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Helping a spouse with a chronic illness


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That is interesting, though I have to disagree on the point about the well spouse steeping him/herself in the disease. Unless the ill person is unable to do it, I think, after decades as the chronically ill partner, that my husband NOT being expert or involved in my disease research or management (other than to love and support me, escort me to the occasional scary appt.) has kept our marriage and our lives all about us as a couple and a family.

 

I think his distance from the illness allows me to have a space in my life that isn't about being sick, if that makes sense.

 

Susan

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Good story---thanks for sharing. Only thing I could add is --- that chronic illness hits all ages---not just the elderly---the AARP references may make some feel like the story is only for "old people".

 

Here's something else to "chew" on (or "gum" on)..."approximately 60 million people (or 22 percent of the population) suffer from multiple chronic" illnesses...

 

http://www.cossa.org/caht-bssr/selfmanagement.htm

 

 

...at least 45 percent of Americans have at least one chronic condition

 

http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:_BNOd...p;client=safari

 

 

Maybe our country is in greater danger from chronic illness, than we are terrorists...

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Thanks for the article,

I have a spouse that is sick of me being sick, always has been and not involved with it, never asks how I feel or How my day was. I have never felt so alone and I'm sure many of us get that. After being sick for years, for me over 10 yrs., but I was a registered nurse who would never have deserted him or anyone in my family. I still care for those that get ill in my family but have learned to say no to alot of others.

 

I am angry that I don't feel supported. Afterall, when you get married your vows say, "through sickness and sin till death us do part". But that is not the way it works when you get disabled and sick. It has ruined his plans for retirement I know but to be angry with me for being sick is not right. So we are both angry. Have been to therapy but it hasn't helped in the several times of it.

Val

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I found an organization called "The Well Spouse" http://www.wellspouse.org/

 

They could be very helpful on this topic.

 

Ami

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