posted
How can you get your spouse to understand your illness, symptoms and the pain LD causes. I know he has to deal with the changes in my/our life style too. Any suggestions???
Posts: 40 | From Brandon, MS. USA | Registered: Dec 2003
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posted
I think there have been several good informational shows on TV about lyme. You might be able to get transcripts, or, if you have vcr, tapes, of one or more of these. Do you have a good doc? I'd think he'd want to come with you to an appt to hear what the doc has to say that might help him understand. Best wishes. Posts: 4567 | From ithaca, NY, usa | Registered: Nov 2000
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lymie tony z
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5130
posted
Hi there. YEs there is a book about chronic illnesses and how to cope with them. This board has a search capability and I suggest that you try a search on chronic illnesses and see what pops up. I know there's something floating around in the search files that should help him understand a little better. Good luck. the zman
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Posts: 2527 | From safety harbor florida(origin Cleve., Ohio | Registered: Jan 2004
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posted
My husband of 27 years was diaganosed with Lyme almost a year ago.It has been hard to watch him suffer and feel so helpless on some fronts.I try my best to understand all that he goes thru, but know I cant completely.As the spouse of someone with Lyme though, I have to admit sometimes I get frustrated, depressed, and even angry.Then of course I feel guilty.The illness completely changes both your lives, how you run your home, etc.It is almost like a grieving process because your old life is not coming back for a long time, if ever.Sometimes it is hard for the spouse of a Lyme patient to say anything about these feelings to the person with the Lyme because we are healthy and feel guilty for our feelings.Good luck.
Posts: 46 | From Michigan | Registered: Mar 2004
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Sit him down and explain, symptom by symptom, what is happening to you. Explain the scary ones, the painful ones. Also explain that these symptoms come and go, as is the nature of the beast. So, one minute you can be fine, the next minute you could be dizzy or having a panic attack out of nowhere.
I found once I did this, I got way more support than I ever could ask for. Men aren't mind readers, and are the typical suspects for the 'gee, you look fine' syndrome. If you feel like crap, say so, and ask for help. Even if you've been together for 20 years, they really don't know that unless you tell them.
------------------ Julie G. ___________ lymeinhell
Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
I purchased a book from www.invisibledisabilities.org that is also worth reading and having your spouse read.
It is only $5.00.
It is called, "But You Look Good!"
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Have him/her read personal Lyme disease stories. Have your spouse talk to another Lyme patient on the phone. Take them to a support group meeting. Take them to your LLMD with you, and make them read read read.....
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