Living with a sick spouse - advice please!
Anyone out there living with a spouse who constantly has health issues?
Most days, I'm just used to it, but sometimes I just need some encouragement. Today is one of those days. It's Family Day in Ontario and we are off, so I was hoping we could get out and do something but he's not up to it.
Background: My DH has colitis since he was in his mid 20's (he's now 40), has mostly been under control until about 3 years ago. Since then he has had 2 major flares that required hosptalizaton etc. He now recieves an infusion every 8 weeks that is keeping it under control, but he lives in fear every day that it will be back with a vengence and he will have to have an ostomy bag.
In additon, over the last three years he tore his achellis tendon, was in a cast for 2 months, and the strengthh in his leg has never returned 100%.
He has always had mild back pain, but a year ago it became almost constant (where he couldn't get out of bed), after tests and meeting with the specialist, it turns out he was born with a mild form of spindia bifidia and as he has gotten older and put on weight it's become more pronounced. We've been told there is nothing we can do, except down the road he could get an epideral to control the pain.
Finally to top it off, the last 6 months he has developed constant nausea, again he's had numerous tests only to conclude it is heartburn and he has scar tissue in his belly. He is on meds for it, but does not help at all.
So I have a husband, with weak calves, a sore back, and chronic nausea. Most days I just deal with it, but somedays I just want to scream. We have a 3 and a 1 year old and want to do stuff with them as a family and I want him to join us.
I know he is not feeling well and I don't want to be mad at him, because it's not his fault, but how do I keep my sanity on days I just want to cry???
I also have the contanst worry for the future, what if he can no longer work, everything will be on me.
Thanks everyone.