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AIBU?

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AIBU to question things after husband frightened me while I’m recovering?

102 replies

PeopleThatYouThoughtYouKnew · 05/08/2026 06:01

Detail change for reasons that’ll become evident…
So me and DH have been together 20 years give or take, no break ups or anything- just a few issues. No unfaithfulness on either side- I’m pretty certain about that- just difficulties.
The latest being I severely broke a leg bone falling down the stairs and have had to spend about 6 months in hospitals and rehab (open fracture) so we have had to be separated (not in a marital way- in a physical way, hospital etc. was a long way from home).
It’s been really tough on everyone in the family- I just got home about 4 weeks ago and his attitude for the first 2? Perfection.
I realise this has been tough for him and our doggie too of course!
I’m still in a cast- a lot of pain- and unable to do a LOT- not allowed or able to put weight through my leg as it’s still healing SLOWLY- so he’s been asking me what I want for meals and I’ve been trying to make it as easy as possible for him.
We don’t really have any family support so I just go with whatever he wants mainly- but today I had a really upset stomach due to the medication I have to take for the leg wound- it comes and goes- so I was a bit more specific (still easy food for a 40 year old to make- but specific). He was having a spicy chicken breast and I asked for mine to be plain- that’s all. I thank him SO much even when he brings me even a cuppa and honestly don’t expect a cooked meal every night- just the amount of time I’ve been in hospitals and the like I can’t face another ready meal and would happily sit down to a plate of cauliflower or whatever.
Tonight I got just that. And I thanked him a lot as usual. I actually didn’t mind it one bit to be fair- I just slammed on a load of pepper!
Anyway the point of the tale was that he got really really drunk- something I’m also not against and would want to do myself if I could (no children just my medical situation right now doesn’t allow for it).
I felt vulnerable and he started being quite angry towards me. He turned off lights that I can’t reach and was shouty and telling me to do things physically that I can’t still when basically all I can do is sort out my own toilet/cleaning/medication/water needs on the crutches.
He was fully backing me coming home (I know because the rehabilitation place rang him first)- and like I say he’s been wonderful the huge majority of the time.
But he made me scared. Scared because I am still so unable to do things for myself- scared because I don’t know how long this cast is going to have to stay on (I have a lot of other health conditions making this the flake in the ice cream)- scared because when I think back a month or whatever when I got back the place was in total disarray (apart from the dog)- scared that he has some sort of carer burnout that I haven’t known was going on because I literally was not here- and selfishly scared of what impact it will have on me.
We have an opportunity to move by the end of the year to somewhere I can access more independently- we’ve already tried carers and they cost so much and are not allowed to do so much of what we as a couple actually need to help us.
Here I am after 5am in the morning, DH is passed out in a drunken sleep- and I have a nurse coming in a few hours to check in on me.
AIBU to be questioning everything?
I feel for and tell DH how much I value him and all he does- and I really do- but I know I need to look after myself as much as I can too.
Sorry for the long post, any advice or suggestions or criticism is appreciated

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 05/08/2026 06:12

Is the drunken anger episode a one off? I imagine your DH is as frustrated by everything as you are and this was maybe his misguided response to this? Have you both been able to sit down and work out a longer term plan for your recuperation? Is he having to work full time whilst caring for you or is he at home all the time? I imagine both scenarios have their stresses and strains. Could you mention to the nurse that the situation is causing massive stress for you both and ask if there is any other support that could be available to you? Have you any friends or family local to you?

PermanentTemporary · 05/08/2026 06:08

That’s very frightening. You are disabled right now. Disabled people are particularly vulnerable to abuse. Your medical situation sounds so tough, I’m sorry.

Completely separate from that, I do feel for your h being pitchforked into being a carer. I work with people this is happening to and it’s bloody hard.

Your safety is the first thing and you should if you feel safe to do so disclose how you felt and the drinking to someone - maybe the nurse, maybe your GP?

It sounds like he is struggling and he does need more support, outside the marriage. But frankly he’s a grown up and needs to sort that himself. Ask yourself every day if you feel safe and if not, talk to someone in real life.