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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I right to regret ever sleep walking into becoming my partners carer?

308 replies

RakshaUK · 11/10/2025 20:17

It started with getting up in the early hours to help him put his socks on to go to work. Then he developed leg ulcers, so showers became a performance because the dressing on the ulcers couldn't get wet, so I had to help putting a waterproof sleeve over them.
Then, about 15 years ago he started to develop a lump in his groin, GP thought it was a lipoma, said it could be removed when it became a problem. About 5 years ago - 2020 it was limiting his mobility to such an extent he couldn't walk from his disabled parking space to his desk (they did look at moving his desk under reasonable adjustments but it wasn't thought to be reasonable because they IT dept needed to be able to communicate easily). So the week before we went into lockdown, he took early retirement!
Basically he sat in his chair all day, wouldn't do anything else, and complained that he was losing his mobility. I pointed out on an almost daily basis that if he didn't use it, he'd lose it. GP sent a lovely chap to try and motivate him, he'd agree to all the tasks, then not do anything about them.
He's been referred to 3 different surgeons with regard to the removal of the lump (which is now so big it hangs like a good sized pumpkin between his knees), one took a look at his belly, which hangs infront of it after losing about 5 stone, and declared it was a pannus not a lipoma!
We've since moved and our current surgery are trying to get a MultiDisciplinaryTeammeeting together, including him, and me to act as his advocate, since July! He's spent 4 weeks in hospital with cellulitis.
What is really getting to me is his attitude towards me. E seems to do as little as possible and leaves me to clear up after him.I'm not one of nature's nurses, I feel like a caged animal listening to his moans and cries, and of course he must feel worse...
So WHY WONT HE DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
Even his nurses say he's got to be a squeaky wheel and on the phone to the GP Surgery every day. He does nothing to help himself, or me. I'm 65, older than him, with my own mobility issues (I use a power chair outside if I have to), I'm also type 2 diabetic and recently diagnosed ADHD and Autistic. I also have many incidents of trauma in my life which haven't all been put to bed. His nurse today suggested he make me a cup of tea every day (I have a shower stool out there to sit on when I'm cooking or washing up that he could use) doing that would double his step count for the day!
He passes wind, and doesn't apologise. He leaves shitty finger prints every where (he will go to the toilet for poos, but doesn't wash his hands) Wees he has to do by standing up while I shove a washing up bowl underneath him (the lump means he sprays wee everywhere and dribbles if he's anywhere near wanting to go when he walks) He can't wear underwear or incontinence pads because of the lump, trousers are a thing of the past, so he has a blanket across his knees to hide everything.
I like our house, i like sharing it with my two dogs and two cats. I have just had it up to here with being his carer.

OP posts:
GirlonaCloud · 12/10/2025 08:34

Needspaceforlego · 12/10/2025 08:31

Op be honest you say he has a pannus, which sounds like its caused by being obese. The lump and mobility issues.

Summing up he sounds like a fat slob?

Do you think he will last much longer?
It sounds like hes a heartattack waiting to happen.
I assume you're the beneficiary in his will.

I think you need to ask for a better care package for him. I don't think its reasonable that you need to take him to the toilet.

Have you managed to get any respite care?

Edited

He's been referred to 3 different surgeons with regard to the removal of the lump (which is now so big it hangs like a good sized pumpkin between his knees), one took a look at his belly, which hangs infront of it after losing about 5 stone, and declared it was a pannus not a lipoma!

Are we talking about loose skin after losing 5 stone?
And he is no longer overweight- or is he?

Has he got a pannus and lipoma?

GirlonaCloud · 12/10/2025 08:33

TessSaysYes · 12/10/2025 08:29

So the question is can you leave. Who owns the house? is it social housing? He sounds like he's stuck where he is. Can you leave?

OP has answered that question- they both own the house.

Orangepate · 12/10/2025 08:33

Needspaceforlego · 12/10/2025 08:31

Op be honest you say he has a pannus, which sounds like its caused by being obese. The lump and mobility issues.

Summing up he sounds like a fat slob?

Do you think he will last much longer?
It sounds like hes a heartattack waiting to happen.
I assume you're the beneficiary in his will.

I think you need to ask for a better care package for him. I don't think its reasonable that you need to take him to the toilet.

Have you managed to get any respite care?

Edited

Well this is refreshingly blunt.

GirlonaCloud · 12/10/2025 08:32

You need to divorce him.

That way you will get 50% of your assets, you can buy your own home and take your dogs and cats with you.

Your other option is to stay where you are till he dies.

Sorry to be so harsh but even if he has surgery it sounds as if you will still be his carer.

Needspaceforlego · 12/10/2025 08:31

Op be honest you say he has a pannus, which sounds like its caused by being obese. The lump and mobility issues.

Summing up he sounds like a fat slob?

Do you think he will last much longer?
It sounds like hes a heartattack waiting to happen.
I assume you're the beneficiary in his will.

I think you need to ask for a better care package for him. I don't think its reasonable that you need to take him to the toilet.

Have you managed to get any respite care?

TessSaysYes · 12/10/2025 08:29

So the question is can you leave. Who owns the house? is it social housing? He sounds like he's stuck where he is. Can you leave?

GirlonaCloud · 12/10/2025 08:22

We've since moved and our current surgery are trying to get a MultiDisciplinaryTeammeeting together, including him, and me to act as his advocate, since July! He's spent 4 weeks in hospital with cellulitis.

So you need to make an appt with your GP and tell them firmly that you cannot carry on as you are.

Make it clear. Don't leave until they start making a call or putting something in place.

GirlonaCloud · 12/10/2025 08:20

Horserider5678 · 12/10/2025 07:31

Probably because he’s not medically fit for an anaesthetic by the sounds of it! I’m also guessing he’s got a depressive illness!

If that was the reason, he and the OP would know.

GirlonaCloud · 12/10/2025 08:19

The lump started to grow 15 years ago you said.

Why on earth has it not been removed by now?

Has his GP seen him recently?

I'm confused why this is not being done. One or both of you need to be on the phone every day or turning up at the drs.

I think you should leave him.

His behaviour is unacceptable in every way.

hididdlyho · 12/10/2025 08:18

I'm so sorry you're in this situation, it sounds truly awful and is no way to live. If the main reason you're staying is your animals, you may be able to find temporary foster for them whilst you sort out your living situation. Local animal charities may be able to help with this. Alternatively, if they're not cats or dogs and live in enclosures, you may find landlords are more flexible. I lived in a couple of rentals with a few reptiles before buying a house and the landlords weren't bothered as they're not exactly destructive pets.

Coconutter24 · 12/10/2025 08:15

If my DH was in this situation and he was genuinely trying to do the best he could to help himself I would help him (sickness and in health and all that) however a partner who you’ve not made that promise to who is not helping themselves in any sort of way and just expecting you to do everything I would leave. Why would you loose your animals if you left? He can’t look after himself so how on earth would he look after dogs and cats, it would be cruel to leave them with him

JudgingJudy · 12/10/2025 08:14

Become the squeaky wheel yourself. See if you can get admitted to hospital. If you have several conditions could you exaggerate a little to the gp. Medical people see the sweets and recognise his poor compliance , this makes them afraid to operate. You are holding the fort, and will be left at it until you stop, or die.

Personally, I would make arrangements for my animals. I would report my every symptom to my gp, emphasising falls risk or dizziness. Failing all else I would lie on the ground and call an ambulance.

This man needs nursing care, and you must show that you cannot provide it. It is inhumane to your dignity to assist toileting in this way- as well as dangerous (from a hygiene and a manual handling perspective)

Seymour5 · 12/10/2025 08:09

You have no life at the moment OP, so sad for you. I hope some of the suggestions here lead to a better situation. If your partner refuses to change, he’s going to end up isolated and living in squalor with minimum help. You need to look after yourself first.

IVbumble · 12/10/2025 08:03

What was he like before he retired?

He sounds abusive & it might be wise to speak to womens aid for support.

Do the freedom programme online so that you can see how abusive he actually is.

BoundaryGirl3939 · 12/10/2025 07:51

Have you actually told him how pissed off you are? Or have you put up with it with a smile on your face? You need to tell him what you've told us so its absolutely clear what he has done should you leave.
It sounds like hell on earth.

GAJLY · 12/10/2025 07:36

Could you look into having this done privately? I had an operation with a long waiting list, going private was the best thing I've ever done because I literally got my life back. When he has the surgery he'll be back to who he was. If not, then you'll have to ring his GP every day for an appointment and take him there, demand an operation because it's affecting his mobility. He needs to start sitting down to wee and could really do with a bidet to wash his bottom. Could you get carers or a cleaner to help.out? You could ask social services to make an assessment.

MaggieBsBoat · 12/10/2025 07:32

It will not change lovey. You have to leave. With your beloved pets. He doesn’t love or respect you. He is using you and that in addition to the literal shitty fingerprints, disgusting.

Horserider5678 · 12/10/2025 07:31

AgnesX · 11/10/2025 20:42

I'm seriously shocked that he's let things drag on this long. What's happening about an operation to get rid of the growth?

Probably because he’s not medically fit for an anaesthetic by the sounds of it! I’m also guessing he’s got a depressive illness!

Moominmoko · 12/10/2025 07:22

God, how hard for you. Absaloutly nobody would judge you for leaving and there are systems in place to get him the care he needs.

It sounds like he has become to see him self as a cared for person, that is now his identity and role in life. Sadly this is very unlikely to change, even if he says (and may believe himself) that he wants to become more independent.

Get out now would be my advice. He will survive without you.

babyproblems · 12/10/2025 07:05

Speak to social services and tell them you cannot manage any longer- he needs a care plan and you can’t do it. YANBU.
You deserve better @RakshaUK xoxox

Sugargliderwombat · 12/10/2025 06:36

You absolutely should leave. If he can't even wash his hands or let the postie in he can't take care of animals so maybe take photos of some of this and then leave with them.

Have you spoken to your children about all this?

isthismylifenow · 12/10/2025 06:08

God this is horrendous OP.

I am very fortunate to live somewhere where medical care is so much better, and this situation just seems like something we would see on a tv show, and we are all sitting there puzzled about why something so serious is just left. A lump the size of a pumpkin. I cannot fathom how this can be brushed off to get to this stage. And I assume it is just going to get larger if not removed.

I get he has health issues, but he has made himself seem totally incapable of doing anything, but that is because you will just keep doing it.

Even the nurses are telling him to be the squeaky wheel, and by that I assume to be assertive to get proper care and treatment.

But he won't, as again he is leaving it for you to advocate for him.

Your update about his bedroom is completely gross.

You need to think of yourself here now OP

Theextraordinaryisintheordinary · 12/10/2025 05:57

Do you want to live without him? It dounds awful for you. It’s unfair that he hasn’t tried to help himself. You’re only once around this track so you need to be happy. You have done more than most ever would. It’s ok to value yourself and put your needs ahead of his. Sending strength.x

Bluecrystal2 · 12/10/2025 05:44

Poor you, there doesn't seem to be an easy solution. I hope somebody on this forum can come up with a plan. It will need to be something drastic and maybe even underhand to get him taken away.

It's obvious the NHS don't care about you, he's just another problem they want off their hands.

MooDengOfThailand · 12/10/2025 05:26

Youre not even married to him.
I would leave.