Chronic illnesses and relationships

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Hi all

Just wanted to know how any of you with chronic illnesses cope and keep your relationship healthy?
I'm going through a bad flare with my arthritis and living on anti inflammatries and tramadol just to cope but I know my dh is feeling neglected but I just don't have the energy for anything but trying to get through the day :(

I focus on my good days, and make extra time for my DH then.

On my worst days I try to do little things that I know touch him. Nothing particularly grand, just things like cutting the tops off strawberries so that they are heart shaped when sliced or lighting the woodburner a little earlier than usual so that the house is toasty when he comes home. I have arthritis in my spine and hands and also have issues with my blood platelets which causes widespread spontaneous bruising. Other health issues too but under control for time being.

I don't have any experience but just wanted to say that perhaps acknowledge his feeling neglected to him & try to make some plans for when you feel a bit better.

Also its not just you who makes the relationship work, its him as well & part of being a partner is stepping up to the plate in tough times.

Talk to him, is he really feeling neglected or is that some misplaced guilt surfacing in you? Talk to him about it.