Starting in 1990 through about 2003, my husband, Gordon, played the caregiver in our family because I suffered with terrible, life-altering cases of Fibromyalgia (FMS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). He washed clothes, cleaned the house and cooked meals.

Much of the time I was too sick to do even menial chores. We got by because he was willing to work overtime at work and overtime at home pitching in. I will stay eternally grateful to him for his patience, persistence, sacrifice and love.

If you're new to the role of caregiver, you may be in total shock. Nothing in life really prepares you for the role of caregiver unless you're already associated with the medical or psychiatric care field.

But you can draw on many past lessons and skills to aid you. Here are a few:

Just a note to say that there is a special broadcast coming to you "caregivers" on Friday, July 18, 2008 at 3 pm. I hope you get a chance to check it out.

Certainly there is a lot we can say about the people who give patients care, but putting out good info to help them survive and thrive is probably the best way to really help them accomplish what they want to do... support their loved one and help them get well!

We love you, caregivers. Every single one of us with Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome honor and cherish you.

Thanks for all that you do!

Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show

My husband appears to be recovering nicely. He has spent so much downtime sitting on the patio, his face actually looks tan. Amazingly, he looks rested and revived. However, I know that his body is secretly playing catch up as it heals from surgery.

I drove him to the office yesterday and he worked for 3 hours at his desk while I worked on my laptop computer. He came home and napped for hours. Today he ventures back to work on his own for a bit. I truly hope he does as well.

I, on the other hand, probably need a vacation. Nursemaid duties plus regular chores are keeping me busy and I'm tired. There is so much to do... I doubt if I get my downtime.

Now don't get me wrong. I am very grateful that he is healing nicely and that I've been able to help out. This, however, causes me to think back to those weeks, months and years when I was so sick with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. (Note: It was not until the end of that time that I discovered something that helped me get better quickly, but I certainly didn't have anything like that at first. I floundered a long, long time and my family suffered right along with me.) My husband and son get credit for really hanging in'.

So today, I say to all, you never know what you can do until you have to do it.

Thinking of you, caring for you and wishing you a great day,
Cinda Crawford, host of the Health Matters Show