Let’s just say it as it is: caregivers grow older too.
It’s not something you really want to admit, but time doesn’t stand still. Living with fibromyalgia is already a challenge, and then your body decides to add something new to the mix. Hormones, changes, a body that no longer reacts the way it used to. It’s… a lot.
Recently, I had a conversation with a menopause consultant. It was insightful—but also intense. Deep down, I already knew something wasn’t quite “standard.” What I was experiencing felt heavier, more overwhelming than what I saw around me. Her explanation was simple, but it stayed with me: I wasn’t on the calm lazy river—I was on the rollercoaster.
And suddenly, it made sense.
After that, I went to my doctor, who supported the plan right away. Blood tests were done, and now I’ve started medication to make things a bit more manageable again. I also got a serious dose of vitamin D—apparently my body misses the sun more than expected. I’m still at the beginning, but if everything goes well, I should start noticing a difference in a few weeks.
We’ll see.
In between all of that, life at home continues.
Even the house has its own way of reminding us when something needs attention. The pump under the house—our little “Nessie”—made itself heard again. And when that happens, you know it’s time to act. So we did.
For Codee, it’s been a heavy month.
One virus after another. Colds, low energy, just not feeling well. It makes everything harder—going out, staying somewhere longer, even keeping up routines. Swimming, which is normally so important, has been on hold for almost two months now.
And still…
There are small steps forward.
She’s slowly rebuilding her skills again. Finding her way back. And I see it—I really do. But letting go, giving that space… that’s still the hardest part. Sometimes you just hold your breath and hope everything will be okay.
We also had another reminder of how complicated care can be.
Medication changes, insurance rules, “preferred brands”—it sounds simple on paper, but it rarely is. This time, it led to an allergic reaction. Not just anywhere, but in her eyes—already a vulnerable area. Calls to the pharmacy, being redirected to the insurance, needing proof from the doctor… it becomes a chain of steps you didn’t plan for.
Luckily, we had some of the old medication left.
After a visit to the doctor, it was clear we needed to go back to what worked. A letter was written, the pharmacy helped after some discussion, and now we’re hoping the insurance won’t add extra costs on top of it all.
It’s these kinds of situations that remind you: always have a backup.
Work had its own rhythm this month.
At times hectic, especially with a system issue that just wouldn’t go away. Things like that take energy—more than you realise. As a team, we support each other, but there are moments where you have to step back. Pause. Breathe.
I had a few important conversations—with my manager, colleagues, and someone independent who could think along with me. And that helped. It brought things back into perspective and allowed me to close the month with a bit less tension.
Now, a new month begins.
A little more calm. A bit more space. And also things to look forward to. The VeineDAGEN, an evening out with my mother, a course on writing clear letters, and a photography workshop to finally get to know my new camera better.
It does mean less time for swimming this month, with all the Tuesday commitments. But that’s okay. We adjust. More yoga instead. Paying attention to what we eat. Finding balance in a different way.
Because that’s what it always comes down to.
Caring for someone else—
while not forgetting yourself.
It’s not always easy.
But every step forward… still counts. 🤍
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