Can Recurring Infections Be a Sign of Stress?

 

Lately, I’ve been asking myself a question that feels both medical and deeply personal: can recurring infections be a sign of stress?

My brother has been dealing with repeated eye infections—four in the same eye in just one month. This is despite diligent care. He has dry eyes and receives eye drops six or more times a day. We are attentive. We follow instructions. And still, the infections keep returning.

At the same time, my body is telling its own story. I’m dealing with yet another scalp infection. On paper, these things might look unrelated. In real life, they feel connected.

The Body Speaks What the Mouth Does Not

My brother now lives in the basement of our home, in what is truly a beautiful apartment. It’s safe, comfortable, and thoughtfully set up. But everything around us has changed. For the next two months, strangers are renting the space upstairs. He sees that I’m struggling, but he doesn’t talk about it. He doesn’t talk about the changes in our lives at all.

He wants to go to Jamaica—and on the surface, that sounds like a gift. A break. Rest. But when I sit with it honestly, it doesn’t feel like rest for me. It feels like hiding again. Like running instead of healing.

And just when I consider leaving, something else breaks.

• This week: the water heater.

• Last week: electrical issues and the fireplace.

Each new issue gives me pause. Each one feels like a reminder that I’m needed here, grounded here, unable to exhale.

Stress Is Not Just Mental—It’s Physical

We often think of stress as worry, anxiety, or overwhelm. But stress doesn’t stay politely in the mind. It moves through the body.

Chronic stress can:

• Suppress immune function

• Increase inflammation

• Slow healing

• Exacerbate existing conditions (like dry eyes or skin disorders)

When the nervous system stays in a constant state of alert—always bracing, always adapting—the body becomes more vulnerable. Infections can take hold more easily. Healing can take longer. Symptoms can recur without a clear external cause.

Sometimes the body is saying what the heart cannot afford to say out loud yet: this is too much.

Caregiving, Change, and Silent Grief

Caregivers often carry stress quietly. We normalize it. We push through. We problem-solve endlessly. We rarely stop long enough to ask what the cost is—to ourselves or to those we care for.

My brother may not speak about the changes, but his body might be responding to them. And mine certainly is.

I’m learning that not everything is a coincidence. Not every symptom is random. Stress manifests itself in many different ways—sometimes subtly, sometimes loudly, and sometimes through the parts of us that are already most vulnerable.

A Gentle Reflection

This isn’t about blame. It’s about awareness.

If you’re noticing recurring infections, unexplained symptoms, or health issues that don’t resolve despite doing “everything right,” it may be worth asking not just what am I treating?—but what am I carrying?

The body keeps score.
And sometimes, healing begins not with another treatment—but with truth, rest, and permission to slow down.

If you’re a caregiver, a survivor of prolonged stress, or someone navigating major life transitions, you’re not imagining the connection. Your experience is valid. And your body deserves compassion too.

Humble gratitude What Caregiving Taught Me as a Homecare Owner

Being both a caregiver and the owner of a homecare agency has taught me many things—but above all, it has taught me humility.

I have always been a private person. That disappeared the moment caregiving entered my life in full force. When someone you love depends on care, privacy becomes a luxury you no longer control. You cannot do this alone. You must depend on others—often people who are not friends or family, but strangers—entering your most sacred space to help you care for someone you love deeply.

That is not easy.

Opening the door to caregivers brought anxiety I didn’t expect. Every time the door opened, I prayed: Please let them be kind. Please let them be capable. Please let them care. Sometimes that prayer was answered. Sometimes it wasn’t.

Some caregivers stayed on their phones for most of the shift. Others needed the same instructions repeated every single visit. Some arrived late—on the very moments I needed to leave for work or an important meeting. And then there were the no-shows. The calls that never came. The shifts abandoned at the last minute, leaving us scrambling, exhausted, and afraid of what the day would hold.

For many years, we leaned heavily on my mother—herself a senior citizen—to be the primary caregiver while I worked. When I came home, I took over. That was our rhythm. It worked, but it came at a cost. It required endurance, sacrifice, and an unspoken agreement that we would keep going, no matter how tired we were.

It was in those gaps—those moments of unreliability, stress, and unmet need—that my business was born.

I did not start my homecare agency to become a mogul. I didn’t set out to build an empire. I started it because I saw the cracks in the system firsthand. I felt the weight of inadequate care, inconsistent staffing, and the emotional toll it placed on families. Most of all, I started it to give my mother the relief she so desperately needed—relief I wished someone had given us sooner.

Because of this lived reality, I have a very different relationship with my employees.

It goes beyond appreciation.

They have seen my humanity. They’ve answered the door when I was still in my pajamas. They’ve seen me sitting at the kitchen table, weary but present. They’ve shared a cup of coffee with us after preparing my brother’s breakfast. They have become part of our daily rhythm—not just workers clocking in and out, but people sharing space, life, and responsibility.

They are my extended family.

Yes, they are paid—but they are family nonetheless.

I am deeply grateful for each one of them and for the blessing they have been to my family and to my business. They carry their own struggles, their own worries, their own quiet battles. Sometimes their smiles hide tears we never see. Yet they show up. They care. They give their best because they understand something profound:

We are all in this struggle together.

Caregiving is not transactional. It is relational. It requires trust, grace, patience, and humility on both sides of the door. And every day, as I open it, I am reminded that while I may be the owner of a homecare agency, I am also simply a daughter, a sister, and a human being—still learning how to receive help with gratitude and grace.

https://myseniorcareathome.com

https://nurselynx.com

#Caregiving

#HomeCare

#HealthcareLeadership

#CaregiverSupport

#FaithAndWork

#PurposeDriven

It Is Not Labor, It Is Love

 

Yesterday, I could feel sickness trying to take hold of me.

My chest was sore, as if sandpaper had been rubbed against it, and the day felt like I was moving through a twilight state—present, but heavy. I wanted to rest. I needed to rest.

But the caregiver called out for my brother.

And so, once again, I stepped in.

My brother—unlike most of us—cannot scratch his head when it itches. He cannot clean his ears with a Q-tip. He needs both arms for that, and the stroke took one away. His hair itches often, and the night before, I had promised him I would shave it for him.

I was not about to let him down.

So even with a sore chest and a weary body, I shaved his hair slowly and carefully, with intention and love, while he watched YouTube videos—content, trusting, at ease. And then, as if prompted by a gentle whisper, a thought came to me:

Clean his ears.

And I did.

Ten Q-tips per ear to remove the built-up wax. Ten reminders of how much discomfort he had been quietly carrying. My heart broke as I worked.

“Why didn’t you say something?” I asked him.

He looked at me and replied,
“I try not to ask for too much. I just bear it and try not to let it bother me.”

That moment stayed with me.

As a caregiver.
As an advocate.
As a sister.
As a friend to my brother.
And as a believer in Jesus Christ.

In that quiet exchange, I saw the heart of divine love—the kind of love that serves without keeping score, that bears burdens silently, that gives without complaint. I saw humility. I saw grace. I saw Christ.

And I realized something deeply important:

I have no regrets caring for my brother all these years.

Not one.

Because this is not labor.
It is love.

Love that shows up even when the body is tired.
Love that listens beyond words.
Love that notices the small discomforts others endure quietly.
Love that reflects the compassion of Christ in ordinary, unseen moments.

This is caregiving.
This is devotion.
This is sacred work.

And I would choose it again—every time.

https://nurselynx.com

What to Do When a Loved One Loses Their Medications: A Caregiver’s Guide

Losing medications is one of the most stressful situations a caregiver can face—and this week, it happened to me.

My loved one misplaced important prescription medications she relies on daily. What followed was a crash course in just how complicated replacing lost medications can be, especially when insurance approvals, doctor’s offices, and pharmacy policies collide.

The Reality of Replacing Lost Medications as a Caregiver

The process was far from simple.

It took multiple phone calls to the doctor’s office to request a new prescription. Once the prescription was finally sent, the pharmacy—Walgreens—could not immediately fill it. Because the medication was considered “lost,” the insurance company required a waiver and approval before coverage would apply.

This meant additional calls, waiting periods, and explaining the situation repeatedly—all while worrying about my loved one going without the medication she desperately needed.

By Wednesday, after persistence and advocacy, the insurance approval came through, the prescription was filled, and she finally had her medication again.

The relief was overwhelming—but the experience was eye-opening.

Caregiving Comes With Unexpected Challenges

Caregiving is more than helping with meals or appointments. It often means stepping in during moments of forgetfulness, confusion, or overwhelm—especially for aging adults or individuals with health conditions that affect memory or organization.

Medications can be misplaced. Refills can be delayed. Systems can fail. And when they do, caregivers are left navigating complex healthcare systems under pressure.

If you’ve experienced something similar, you are not alone.

How to Prevent Medication Emergencies: Tips for Caregivers

To help other caregivers avoid the stress I went through, here are practical steps you can take to reduce the risk of lost or delayed medications:

1. Keep an Updated Medication List

Maintain a current list of all medications, including:

• Medication name and dosage

• Prescribing physician

• Pharmacy contact information

Keep this list both digitally and on paper.

2. Use a Weekly Pill Organizer

Pill organizers help caregivers quickly identify missed or missing medications and reduce daily confusion.

3. Store Medications in One Consistent Location

Designate one secure, visible place for medications and avoid moving them between bags or rooms.

4. Ask About Insurance Policies for Lost Medications

Many insurance plans allow a one-time lost medication override per year—but only if you ask.

5. Build a Relationship With the Pharmacy

Knowing your pharmacist can significantly speed up problem-solving during urgent situations.

6. Use Medication Reminder or Caregiver Apps

Apps and reminders can help caregivers track refills, dosages, and medication schedules—especially when memory challenges are involved.

A Reminder for Caregivers

Caregiving is unpredictable. Even with preparation, unexpected situations arise. What matters is advocacy, persistence, and self-compassion.

If you are caring for someone who depends on daily medications, planning ahead can save hours of stress—and protect your loved one’s health.

You’re doing important work. And moments like these remind us just how vital caregivers truly are.

family-caregiver-journey-surgery-advocacy-burnout

Caregiving is one of the most demanding and invisible roles a person can take on. Many family caregivers step into this responsibility suddenly—without training, preparation, or a clear roadmap. One day, life changes, and you become responsible for someone else’s health, safety, and well-being.

My journey as a family caregiver began in earnest after my mother underwent spinal surgery. What we expected to be a standard recovery quickly turned into a complex medical situation. Complications arose, and she required a second surgery. With that, our lives shifted overnight.

Navigating Spinal Surgery Complications as a Caregiver

Spinal surgery recovery is never easy, but my mother’s pain levels were far beyond what we were told to expect. Something felt wrong. As her caregiver, I became her primary advocate—asking questions, requesting evaluations, and pushing for answers when none came easily.

I found myself going back and forth between:

The hospital

Rehabilitation facilities

The surgeon’s office

Each visit carried the same pressing question: Why was she still in so much pain?

Caregiver advocacy often means persistence—making repeated calls, sitting through long appointments, and refusing to accept dismissive explanations. Advocacy is rarely dramatic; it is quiet, relentless, and exhausting.

The Hospital-to-Rehab Transition: Where Caregivers Carry the Load

The transition from hospital to rehab is one of the most stressful phases of caregiving. Communication gaps, care coordination challenges, and unclear expectations place an enormous burden on family caregivers.

During this time, I was not only coordinating my mother’s care but also managing medications, appointments, and emotional support—all while navigating a healthcare system that often assumes caregivers can simply “figure it out.”

Caring for Multiple Family Members While Caregiving

At the same time, I was also caring for my disabled brother. There was no pause between roles. I was a daughter, a caregiver, a medical advocate, a scheduler, and an emotional anchor—twenty-four hours a day.

Caregiving stress compounds quickly when you are responsible for more than one loved one. The physical exhaustion, emotional strain, and mental overload are difficult to describe unless you’ve lived it.

Caregiver Burnout Is Real—and Often Ignored

The toll caregiving took during those months was significant. The constant travel, the lack of sleep, the emotional weight of decision-making—it all adds up.

One of the most important lessons I learned was this: caregivers need backup.

Having additional support is not a luxury; it is essential. Even short periods of rest can help prevent caregiver burnout, which is one of the leading causes of declining health among family caregivers.

Why Caregiver Support Matters

Elena and Michelle two of my workers have been pivotal in ensuring I dont burn out. Caregivers are often made to feel guilty for needing rest, help, or time away. But the reality is simple: you cannot care for someone else effectively if you are completely depleted.

Caregiving is an act of love, resilience, and sacrifice—but it should never be done alone.

If you are a caregiver reading this, know:

Your exhaustion is valid

Your frustration is understandable

Your need for support is necessary

And if you love a caregiver, please see them. Ask how they are doing—and offer real help.

Final Thoughts on the Family Caregiver Journey

Caregiving is not just about tending to another person’s needs. It is about surviving the journey yourself.

By sharing stories like this, we shine a light on the invisible labor of family caregivers—and remind others that they are not alone.

There is help for you too

Https://nurselynx.com 

Why I should spend labor day weekend at a wellness fair

If you’re looking for a family-friendly event in Maryland that blends fun, health, and community, mark your calendar for Saturday, August 30, 2025. Our Back-to-School Wellness Jamboree at Westminster Elementary School is your family’s one-stop destination to get a head start on the school year — with free health screenings, school supply giveaways, live entertainment, and holistic wellness activities for all ages.

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Why This Back-to-School Event Is Different

Most school readiness events focus on supplies and schedules. Ours goes deeper.

We believe that starting the school year strong means being physically healthy, emotionally balanced, spiritually grounded, and holistically prepared. That’s why we’ve designed a day filled with resources, activities, and entertainment that nurture the whole family.

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What You’ll Find at the Wellness Jamboree

🩺 Physical Wellness – Free health screenings, fitness demos, and tips for healthy living.

🙏 Spiritual Wellness – Prayer Corner and uplifting sessions to refresh your faith and focus.

💬 Emotional Wellness – Mindfulness exercises, stress-relief activities, and community support resources.

🌿 Holistic Wellness – Nutrition education, alternative therapies, and family-friendly activities that promote balance in mind, body, and spirit.

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A Full Day of Fun and Connection

We’re turning wellness into a celebration with:

Live music, DJ performances, and family fitness challenges

Backpack & school supply giveaways for students in need

Free massages, arts & crafts, face painting, and kids’ activities

Food trucks & healthy cooking demos to inspire better eating habits

Local vendors offering services you can use year-round

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Why It’s Worth Attending

When you join us, you’ll:

Get free access to valuable health and wellness resources

Connect with local health providers and community organizations

Leave feeling energized, prepared, and supported for the school year ahead

Make memories at one of the most anticipated community events in Westminster, MD

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Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Location: Westminster Elementary School, Westminster, MD

🎟 Admission: FREE & open to the public

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This is more than just a Maryland back-to-school fair — it’s a family wellness celebration that gives you the tools, resources, and encouragement to make this school year the best yet. Whether you come for the free health screenings, the school supply giveaways, or just the fun, you’ll leave with more than you expected.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and join us for a day of fun, connection, and wellness in Westminster!

Running on Fumes: When Caregiving Becomes Too Much—and What to Do About It”

Are you overwhelmed?

As a caregiver, I get it. Me too.

There are days when I’m running on fumes—balancing a full-time business, raising my children, helping with my grandson, checking on my mother, and carrying the responsibility of caring for my brother, who has long-term medical needs. It's more than a full plate—it’s a full life. And while love is the root of what I do, love alone doesn’t refill the tank when you’re running on empty.

I used to feel guilty for even admitting I was tired. For a while, I thought saying "I’m not okay" meant I wasn’t strong enough. But the truth is, caregiving—especially for multiple generations—is sacred, consuming, and at times, depleting. And we need to talk about that.

There came a moment when I had to ask myself the hard question: What will happen to my loved one if something happens to me? That’s when I realized that preparing for the future wasn’t giving up—it was giving my loved one the gift of stability, even if I couldn’t always be the one providing it.

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💡 Here’s What Helped Me—and What Might Help You:

1. Prayer First, Always

Before I did anything, I prayed. For clarity. For peace. For release from guilt. That spiritual grounding gave me the courage to move forward.

2. Let Go of the Guilt

You’re not failing them by seeking help. You’re honoring them—and yourself—by ensuring there’s a sustainable plan in place. Guilt clouds your judgment and keeps you in cycles that aren't healthy.

3. Explore Housing and Care Options

If your loved one needs ongoing care:

Look into supported housing, group homes, or medical day programs.

Check with your local Area Agency on Aging or Disability Services Office.

Consider homecare agencies that provide intermittent care under your supervision.

Research Medicaid waiver programs for respite services and long-term placement.

4. Start Legal and Financial Planning

A care plan isn't just emotional—it's also logistical.

Create or review your loved one's power of attorney, healthcare directive, and benefits eligibility.

Talk to an elder law or disability rights attorney.

Set up a circle of care—people who can step in when you need rest.

5. Reach Out to Others

You’re not alone. Whether it’s a support group, a pastor, or just a friend who “gets it,” talking through your burden can lift some of its weight. There is healing in being heard.

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🗓️ Join Us: Back-to-School Wellness Event – August 30th

Want more support, practical resources, and free wellness tips? Join us at our Back-to-School Wellness Event on Friday, August 30th, hosted by Goodwill Housing Strategies.

🎒 Free school supplies

💪 Health & wellness screenings

🧘‍♀️ Stress relief tools for caregivers

🤝 Community resources & vendor connections

📍 Location: Carroll County, MD

🔗 Sign Up: Register at gwhstrategies.org/wellness-fair

Come fill your cup—because you deserve care too.