Invisible Condition - Ep 009 - Reflections of a Caregiver

The Invisible Condition Podcast

The Invisible Condition Podcast
Invisible Condition - Ep 009 - Reflections of a Caregiver
Nov 29, 2023 Season 1 Episode 9
Tim Reitsma

Send us a text

What does it mean to be a caregiver to someone who lives with an Invisible Condition? 

What happens when both you and your partner live with an invisible condition and are needed as each other's caregiver?

Without support, it's incredibly hard to navigate life, both as a caregiver and as someone who lives with an invisible condition.

In this episode, Tim and Tania Reitsma share personal stories of how they have cared for each other, how they see themselves as a caregiver, and how they have supported themselves when life is out of control.

You will hear how Tania navigated three years of Tim's out-of-control Crohn's Disease, how prednisone affected not only Tim but Tania as well, and how she supported herself in this strenuous time.

The advice Tania and Tim give is impactful! 

  • Make sure you have a network of people you can count on
  • Find out what grounds you and lean into that
  • Vent to people who listen
  • Focus on today, tomorrow will worry about itself
  • Prednisone is no joke!

Related articles:
Resilience Article

Tania's contact info:
Website - Steveston People
Instagram -  Steveston People
Podcast - Spotify & Apple

Episode Topics

  • Tania’s diagnosis journey with ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Tim found out he was too sick for surgery
  • How Tania wasn’t surprised as Tim was so sick
  • Tania’s arthritis flared shortly after giving birth and that affected her physically and mentally
  • How Tim cared for Tania and their newborn
  • Tim’s manic state and how Tania remained calm
  • The importance of having someone to vent to and not give advice
  • Finding a community of support
  • Opening up even when you don’t want to admit you need help and support
  • As a caregiver, finding the support you need is equally or more important

Support the show

Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!

Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma

Social Media