Mom with IC feeling down

[pixienohio]

I'm new to the forums and a mom to two beautiful girls and stepmom to two beautiful boys. My children are 10, 9, 8, & 8 years old. I feel I'm not as good a mom as I should be because of my IC. It get me down alot and I can't do the things I want to with my children. Alot of time I have no energy and am in alot of pain. My children see me sleep alot or not feeling well alot of times. Is there any suggestion someone can give me to feel more involved in my childrens lives? :help:

[July]

I'm not a mom, but I bet just your hugs and kisses and smiles make your kids happy:smile tee without necessarily having to be doing anything in particular.

[jjmowen]

Your children will love your regardless of how much time you can spend with them.

When I felt really bad, my kids would come and lay down with me and watch a movie. Then even if I fell asleep they would stay and finish the movie. My daughter and I watched lots of Disney movies together.

We also played board games where they would move the pieces for me if I felt really bad. We also made crafts together or painted. My daughter and I also started scrapbooking together. We just try to spend a little time doing something quiet a few times a week.

My daughter wrote a story for school last year. She was supposed to write about something she did for someone that made her feel really good about herself. She wrote about helping me with my IC. She would get me ice water, or my heating pad, or anything else I needed when I felt bad. After my DMSO treatments, she would have my nightgown and heating pad and water ready as soon as I came in the door. When I read her story it made me really sad that she has to deal with that, but also very proud that she is such a caring and loving child. She felt proud of herself that she could help me to feel better.

I think you will find that your kids will be just fine if you can't run and be really active with them. Just try to keep positive....hopefully this is only temporary and you will feel better soon.

[tigger_gal]

I have a beautiful 18 year old daughter. I have suffered from IC since she was in pre-school, but not dxed till 2001. she always knew mommy loved her and couldn't do alot of things.. if you read tothem, watch movies with them, or just sit outside with them they will appriciate it.. Your children know you don't feel good, they may not understand but in time they will. They will love you reguardless of how you feel, they are not going to count how many times yo went some place. They will count the numbers of I love you's, bedtime or any time stories, the times you watched them outside playing. The conversatios at breakfast, lunch and dinner.. here is a good example.. hey mom, remember the time we were outside, and you were watching me in the pool and I jumped and did that belly flop? lol of course I do, you sure never did that again... or hey mom remember the time...... what ever... they will always count the time you spent with them not where..
we are here for you, so anytime you need help just holler, we will give you our best advice as moms.

[ICNDonna]

My children are all adults now and they tell me their fondest memories are of doing things like curling up in my bed with me to watch a movie or playing board games.

And, I feel largely because of my disease, they have grown up to be loving, caring, gentle adults. My youngest son's wife has migraines and he is so gentle and understanding with her. I'm so proud of all of my "children."

Donna

[jaime15]

There are many times my four year old son has crawled into bed with me and brought his cars to play with.
My favorite times are when he brings his favorite books for me to read.
I think he will remember these times more than those times I've gotten onto the floor for various games.
You're a special Mom........just remember that.:)

[dancemomof2]

They do understand. My kids are 13, 10, and 2. They knwo when to chip in and help and when I just have had enough and need to rest. The older 2 take the baby and give me a break. I agree that movie days and board games are some really enjoyable days. You will learn so much from your kids just by talking to them during a lazy day on the floor with big pillows and movies. They think its a big deal and you get the rest you need. I bought several body pillows and have a queeen size feather bed that we drag to the living room floor just for these days.

[pixienohio]

I've tried to hide my illness from my children and everyone else for that fact. I feel worthless so I try to make it seem that I'm fine and not hurting or need to rest. When I do rest or let myself feel the illness I've been told that I sleep to much or I need to get out of the rut I'm in. I feel guilty and not up to standards. I want my kids to remember good things about me and have memories of mommy doing things with them. :confused: