Guest guest Posted August 8, 2003 Report Share Posted August 8, 2003 Keri, You wrote, " This disease has all but destroyed our intimate relations. I feel this is also a good topic to be included in the psychosocial portion of the symposium. " This is an extremely important topic. And, it is interesting because it goes both ways. Often times, the patient is unable to initiate or reciprocate physical intimacy, and other times, the caregiver cannot. There are many issues at hand. One is the physical ability of either person, the patient being physically ill, the caregiver being exhausted. There is the mental component, where, more often with the caregiver, they " think " that it just isn't safe or a good idea. And, there are emotional factors on both sides. Many times, the mutually respected, and equal relationship, develops into the patient / caregiver relationship, and slowly there is a change how one view the other in status. More problems develop when one side or the other starts denying the importance of physical intimacy, saying they didn't want it anyway. It is definitely not about taking care of your own sexual needs, because even with paraplegics, it is understood that there needs to be an intimate exchange. There are so many studies about the importance of a healthy sexual relationship to the maintenance of a healthy immune system. Karyn E. , RN, Exec. Director, PAI *http://www.pancassociation.org Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.