My mother was recently diagnosed with Meniere's and was very depressed at first. Things have started to get better as she is learning to accept and deal with it. I have been trying to help as much as I can and keep her hopes high, but sometimes it is not enough. With me working and her being at home alone sometimes I am constantly worried. I was just wondering what others have done to help keep spirits high? I also was wondering if anyone could suggest some good low sodium options for meals I could possibly make for her to eat?
Hi clockwork, Good for you for doing this. Lots of good folks here, several that are on the mend and rarely post too. Me, I keep busy doing what I can, stay as active as possible. The more I sit, the worse I feel. (your milage may vary) There is a great deal of helpful info in the "Database" section of this board. Check out "Your Lovely Kitchen" section of the board for lo-sodium hints and tips.
Clockwork, As someone that has MM and a supportive family I commend you for coming here! Some of the things that helped me from the family: Always listen,really listen when your mom discusses her symptoms and how she feels. Feeling ignored really increases depression. This can get depressing for you too, but just being there does wonders. It's important that at her worse times you allow and encourage her to do what she feels she can do,but always stand by to help if she needs. Sometimes hovering can be irritating, sometimes comforting, so ask her to tell you which at the time and don't get your feelings hurt if she says back off a little I have 3 sons & they were about to graduate high school at the time of my diagnosis.Their jokes at my expense shocked others but actually helped me to lighten up and see that humor can help any situation. One of my favorite memories is believe it or not them coming up to me and with a light touch of one finger, setting me off balance! I'm not suggesting you do that to your mom, but the first time one did that, after I got my balance I started laughing and realized I hadn't really laughed in weeks. It felt good. They aren't monsters, these same sons gladly drove me 3 hrs away to Dr and stayed for 2-3 days several times over the past years while I saw my specialist, without complaint, and have listened and been sympathetic. Let your mom know that you want to hear about her status periodically, some of our first bad times was me not wanting to complain, and them getting frustrated when they found I was worse without letting them know. Doesn't have to be bad news..any news good or bad. Doing what you are doing, (becoming informed about MM) will best serve your mom. If you are more informed,she doesn't have to explain things in detail to you when she feels terrible! I'll say a prayer for you both as you start this journey, and when in doubt follow your instincts,just seeing that you have posted here shows that you have great instincts! If you need to ask questions, feel free to personal message me. Hope this helped.
