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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel sad that I have a carer starting today.

180 replies

GentlyGleaming · 08/07/2019 09:21

I'm in my early 30s and was diagnosed a few months ago with a debilitating condition. I have 2 DCs and a DH of 6 years. My DH has been off work since the beginning of the year to take care of the children as they are below school age and I can't lift them (anything at the moment really). DHs work have been really good and said he could take an extended time off of work until the DCs were older and his job would be safe. DH decided that he'd rather be at work so the carers were bought in and are due to arrive any moment.

I feel like my soul has been crushed. I was used to having the house to myself and the DCs and then had to get used to DH being around more but the idea of having a stranger here all day everyday is just... hard. I feel like I'm going to have to constantly be a different person in my own home.

Please don't think I'm ungrateful for the help because I'm not but a part of me feels let down by DH and hurt that he's put his job before our DCs. I know I'm probably going to get it in the neck but compared to most carers DH has had it cushy. I need minimal things doing for me and can still do things for the DCs. Some carers have 24/7 hard work but DH certainly isn't one of them. He isn't really doing more than any other parent does. I just feel let down.

AIBU?

OP posts:
TurtleCavalryIsSeriousShit · 09/07/2019 11:29

@GentlyGleaming, he is a prize twat, like the pp said.

I can't believe the hard time you've been getting on here and from him. He is a selfish cunt! If you are getting a carer anyway, can't you bloody divorce him? What on earth do you need him for? He can take the kids every other weekend and you'll get a proper break?

I'm sorry, I'm not helping. I'm just so angry on your behalf. Angry

I know it's hard adjusting to this new life. And grieving for the life you thought you were going to have. I'm still struggling 2 years on, and I have a supportive DH. I really, really feel for you.

I'm glad you are starting counseling. It's not a magic wand, but it WILL help. Flowers

WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 09/07/2019 12:25

How are you today gently?

As a disabled person, it's quite depressing to hear all the "oh well I couldn't do that and caring for someone changes the relationship too much", especially from people who haven't been in that situation.

I actually think a lot of the replies/attitudes on this thread, which are reflective of society as a whole, show a bit of insight as to why your DH feels entitled to act in this way.

It's so easy for people to say "he shouldn't be unhappy too/can't be expected to be a carer/he shouldn't change your relationship dynamics/it's not up to him to provide care for you". Also a lot of "well I could never do that, it's unfair to ask that" This is exactly why he thinks he can carry on as though his life hasn't changed (and don't get me started on the societal attitudes of women as nurturing self sacrificing carers and men as the breadwinners who can't give emotional support).

I don't think people should entirely self sacrifice if their spouse has an illness or disability, but the change in both your lives has to be acknowledged and efforts made to adjust. If he isn't prepared to do that, he would be more honest to say he can't deal with these changes and wants to end your marriage (that sounds horribly harsh, I'm sorry).

A spouse becoming ill does change the dynamics of relationships. It isn't about one person not being expected to help wash the other's hair, it affects everything including children. I also think "in sickness and in health" is a cliched easy to say phrase, but I do think the commitment people have made to each other should at least be considered. He, IMO, has to at least make the effort to compromise and acknowledge the situation requires effort and change. He needs to show kindness.

I think kindness, as a quality in a spouse, is the most important thing here. For example, I'm sure my DH would rather not be lifting me out of the bath (and I find it hard) but my DH is kind and doesn't make me feel uncomfortable. He (this sounds silly Blush) pretends he is just doing it so he can grope me and rubs his thighs like Vic Reeves and we laugh. (Likewise I worry about him being tired and tell him so and make him a cup of tea when I can etc)

Yes the relationship has changed but we appreciate each other more and don't worry about little things like we used to. Our relationship and strengthened and reading all these replies makes me appreciate him more tbh. But the important thing is that my DH is a kind man and was before all this happened. He is loyal and kind and that's why we manage.

If someone doesn't have those qualities, and didn't before, it's different and they won't put themselves out even a small way to be kind. They put themselves first. They don't acknowledge the situation (as OP's DH doesn't) simply because they know they would have to change and they just don't want to.

It's not just about your ill health, OP, it's about the character of your DH and I think that's why it's so difficult and complicated.

Do you think any counselling may help? Either marital or maybe just for you may be more helpful.

WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 09/07/2019 12:26

God that was long sorry and I missed you're starting counselling, I hope it helps.

saraclara · 09/07/2019 14:18

Given your level of need, would you really be able to take care of yourself, even if the children were at nursery all day?

It sounds a horrible condition, and it must be awful to be so limited in what you can do, at a young age.

GentlyGleaming · 09/07/2019 18:25

@WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles Your DH sounds lovely. DH has never ever offered to help me in the shower! I know it's easy to say when it's not me in his shoes but I often find myself thinking that I would do X, Y and Z. I can't imagine letting him sit there feeling dirty and not even offering to help him.

I don't think a lot people mean what they say when they say their vows. They don't mean "in sickness and in health" they mean "in health and minor health problems that won't really affect me".

DH's parents have been just as bad, they are active, still fairly young people who live 2 minutes across the village from us and they've completely abandoned us. In fact, my MIL has made her dislike for me even more obvious than she did before!

I've really made an effort with the carers. I wanted to sit and cry yesterday as I felt like she was invading my home but I tried to chill out today. DH is in his element, he's not due back at work just yet so he's literally free to do whatever he likes! I'm not saying that because I think he should be with me but he seems to have that "I'll dump the kids off with the carer and the Mrs and go about my merry way" He even said to me that he'd go out and do the groceries earlier which kind of pissed me off because usually when I ask him if we can go to the shop he get arsey about it and says he prefers to do it online!

I sometimes think he sees me as a bit of a bind until he wants sex! I have suggested counselling but he poo pood the idea straight away. He doesn't agree with counselling.

@saraclara Maybe not - if I laid completely still all day I could possibly get away alone 😂

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