacrificed. That is why I give him an "out" whenever new treatment is needed (surgery, radiation, etc.). The "out" is that he has the right to walk away from the treatment and the marriage if he decides that he has had enough. I love him enough to let him go if that is what he truly wants. After almost 20 years of marriage, he still tells me "you were drafted, but I enlisted".
My husband is my caregiver, but he is also my hero.
Blessings,
Teresa
Teresa,
That is a great way to look at it. Next time my wife says anything about it I will that line...
Steve0 -
Wedding Vowsmr steve said:Coping
I felt some of the same things as my wife and I have been on this long journey. But there was a clause in our wedding vows that said for better or worse. I am not being condasending, but I use that statement almost weekly as one thing or another goes wrong. It helps me keep things in perspetive and that She is still the woman that I married and always will be. It is the love that keeps me strong. I hope this helps, if not just disregard it. It is only my opinion.
Steve
Steve,
You have hit the core of what my husband tells me in reply when I give him his "out". He very gently looks at me and asks, "what part of my marriage vows don't you think I take seriously?" For better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. We've been through it all and have come out stronger on the other side.
Peace.
Teresa0 -
Wedding vows and suchpalmyrafan said:Wedding Vows
Steve,
You have hit the core of what my husband tells me in reply when I give him his "out". He very gently looks at me and asks, "what part of my marriage vows don't you think I take seriously?" For better, for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health. We've been through it all and have come out stronger on the other side.
Peace.
Teresa
Teresa,
This morning my wife was getting her weekly blood draw and I was talking to her about your hubbys response "you we drafted, I enlisted" she laughed so hard she almsot fell out of her chair. then she said I like that one...0 -
Wedding Vowsmr steve said:Wedding vows and such
Teresa,
This morning my wife was getting her weekly blood draw and I was talking to her about your hubbys response "you we drafted, I enlisted" she laughed so hard she almsot fell out of her chair. then she said I like that one...
I was so touched the first time my husband said that because I had never thought about it that way before, but he was right.
I'm glad it got a laugh from your wife. Anytime we can laugh during this hellish process, the better.
I am Blessed that my husband has a wonderful sense of humor and always tries to think outside the box about everything, including the pitfalls of life.
Blessings,
Teresa0 -
Thank you for your postketziah35 said:My mother threw an empty
My mother threw an empty cookie tin at me during Xmas. She is a retired award winning elementary school principal and she told me I was a beech under morphine and I was filled ith the devil. Does this answer your question?
Dear Ketziah
Thank you so much for your post
My beautiful Mum told me today that she knew i did not love her, and was she wanted me out of her sight (she didnot secream this but said it very loudly and repeatedly over and over again)
Thank you for making me feel less alone
xxxxxxx0
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