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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to feel he should have told me about this health condition before we married

341 replies

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 15:50

We met when I was 23 and he was 30.

I was swept off my feet at first meet, he was tall dark handsome romantic funny kind gentle brave .....etc.

We dated for two years and married when I was 25, my parents were strict catholic and I never lived with him back then (we're talking 20+ years ago now) before we married, just dated , never went away together really either.....stayed over at his at the time, he lived very close to his parents, but said it was cos he loved that part of the city /country growing up and all his friends were there etc so that made sense at the time. I moved in with him after we married.

Long story short. In the first two three years, I knew I had married someone with a very very low fuse (as I called at in my twenties) - prone to anger, somewhat selfish, very focused on his needs, very quick flight or fight responses to any changes in plan

Turns out one of the many reasons he was popping in every evening at his parents' for at least 10 minutes on way home was - they were (well in to his 30s) still monitoring and administering sodium valporate pills to him. I opened the packet once when his dad left it out accidentally and I had popped over.

Slowly it came out in the open that he had been diagnosed with a benign reflex form of epilepsy ( he got partial focal type seizures when taking a hot shower or hot bath and almost always or always only then) from when he was less than 10 years old. But 'DH' still said it was fully under control with medication and he had been 'episode free' since 2001 and we met in 2002 and married in 2004.

Eventually he got off the meds completely in 2008 and as far as I know has not had any more episodes just by being careful I think while in the shower or bath
I still think he should have told me - he grew up going to epilepsy clinics, top neuro consultants, thinking life would not be normal as he was still having seizures, falling in the shower leading to head injuries (multiple) , trips to hospital in the ambulance as a teen.

A big part of his life for the first 30 years - and defined his relations with his parents and siblings - and his outlook on life. At the very least he should have told me as he knows this is sometimes genetic and there is a 30pc chance yet that our teen DC could still go on to develop this and have to go through the same to find the right meds and then to learn how to self limit it.

with all the knowledge we have now online, I do think all his flight or fight dysregulation, responses to stress, conflict, self focus are linked. At least armed with this information, I could have approached our marriage with more empathy and compassion if nothing else.

AIBU for me to still feel angry now and then when I remember this lie by omission and his excuses that it wasnt relevant information to tell me.....I am 48 now, he is 55

OP posts:
RubyStarling · 15/06/2026 18:05

This thread shows why people with epilepsy don’t tell people. There is still a stigma isn’t there. How many other conditions would people not want to marry someone with.
As a parent of a young adult with controlled epilepsy the fear of something bad happening never leaves you.

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 18:03

bumblebee3122 · 15/06/2026 17:59

My DH takes SV for bipolar disorder and they now say that men taking it during conception can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in children. DH had only just been diagnosed and put on it when I got pregnant. DS13 is autistic and has mental health issues. Whether it's related or not I can't say.

Thank you for sharing this ......

OP posts:
Barmybrack · 15/06/2026 18:03

If he understood it could be genetic and chose to have children with you, he absolutely should of told you. Otherwise, it would be a necessity IMO for a partner to have a full medical history including conditions that were no longer symptomatic.

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 18:02

Ponoka7 · 15/06/2026 17:39

@Arlanymor did you miss the part were the OP said her parents were strict Catholics? You're practically the generation below me and I would expect the nonsense to stop by then, but I'm just repeating what I heard around me from older people. There was a massive stigma.

Yes it was linked with lots of vague beliefs about possession by demons etc in many cultures and religions including ours , I don't know why, apart from ignorance

He actually sat and watched the exorcism of emily rose with me, he was the one who suggested it - this was 2007 so I do not think I knew yet , not really re his past diagnosis, but I remember how uneasy his sister looked when I in my ignorance said we watched it last night and I was terrified

OP posts:
kirinm · 15/06/2026 18:01

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:33

Yes he stopped taking them the same time he stopped the sodium V

Good point.....never realised how telling stopping that as well is that it was always just a cover

I have to take extra folic acid as a result of my medication. It could be something similar with him so he was genuinely taking some sort of supplement as well. Doesn’t explain why his parents were monitoring it though.

bumblebee3122 · 15/06/2026 17:59

My DH takes SV for bipolar disorder and they now say that men taking it during conception can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in children. DH had only just been diagnosed and put on it when I got pregnant. DS13 is autistic and has mental health issues. Whether it's related or not I can't say.

Random321 · 15/06/2026 17:58

OP, is sounds like you still have no idea whether is has epilesy or bi-polar or some other medicsl condition.

Let's be honest, you have no idea. He didn't disclose it then and he isn't disclosing it now.

You don't know who you have married and you can't trust him as he isn't honest with you.

It's not about whetner you would have stayed with him or not. For most people, epilesy isn't a reason to end a relationship. Bi-polar idn't necessary either but you would have certainly asked for more details.

I can't have kids. I told everyone I dated very early on, even though it's a heavy discussion for an early date. It's deception otherwise.

It seems complete wrong to me that lying about meducal conditions can invalidate insurance, lead to job loses but there's nothing in place to stop disclosing it to a spouse.

Incidentially, I know 5 people with epilesy, albeit none of them closely. None of them have an anger problem.

Rachelshair · 15/06/2026 17:56

"Do I want to die with him beside me? Or do I want to die alone? How many more years do I myself have at 48, a few or many? Is it worth the pain and trouble? Should I do it on principle"

Sorry to be a bit blunt OP, but men tend to have shorter lives than women on the whole, so as he's older you'll probably not have him by your side anyway.
40s is an age when many people start reassessing their lives. I think you'd benefit from some counselling for you alone, there is a lot going on in there.
But 48 is not too old to split at all, and if you feel so strongly that he betrayed the younger you then you may have to split, if he's not prepared to acknowledge how you feel. It can take a long time for things to sink in sometimes. It's impossible to put the lid back on once you've had the realisation.
And that's without considering his short fuse etc.

HelenHan67 · 15/06/2026 17:54

thelongesday · 15/06/2026 17:28

Is he ND OP? Epilepsy and neurodivergence are highly comorbid. It juts made me wonder when you said he doesn't cope well with changes in plan, in still going to his parents for meds at 30, focussed on himself. difficulties with emotional regulation.....

There are plenty of people with epilepsy who:

a) Take their medication correctly, as adults
b) Are not neurodiverse
c) Tell prospective partners about it
d) Don't attribute personality traits (e.g. anger) to what is a neurological condition

There is a link between epilepsy and ND but that's not to say every person with epilepsy has autism/ADHD and every person with ADHD/autism has epilepsy. It's a % increase.

Sodium valporate shouldn't be taken by expectant mothers. I think (I may be wrong) while the same guidelines which restrict it's usage also impact men, it's actually got a statistically very low chance of causing any foetal damage.

britnay · 15/06/2026 17:42

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 16:47

Yes I did conceive while he was on sodium valproate , please share if you have any risk factors info , should I be getting some tests done for the DC are mid to late teens

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sodium-valproate/about-sodium-valproate/

For men taking sodium valproate, your fertility could be affected. It may also cause learning or behavioural problems in your child if your partner becomes pregnant while you're taking sodium valproate.

For men who could possibly have children, it's important to discuss sodium valproate with your doctor. You and your partner should use contraception while you're taking sodium valproate and for at least 3 months after stopping.
For men who are planning to start a family within the next year, speak to a doctor about your treatment options. Do not stop taking sodium valproate without speaking to a doctor first.

nhs.uk

About sodium valproate

NHS medicines information on sodium valproate – what it's used for and key facts.

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sodium-valproate/about-sodium-valproate

Beachforever · 15/06/2026 17:42

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:29

I keep asking him they must have a file in one of their cupboards with the initial diagnosis , I can see his consultant who is now deceased , was a eminent leader in the field

He keeps saying the file was all nonsense I hope they threw it away, but the consultant is so well renowned for 20th century research in HWE

Are you in England? His full medical records will be on the NHS app. I can see my school age vaccinations on there!

Two2TooAlsoToToward · 15/06/2026 17:40

It feels like you’ve come on here to get “permission” to leave. You don’t need permission—regardless of any of the backstory, he’s being a dick to you, and you’re allowed to leave. If that’s what you want.

Ponoka7 · 15/06/2026 17:39

@Arlanymor did you miss the part were the OP said her parents were strict Catholics? You're practically the generation below me and I would expect the nonsense to stop by then, but I'm just repeating what I heard around me from older people. There was a massive stigma.

HelenHan67 · 15/06/2026 17:39

I wonder it helps to separate out what’s actually relevant to the point you’re making. The epilepsy itself is one issue, and whether he should have disclosed it before marriage is a separate issue about trust in the relationship. But some of the other dynamics you mention, his temperament, conflict style, and his relationship with his parents, aren’t really explained by epilepsy. And I don’t think it’s fair or accurate to link those things directly to a medical condition, especially given he’s been seizure-free for many years and off medication for a long time. The fact his parents were involved in monitoring medication into adulthood sounds unusual, but that’s more about family boundaries and how they handled his condition, not epilepsy itself. I don’t think you’re wrong to feel angry about not being told something significant about his medical history. But it may help to keep that separate from assumptions about what caused his personality or behaviour, so you can judge each issue on its own merits. Does that make sense?

Giantmarshmallowbum · 15/06/2026 17:38

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:25

Thank you I read your post multiple times and am almost in tears

I am a victim too in all this, albeit because of my own stupidity

Is it because you feel responsible for your choices that you can’t/wont leave?

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:33

Two2TooAlsoToToward · 15/06/2026 17:31

That’s not lying by omission—it’s outright lying—vitamins for gums?

Yes he stopped taking them the same time he stopped the sodium V

Good point.....never realised how telling stopping that as well is that it was always just a cover

OP posts:
Toddlerteaplease · 15/06/2026 17:33

That is a very bizarre thing to lie about. And very odd that his parents were controlling his medication.

Two2TooAlsoToToward · 15/06/2026 17:31

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 16:10

He never told me himself ....

I saw the medication at his parents' and opened it one day almost routinely as they had said it was only Vitamins, due to bleeding gums condition he had as a kid, but then I saw the 'epilex' name. Even then I took a very watered down explanation from him a few fainting spells end of. Then his best friend brought it up again when I mentioned being surprised by how close he was with his parents and how protective they were of him (he did not want to move away anywhere else for a very long time) and then his friend told me 'you know he was quite sick right as a child and his parents and siblings helped through all that....'

It just came out more and more after that with me asking questions and not letting the topic go completely - I would gain a bit more of the picture every year and then read up about it - I never expect normal reactions from him in an adult conflict situation anymore - I think something snaps in his brain and I eggshell for sure around his anger, but it is hard to call it 'abuse' as I think it is actually his para sympathetic nervous system 'being very distinct in patients with HWE'

I care about him but there are times when I think about it all and my position and am very angry I was not allowed to make an informed choice

Ofc I also blame myself mostly for being naive and marrying someone without knowing them well enough to ....

This morning was the first time I mentioned the topic in very long and for the first time he said ' I do not know why I never told you, I had always told girlfriends I had before then...' What do I make of that?

That’s not lying by omission—it’s outright lying—vitamins for gums?

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:31

thelongesday · 15/06/2026 17:28

Is he ND OP? Epilepsy and neurodivergence are highly comorbid. It juts made me wonder when you said he doesn't cope well with changes in plan, in still going to his parents for meds at 30, focussed on himself. difficulties with emotional regulation.....

Definitely ND, wont come for a diagnosis though, hasnt set foot in anything to do with above the neck related conditions since I appeared and his episodes disappeared

I speak in short sentences, he gets upset at nuance if he cant pick up on it

OP posts:
RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:29

DivorcedButHappyNow · 15/06/2026 17:25

Sodium valproate is also prescribed for those that are bi-polar. That’s what I thought you were going to say given what you say about his behaviour. It’s the type of thing I could imagine parents hiding.

Of course he should have told you.

I keep asking him they must have a file in one of their cupboards with the initial diagnosis , I can see his consultant who is now deceased , was a eminent leader in the field

He keeps saying the file was all nonsense I hope they threw it away, but the consultant is so well renowned for 20th century research in HWE

OP posts:
Sunshineandgrapefruit · 15/06/2026 17:28

Of course he should not have lied. This isn't new though so focus on what has changed and why this is key now. Definitely talk to a counsellor to work through your feelings as there is a lot to unpick.

thelongesday · 15/06/2026 17:28

Is he ND OP? Epilepsy and neurodivergence are highly comorbid. It juts made me wonder when you said he doesn't cope well with changes in plan, in still going to his parents for meds at 30, focussed on himself. difficulties with emotional regulation.....

ArtfullyDistressed · 15/06/2026 17:28

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:19

@BauhausOfEliott @kirinm , did you see the post by @Anyahyacinth ?

I did not even know about annullment, that is ridiculous after 23 years . If I left and separated, and wanted it legalised, I would divorce

I am nowhere near that

Annulment has nothing to do with divorce or legalities, though. It's canon law - it has no effect on your civil status. You would need to divorce as well in order to remarry. But if you wanted to remarry in a Catholic church, you would need to get an annulment, which means a declaration that a valid sacramental marriage had never existed, because of a serious deception. Divorce legally ends a valid marriage in the eyes of the law. The two are different.

You ascribe your frankly mad decision to marry a man you barely knew to your parents' Catholicism meaning you 'weren't allowed' to live with him or go away with him. It's perfectly possible, from the information given, you are still a believing Catholic, therefore that you might want an annulment to allow you to marry again in church.

I agree with @BauhausOfEliott that you're hanging an awful lot on his epilepsy and his concealment of it.

kirinm · 15/06/2026 17:27

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:22

I think you are convinced he deserves no empathy for the anger issues 'just because' he was diagnosed with HWE and had a very bad time of it till age 30

You can see why I am still not convinced though

I see him as another child , alongside my DC

Lies to get what he wants, and gets angry when it is snactched away, I see him as an emotionally stunted child. Which is also what a 'distinct sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system response in HWEs' could be ? that after the fact he can calm down and adult, but in the moment he is lashing out because of his physiology?

I think you’re assuming his anger is related to a condition he no longer has. You can empathise with him but I don’t think you should be assuming it’s got anything to do with the fact he had seizures when he was younger.

kirinm · 15/06/2026 17:25

RachelWardd · 15/06/2026 17:19

@BauhausOfEliott @kirinm , did you see the post by @Anyahyacinth ?

I did not even know about annullment, that is ridiculous after 23 years . If I left and separated, and wanted it legalised, I would divorce

I am nowhere near that

Are you referring to the post about anger? That looks googled to me tbh but it’s sort of irrelevant. It’s not my experience. And your husband wasn’t being and isn’t being treated for epilepsy now anyway.