Help please

[ScaredSister]

Hi. One of my sisters (have 5) has advanced liver disease. Medically she is being well taken care of, but I am frightened that her emotional state is suffering. During this very stressful time with COVID, she cannot have visitors in the hospital and when she is home she and her husband are isolated. So although her husband is fantastic and really stepped up to care for her, she basically just lies in bed all day. Her mental state is deteriorating daily. I am COVID clean and want to go be a companion for her. To stimulate and exercise her mind. I am getting alot of flack from others in the family. Can any of you that might be suffering from this disease please relate whether or not you feel a companion would be a benefit. I believe I am correct in my thinking as I survived Stage 3C cancer against the odds my doctors had given me. So I feel I know how important mental health is while fighting for your life. Any feedback would be so appreciated. God bless you all.

[one2one]

Hi, this obviously is a stressful situation for you. All of us with liver disease are so different as to how we react to our own personal thoughts 💭, Our needs, wishes, desires etc.

You’re thoughts for your sister of being a companion, stimulating her!!, Would she really want that ??, or would she prefer you as her sister, that she knows and has loved 💕during both of your lives growing up together and beyond. And knowing that you’re still there for her now, should she need you. What communication do you have with your sister at the moment !. Myself I’m lucky to have 6 other siblings, and I find talking with them on occasions on Skype or WhatsApp lovely, in particular my eldest brother who lives in N/Z .

But there are times I like to be able to switch off too ha ha🤣.

Please🙏try not to get too worried, though I do know it’s hard for you.

Take care, all best wishes.

Chrissie 👌.

[ScaredSister in reply to one2one]

Thank you so very much for your insight. The big problem is that she has asked me to be there several times but i am getting some resistance from other family members involved in her care. They are not able to be physically with her as they all work in the public so the risk of contamination is too great with them. So basically, other than her husband, she lies alone in bed all day just fading in and out of hopelessness.

[one2one in reply to ScaredSister]

I’m so sorry 😐, it’s all very difficult for all concerned. I feel your going to have to settle for personal verbal communication for the time being, I’m sure you’re sister will understand why.

Also write to her maybe, talk about positive things, 😃 happy memories you have shared etc send photos, does she read, she might enjoy a 📖 book. Just the surprise envelope ✉️ or little parcel 🎁 arriving now and then might well give her a bit of distraction, something different to concentrate on.

And whilst on the subject ! You too could do with a little bit of

(TIME OUT ). remember to take care of yourself.

Chrissie 🤞🏼

[KarenHoyt]

I’m one of 3 girls. Our baby sis is an isolators when she has illness. (Bone Disease etc) I’m the oldest, and have always gone anyway. Sometimes I’ve quietly folded laundry on her bed. Other times I’ve taken a book of poetry or a children’s book. (She’s a teacher) sometimes I’ve been over the top and sang, or talked about childhood memories. Her husband was frustrated with me after one surgery and everyone told me to stay away. We laugh now at my audacity and how determined I was to see her get better. Crying just writing this. Of course you’ll do what’s best for your situation. Self care and safety are first. I understand your heart. Follow it, and you’ll know what is right for your situation. Also, have your sister watch some of the videos on YouTube that I made when I had liver cancer. She will probably lol. XO

[GalaxyS9]

I was a care giver for my mom while she suffered through lung caner. I also have advanced liver disease. Personally I feel that having emotional support during this time for your sister is extremely important. We are designed to need human interaction and love. Without that, I feel your sister may give up. It is awesome that you have an insight of how she needs you. You won't regret doing all you can, but you would ifyou didn't.

[Flash49]

Dear sis : I am also a sufferer of a diseased liver.I am a member of a very large international trade Union and have been for 31yrs. Personally I have seen and been around this type of personal infliction for over 10-15 yrs,and completely understand or try to in all different types of cases.My wife has been a Care Giver in 5 or more.It is definately a huge help in living through it to have someone who loves and cares about there with you through the fight. To reassure you and for hugs if not the drugs that you won't be drug down because it can get very lonely sometimes.Praise you praises to her Husband and GOD be with you through this fight never say die , Be GODS warior GOD is with and so are we. Your in my prayers: Flash