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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think my husband is gravely ill at the wrong time? Thread 2

610 replies

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 30/05/2022 11:23

Continuing from 1st thread.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
33
NotAHouse · 06/10/2022 07:21

Why can't you leave him again?

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 06/10/2022 08:26

I'm not leaving my home.

He won't leave.

He screamed that I could have £100,00 right now, this minute if I would walk away, throw my phone away - so that I could never contact him again. (I know his number?)

Unfortunately that amount of money is more than laughable. I laughed out loud and I saw a twitch of a smile across his face when he realised what he'd said.

The next day I asked if he thought I'd seriously consider leaving my home for that amount and he hung his head, wrung his hands and said I'm sorry, you know I don't mean it. You know it's my brain, I've no control over what comes out of my mouth. I'm trying to stop myself saying it as it falls out of my mouth. You know you have to ignore me. I could never live without you. Blah blah blah ...

So he's twisted the situation around once again and put the onus on me - I have to proactively ignore all the bile and crap he throws at me and I have to take it.

He's incredibly cruel though ....

OP posts:
friskybivalves · 06/10/2022 08:29

You write so beautifully and poignantly of your utter despair.

No matter what your husband has been through, you do not have to live like this. His torment does not have to become yours.

For better, for worse: yes, I know. But not a descent into the abyss that takes you with it.

Could you go and stay with a daughter? Not as a trial separation. Just for some much needed space and thinking time. It might help him see what he is doing to you. And a trip to the GP with a print out of what you have just written would also be a good idea.

Much love.

Velvian · 06/10/2022 09:21

Is your H on a high dose of steroids @MyOtherCarIsAPorsche ?@MyOtherCarIsAPorsche ? The way you describe him following you around remind me of my Dsis while she was on steroids following a serious illness and long hospital stay. It really ramped up about 6 months after hospital discharge.

She had a real crisis at one point that I think may have been steroid induced psychosis. Sorry for tagging you twice btw😂. My phone is being strange @MyOtherCarIsAPorsche

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 06/10/2022 15:01

I don't want to leave - he's not pushing me out of my own home

He's not on steroids. He wasn't like this before his operation.

He's also started driving like a boy racer - I refuse to get in the car with him. We're going away with his father and father's partner this weekend and I'm travelling with his father (his father also won't get in a car with him now).

He's explosive - turns nasty in a split second. I daren't open my mouth to speak. I'm cringing at the thought of him shouting at me in front of others.

We shall see.

OP posts:
friskybivalves · 06/10/2022 15:13

You are at an impasse. Both of you disliking what your lives together have become. Both of of you disliking what he has become. Both of you disliking what you have become (although he claims he cannot control what he says/how he professes to feel about you).

How long can you stand this situation? It must make your family very sad to see it, as well as you. It is a great tragedy that an illness can have such a profound and unforeseen impact after the event.

I am interested that you are going away together this weekend. What was the impetus for that?

Iguessyourestuckwithme · 06/10/2022 15:37

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

hesbeingabitofadick · 06/10/2022 15:52

@Iguessyourestuckwithme who pissed on your chips?

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 06/10/2022 17:19

@friskybivalves

I don't want to go away at the weekend. I certainly don't want to go alone with H. I'm going because I will have other company. FIL's wife is brilliant company and I'm sure we'll have a hoot together. (We both rather like gin.) It all depends whether our behaviour will get on H's nerves and provoke a personal attack.

We spent rather a lot of money on a brand new, 8 berth static caravan last year and I haven't been there at all since Christmas.

My husband has been several times - on his own, with his father, with our older daughter twice, with our son lots of times. We bought it for all our family to use.

I have not been at all this year. He's been badgering me to go. It's a three hour drive and I've said I'll go if I can drive - but he can't tolerate my driving style (I don't exceed the speed limit) and I can't stand his speeding and impatient driving. It's as if he drives like a maniac just to frighten me on purpose - it's torture.

So I haven't been to our holiday home.

He's been saying that he will sell the **ing thing if I don't go.

Here we go!

OP posts:
MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 06/10/2022 18:03

@Iguessyourestuckwithme

We were content and happy with our lives before my husband's surgery. We were looking forward to welcoming new grandchildren and suddenly, the day before a large family party, (which was cancelled) he found out he had a very serious condition.

The original point of this thread was to question whether hospitals were staffed adequately for emergency surgeries at the weekends as it appeared that there was a lack of staff to deal with H's dissection in the time critical way we had been made aware of. When I arrived in resus I was told that my husband needed immediate life saving surgery. Which then turned into a bit of a farce and I genuinely went home planning his funeral.

My life has turned upside down since then - I now appear to be married to a bit of a monster. His personality has changed. Not my fault, not his fault. PP have also reported changes in personality after surgery.

We've had disagreements many times throughout our marriage but never screaming arguments. He never drove like a lunatic, never had a speeding ticket, was always a courteous driver.

This year has brought immense joy and unbearable agonies.

Saga or not - why not just scroll by?

This is my life - I'm insignificant in the great scheme of things and I don't expect anyone to be interested.

I wouldn't have got through this though without the help and support of one particular angel on this platform - ultimately all the comments (much appreciated) have put things into perspective for me. There are some bloody fabulous people here.

Someone asked about the change in personality recently - I was just replying. Confused

OP posts:
olympicsrock · 06/10/2022 19:54

Still here OP checking in on how you are doing. There are quite a few of us including @Fraaahnces who care about you and are rooting for your family. This sounds really shit . I’m so sorry that you are having such a difficult time. This should be a wonderful time - enjoying the babies, other little grandchildren, a blossoming DD and your new holiday home.

There is a real risk that DH’s brain and personality will not return to normal but brains can change. He needs therapy and I think you need to asking for a referral to a counsellor and therapist who specialises in brain injuries which is essentially what his diagnosis is…. Severe ‘post pump’ brain injury.
Perhaps either the cardiothoracic or stroke teams will be able to help?

Enjoy the break and plenty of laughter with FIL’s wife. Earplugs and gin. Much love ( and strength) xxx

Crazycrazylady · 06/10/2022 21:23

Op

I've followed your thread from the start and it's been a very sad read to see him recover from the physical side to emerge a changed man.
I'm sure you're not there yet but there will come a time when you put yourself first and separate if he continues to be like this.( even if it isn't his fault)
He sounds desperately unhappy regardless of what you do.

Sending you kind wishes and hope you enjoy your weekend

legosunqueen · 06/10/2022 22:03

Sorry to hear it hasn't got any easier @MyOtherCarIsAPorsche & is casting a shadow over your family's joyful new additions. Hope you have some fun this weekend, gin sounds like a plan...

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 06/10/2022 22:36

When he has more lucid moments he explains that he's frustrated and scared of dying. He doesn't want to spend what time he has left sat in the house on his own whilst I'm out child minding.

When I asked what he wanted me to do he said that he wants to see the world and he knows that I won't be interested. I don't know why he wants to start now as we've always had plenty of holidays abroad - long haul, skiing every year. We bought the static in order to spend our holiday time there and provide a base for family and friends to stay in. He said that he wants at least two holidays abroad every year - which is less than what we've always done up until getting the static last year. I said that I'm more than happy to do that and would he stop shouting and being aggressive? He said yes, that was all he wants.

Less than five minutes later it was as if we hadn't had the conversation.

I can't bear the thought of going away anywhere with him in case he starts on at me in a public place - I would have nowhere to go.

One minute he's his usual self - the next he's being really cruel. One minute he's laughing and joking - the next he's shouting and swearing. He's getting worse as time goes on. At first he would apologise readily - now, if I don't capitulate, I get the silent treatment for days and days.

I understand that his brain has changed - what I can't accept is the abuse/apology regime. He says it's not just me that's been his target, he's alienated several good friends - he's also apologised to them. If he is aware that he's hurting me, why does he keep doing it? He says he feels terrible that he's doing it to me and can I ignore him because I know that he doesn't mean it?

I don't know that he doesn't mean it - it feels too real, too targeted and bloody wicked.

He wants me to treat him as if he has tourrette syndrome - that he can't help it. My reaction to his outbursts is not acceptable to him and this inflames him further. When he starts shouting, I'll say - just stop, you're not thinking straight - it's a red rag to a bull.

He has admitted that he doesn't know how he would react if it was the other way around and it was me behaving unreasonably.

Some days are actually great - but few and far between. When I try to point out that we had a great day yesterday, can we have a great day today? - he mocks me.

Do I treat this like he's had a stroke/got Alzheimer's? Do I stick with him in sickness and in health?

I always remember a day we went to the coast. We had only known each other possibly six months. We saw an elderly couple on a bench, holding hands, looking out to sea - and he said that will be us. We've always referred to this day over the years and laughed about who would be pushing who in a bath chair. We knew we would grow old together.

I feel torn as to which way our paths are going.

OP posts:
MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 06/10/2022 23:06

@legosunqueen

I'm conscious of not being able to drink too much as I won't be able to fully relax.

I also have to share a small double bed with H - now I'm used to my own king sized bed (although I still sleep right on the edge) in my own room.

FIL's wife is such a laugh - a good egg. We've had many many times where we've chatted almost all night. She's a slightly bad influence where gin is concerned so I'll have to be disciplined so that I stay in control.

At this moment in time, I need to keep my wits about me. I don't think alcohol will improve my situation.

She's well aware that I'm treading on eggshells - she has my back and I'll feel safe.

My husband knows that he needs to be on his best behaviour - it's these times that he's more likely to erupt.

If I pay more attention to her than H, it may be triggering for him.

I am walking a tightrope - I hope I can manage to maintain my balance.

It seems unfair that I have to adjust my behaviour to ameliorate his. It's too stressful.

OP posts:
legosunqueen · 07/10/2022 07:45

@MyOtherCarIsAPorsche understood & sorry if I came across as too flippant. Keeping your balance on that tightrope must be incredibly hard Flowers

peridito · 07/10/2022 08:16

That sounds incredibly hard OP .

I know how busy you are with supporting your children and grandchildren but if you could make time and find it in yourself ,I wonder if a good family therapist/generic counsellor might help a little .

This might not appeal to you but I'm thinking it would be a place to vent and be supported ,and possibly have some help with developing strategies to cope with your husband .

peridito · 07/10/2022 08:17

To be clear ,I'm not entertaining the idea that your husband would attend .Thinking just for you .

olympicsrock · 07/10/2022 08:30

Dear OP, this sounds so hard and is a cruel irony.
He needs assessment for this alteration in his thinking and personality and perhaps only time will tell what his new baseline will be.

Some of this is psychological and some is a brain injury. At the end of the day though you cannot live a half life. You deserve to be happy - your needs are just as important as DHs.

I think you would benefit hugely from a holiday away from DH to just relax , be and let those frowns unfurl.
This stress and strain must be unbearable. Hugs xx

friskybivalves · 07/10/2022 08:54

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 06/10/2022 18:03

@Iguessyourestuckwithme

We were content and happy with our lives before my husband's surgery. We were looking forward to welcoming new grandchildren and suddenly, the day before a large family party, (which was cancelled) he found out he had a very serious condition.

The original point of this thread was to question whether hospitals were staffed adequately for emergency surgeries at the weekends as it appeared that there was a lack of staff to deal with H's dissection in the time critical way we had been made aware of. When I arrived in resus I was told that my husband needed immediate life saving surgery. Which then turned into a bit of a farce and I genuinely went home planning his funeral.

My life has turned upside down since then - I now appear to be married to a bit of a monster. His personality has changed. Not my fault, not his fault. PP have also reported changes in personality after surgery.

We've had disagreements many times throughout our marriage but never screaming arguments. He never drove like a lunatic, never had a speeding ticket, was always a courteous driver.

This year has brought immense joy and unbearable agonies.

Saga or not - why not just scroll by?

This is my life - I'm insignificant in the great scheme of things and I don't expect anyone to be interested.

I wouldn't have got through this though without the help and support of one particular angel on this platform - ultimately all the comments (much appreciated) have put things into perspective for me. There are some bloody fabulous people here.

Someone asked about the change in personality recently - I was just replying. Confused

Again, your own writing expresses so clearly the horrific change in your lives and the terrible contrast with the 'before' DH. And how simplistic we - who have followed your thread from the start - sound when with all good intentions we say, 'But you can't go on living like this, you need to get away.'

As ever, @olympiarocks has the most coherent advice. Ask the medics! This sounds to be physiological at source. Perhaps he really can't remember a conversation five minutes later, or at any rate cannot sufficiently control the 'involuntary' outbursts.

Also it's like the 'in vino veritas' thing. Ie, when you're drunk (or in his case has a post pump injury) you say what you really mean. He is clearly frustrated that you spend a lot of time with your grandchildren and daughters and probs has been for years. When he was working and occupied he had distractions so perhaps didn't raise it much. Now he does not have the distractions and also has the selfishness of an invalid. He either does not want to or cannot conceal those suppressed frustrations any more. He wants more of you to himself, to go to and do things together - travel and cram in experiences while he still has the chance and time. But trouble is - he has been so poisonous he has pushed you further away.

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 07/10/2022 10:21

All great advice - many thanks. I'm so grateful.

I seem to have lost my sense of humour lately so ignore my grump.

We're setting off for the weekend at 4pm.

I'm very open to accessing strategies on how I can cope with this personality change. Obviously H will never seek support. But on the other hand, I can't control how he reacts to me, only how I react to him. I'm sort of accepting of abuse privately (just me and him) it's when it happens in front of others that I find unacceptable/embarrassing/humiliating.

My husband suggested that I retire from teaching six years ago in order to look after our granddaughter - it's just natural that it was assumed I would also look after everyone else who came along. I was more than happy to offer this to our older daughter who could not manage paid child care. I love looking after my grandchildren - compared to teaching it's a walk in the park. I have 4 days a week for child minding duties and three days a week free for everything else which can include socialising with family and friends. (My older daughter now has two youngest in nursery 2 days a week.) H asked for one day to be with him and one evening to be with him. This hasn't happened much as before we leave the house he upsets me and I refuse to go out for fear of him being abusive in public - it's happened a few times during the summer and I vowed I would not put myself in that position again. I'm not suffering humiliation in public for love nor money. He then twists my words and blames me for refusing to go anywhere with him. As I say, I can't do right for doing wrong. He makes these demands which I agree to and then puts the kibosh in so they never happen.

He is sabotaging my life/time deliberately because his life has changed. He bought equipment for a million and one new hobbies which are still unopened/unused in the garage. (He did actually build a wall for our daughter with the cement mixer.) These were supposed to fill his time to replace his work - he had been winding down work as our son has been taking over for several years. He claimed he was going to stop work altogether when he was 55. He has been to the static several times without me but comes back and says he was miserable without me. Confused

I was really positive not long ago - finding it hard right now. But (positively) I wish to come to a solution, which includes all my family, discovering a peaceful way forward.

I'm not liking how he's blaming me for all of this - I already feel crap enough.

OP posts:
MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 07/10/2022 11:27

I wouldn't be able to live with the guilt if I left. My daughters have begged me to leave because they've both seen how upset he makes me (frequently). They've witnessed what's been going on but they don't know half of it.

He's been a great grafter and provider, my salary has always been 'extra'. He's a great father. He's been a great husband. We have the same sense of humour. We have thousands of little phrases/jokes/expressions which are guaranteed to set us off crying and aching with laughter. We explored the world further between our children becoming independent and grandchildren being born. We have 37 years (35 married) of fabulous photos and video to trawl through. I can't let go.

It's not his fault - basically.

He did say one time that if I left there would be no point in him going on. But I'll never know whether he meant it - he swings wildly from 'depressed to elated' with 'control issues' thrown into the mix.

I'm left with massive trust issues - I don't trust his judgement/behaviour. It's shattered my confidence.

I know I would be comfortable if we halved our assets equally and went our separate ways - that doesn't make me feel any better.

I'd miss him for the rest of my life if I decided to go - I'm not sure I would be happy. It doesn't feel like the right decision.

I also think that people would think that I'm a piece of work for leaving him due to complications after a major illness.

OP posts:
Words · 07/10/2022 12:45

Hi OP. I asked this question some months ago but you didn't respond.

Apart from your daughters, what do your other family members think about his behaviour?

F in law's partner sounds like a good ally.

My guess, as a pp has said, is that he has been silently resenting the time you spend with the children even though he concurred at the time, and it's now coming out in a skewed and malevolent way.

Wishing you strength and a safe journey later.

MyOtherCarIsAPorsche · 07/10/2022 13:43

@Words

Apologies I didn't reply.

My son has witnessed how H speaks to me - he hasn't said anything but his actions speak louder than words. He shows his concern by helping me - washing my car, checking tyre pressure, odd jobs in the garden etc. I think it's pity.

My brother is disgusted - can't understand why I would tolerate his behaviour - he wants me to leave him.

My mum has dementia - she doesn't know me anymore. Dad died 2018.

That's my family.

He did not have time to resent me looking after the children before his illness - he was never in during the day 7 days a week. He was probably very happy I wasn't moaning at him for never seeing him (just evenings and holidays). It was a combination of work, his hobbies - tinkering with cars in a lock up a 10 min drive away, golf, socialising with his friends.

He obviously resents me looking after the children now because he has nothing to do and wants me to drop my lifestyle to accommodate him - that won't happen, I won't give my daughters back word.

The child minding is not indefinite - he thinks he'll be dead by the time it ends. Possibly another 3 yrs. But the surgeon told him he has a normal life expectancy.

We have agreed timetables several times now and he's changing the goalposts all the time. When I book meals out for an evening (me driving) I end up cancelling because he doesn't want to go. When I suggest a day out every week he instigates an argument so we don't end up going.

Because our trip today involves his father we have to go.

His latest outburst was to shout at me for jumping with fright at the side of him because I thought there was a spider on my arm - it was a hair that had dropped onto my hand.

Apparently I'm a **ing imbecile. That must be the Tourette's.

No idea how's he going to rein it in this weekend.

OP posts:
Words · 07/10/2022 14:36

It just sounds awful, it really does.
Have some of these FlowersFlowersFlowers