Cushing’s flare-ups change how I parent my young child
Some days, this disease hits me harder than on others
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I’ve only been a parent for eight months, and my daughter is the greatest decision I’ve ever made, hands down. I love her endlessly, and I’m so grateful that I have her in my life.
She has taught me so much about myself already, and together we have been learning to make adjustments when Cushing’s disease affects my ability to parent her.
Some days are harder than others
There are days when Cushing’s hits me harder than on others. I had a particularly bad day toward the end of my period recently. My hormone levels were dropping, my body hurt, my bones ached, my head was pounding, and my eyesight was horrible. But I had to work and take care of myself and my daughter, too.
My daughter is in a weird, in-between stage right now. She’s too young for television, but old enough to get bored. She needs stimulation when she is awake, and quiet when she is sleeping, just like most babies do. She can stay put in her chair for maybe 10 minutes total, gets bored in her car seat, and likes to find new ways to be entertained.
On a typical day, we sing together, read books, take a bath, and go for a walk. But when I’m having days like my recent bad one, when what I most want to focus on is my water intake, our playtime together goes differently. We listen to music instead of singing together, I read my work out loud instead of reading books, and we skip a bath, unless she really needs one. Then we find a way.
Instead of a walk, we sit on the porch together and people-watch. We point out the colors of cars, look for deer, and talk about the weather. Walks may be better, but at least she’s still getting outside.
Even if I were not chronically ill, parenting would be difficult enough. But I am chronically ill, and my baby will have to endure a lifetime of days when I am struggling. During those days, it’s important to find ways to keep her engaged and to nourish her brain.
In the future, I might give in to a movie and snuggle time with my girl. But she’s only this little once, and I want to find the balance, if I can.
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.
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