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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Dh has died and the MN lifesavers are helping us to keep our heads above water

982 replies

JuanPotatoTwo · 15/05/2017 16:20

New thread :). Thought I'd start this one like I ended the last one - Bertie crashed out after a busy day's mischief making.

Dh has died and the MN lifesavers are helping us to keep our heads above water
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Chasingsquirrels · 09/06/2017 18:42

Cake poor DD - hope you've spoken to the school and things are getting sorted.

Willow I'm glad you've got your money back.

Umm Drama (I think!) grr on the shower - hope it gets sorted soon.

Now my mind has gone blank.

I'm really struggling at the moment, various things, and it will pass but I tend to dwell on things and it's not good at the moment.
I've been sleeping a lot this week, going to bed not long after 9ish and not wanting to get up in the morning.
Not discounting being depressed (well I am depressed, but I've had a depressing year) and wondering whether I need to address it or if is just a stage I'm currently in.
It's not just the sleep, it's lack of interest in anything.
Work is pretty much keeping me going I think and mainly that's okay.

I'm mostly concerned because I know ds2 is worried about me, and that's just not fair on an 11yo - while it's lovely that he is emotionally intelligent to recognise it (I think ds1 does as well but he's coping by being with his friends) and want to do something to "make me better" it's not his job.
And I recognise that but can't drag myself to "solve" it.

I went for a walk then coffee & cake with one of the school mum's who I've known for years this morning - she is separated and I'd texted her a couple of weeks ago to see if we she was around last weekend but she was away with her kids and suggested this morning. I had a really nice time (hopefully she did too!) and she said we should do again and kept in touch.
And I have to make myself do that and reach out to other people as well.
None of which comes naturally.

God knows how I managed to get together with John!
Time and place I suppose.
I really miss him.

TheWorldHasGoneToCake · 09/06/2017 19:42

Well done Squirrel, not easy to get out there at the best of times. Have you seen your GP recently? Might be worth it. Yes, it's not fair on DS2 but it shows how much he loves you (and John) and that he's a sympathetic and empathetic boy which are good qualities.

Feel fobbed off by class teacher. Parents eve next week so will follow up then. At least they've implemented a system where they'll be kept separate during play/lunch times.

Well well well, just spoke to my mum who told me there was a letter for ex, so she opened it and it was a solicitors letter about an overdrawn bank acc and charges.... imagine that!? So just told her about what's been going on here. Angry

TheWorldHasGoneToCake · 09/06/2017 19:43

Oh and good luck to Willow for dS2 tomorrow and your nerves too

Chasingsquirrels · 09/06/2017 19:51

Not another account you are on I hope cake. At least I don't have ex problems, the first while after he left was hard, but he really stepped up and has been there for the boys, more so than he was when we were together.

YourselfOrSomeoneLikeYou · 09/06/2017 21:09

Luckily not! My mum was going to pay it! I forbade her. Told her that she can give them his contact details but not to get involved. He can afford to take DD to Disneyland and stay in theme park hotels and overseas short break for him and the Mrs but DD is stuck sharing a room with a 2yo half brother at nearly 11...priorities and all that. He really is a Disney dad. While I don't regret DD, I certainly regret the choice of father.

What are you up to this weekend?

bookbook · 09/06/2017 22:12

Evening all
Willow - good to hear you got your money back . Good luck for the grading tomorrow ( I am guessing karate?) .
Chasing you sound so sad - I do think it sounds to me as if you need to see the DP - all that sleep and not wanting to get up does sound rather classic depression markers , and caught early will be of benefit. Children are far more emotionally observant than we think, and if you reassure them that you recognise their concern, and are trying to do something about it may just assuage the worry a little for them Flowers
Cake - this weekend is bitty bits for me - I have had a very lazy day basically, and am soon to bed , so pottering, picking vegetables and attacking weeds. Finishing off DD's dress - just the hemming to sort, and watching tennis. We h ave everyone for meal on Sunday, so may bake a bit too :)
Thoughts and Prayers for all xx

Chasingsquirrels · 09/06/2017 23:02

I think you are right about the sleep book and it being a marker, but I'm also aware of it - and going to give it a little time just to see. There is other stuff going on that is stressing me which isn't helping. And my period just started today, and that doesn't help my mood the few days before - although it's only 2 weeks since my last one so I didn't recognise it, and am now wondering why.

Just been for a walk and chat with a friend, so with the walk this morning I've at least got some exercise today. And eaten properly. Tomorrow is another day.

Fingers crossed for the grading! Ds2 does judo and got his green belt at Easter so I don't expect him to grade again in the summer.

JuanPotatoTwo · 09/06/2017 23:09

Evening all. Squirrels - I'm no expert but I think the way you're feeling is pretty normal for the situation we're in. Or if it isn't, then perhaps we're both depressed! I too really struggle to look forward to anything but I know the dc will worry if I just give up. Some days all I want to do is stay in bed (and some days that is actually what I do), but even on the days I'm up and busy the terrible heaviness is still there. Sure, there are pockets throughout the day when you can have a good time and the heaviness recedes, but eventually the heaviness wins out. I think all we can do is ride it out. I'm sure your ds is worried about you, that's normal and nice, but the young are resilient, and I'm sure that, when looking back on this period of his and your life, he won't hold anything against you. And perhaps all the sleeping is your mind's way of dealing and coping with things. My sleep is still all over the place.

Dd and I were having a conversation earlier about how can Mark possibly not be here? How can he vanish? Where is he? It's such a huge thing to get your head around isn't it. It's a shame you and I don't live nearer to each other.

Cake that's such a shame for your dd. I'm so glad she has at last told you. Poor thing. And good job your dm told you about the letter. Willow thank goodness you got your money back. What is your ds doing - is it some type of martial arts exam? Good luck to him, and to you also having to be in Edinburgh by 8.30! book - what time did you get to bed last night?

Drama - pain about your shower. I won't bore you all again with the saga of my leaky bathroom but I have today finally spoken to someone who, although he sounds as if he knows what he's doing, reckons it's a rip-the-floor-up job, and depending on what he finds, could cost a bomb. But something has to be done, and soon, or the hall ceiling is going to cave in. More money to spend ... Can you tell us what make your dishwasher is?!

Haven't done much today bar go into town, pay for parking for 2 hours, get to the first shop I had to go in to, have a massive panic attack, and turn around and get home within half an hour! But I did then watch the tennis and - brace yourselves - I'm very glad that Stan won Grin.

OP posts:
DramaAlpaca · 09/06/2017 23:40

Evening ladies, just popping in quickly.

I've been out this evening & bought a replacement shower unit. DH reckons he can fit it as it's the same as the previous one & won't require any complicated plumbing or electrical skills. I hope he's right & doesn't end up damaging himself or anything else just to save a bit of cash...

Since you asked, dishwasher is a Bosch, Juan. Here's the photo I took of my 18 year old one before it got taken away for scrap Grin Please excuse the state of the kitchen Blush

Dh has died and the MN lifesavers are helping us to keep our heads above water
TheWorldHasGoneToCake · 10/06/2017 06:22

Morning ladies.

Juan and Squirrel I am sure that what you both are experiencing are very normal, I guess it's just keeping an eye on it to ensure you don't descend too far down as your lovely children need you.

We're not doing much this weekend. I need to pop into town and get some bits including Piriton and then force feed it to DS tonight. Last night was just ridiculous - worse than a newborn. I'm convinced it's hayfever as he's sneezing, stuffy nose and rubbing his eyes. Proof will be in the drinking of the meds, but he's notoriously bad at taking anything other than Calpol.

Enjoy the potter book sounds lovely.

Squirrel Time for Ben and Jerrys if your period has shown up again? I've had horrendously unpredictable cycles which the GP said was stress.

TheWorldHasGoneToCake · 10/06/2017 06:24

Drama we have a Bosch now, hope it lasts even half as long as your old one!

My parents still have stuff from when they set up in their house when mum was pregnant with me (so that's 36 years) - things were made to last back then!

bookbook · 10/06/2017 09:15

Morning all
well, its raining here , so I have to shuffle the order of the day around .
Chasing - Cake is right - stress does some very funny things to bodies , take care.
Juan I enjoyed the bit of tennis I saw - Stan played well, and deserved to win I think.
Poor you - panic attacks are not something I have suffered from, but it must be horrible ( that sounds so trite, but I'm not sure what the right word is) .
I actually managed to get to bed for about 1 o clock after a cup of cocoa and some toast. Woke up with cramp in my leg at 5 though . Very rarely get that, but sitting down for the equivalent of 15 hours is not something my body takes kindly to! .
Cake poor DS - hope the piriton works. I believe sleep begets sleep, so a bit of ease for him may well be helpful
Drama - dishwashers were a little bit of a bugbear for me - not so washing machines , so ended up with a dishwasher of the same make, and its been doing well for a few years now. I'm on washing machine number 4 after over 40 years

Chasingsquirrels · 10/06/2017 09:47

Morning.
My period could be stress, for years I've been bang on 28 days but I had a 2 week cycle just after John died and have been more like 24/5 days and then this 2 weeks again.
Certainly I feel somewhat less low, although I'm still v low, since it started yesterday so it could have been an influencing factor to my mood that I wasn't expecting or aware of.
The other stuff that's going on and needs sorting is definitely affecting me as well.

The boys were with their dad last night and I went for a late walk, got back and watched Graham Norton then HIGNFY on catch up. Fell asleep on the sofa around midnight, woke up around 2, switched the TV off and went back to sleep. Woke up at 6.30, peeled my contact lenses out - ouch - and came up to bed and just woke up again at 9. I am more awake and alert now after less sleep than I have been all week, which I think is a good sign.

Chasingsquirrels · 10/06/2017 10:02

cake - glad the other account is nothing to do with you, and your mum isn't going to get involved either.
Poor DS, hope the meds do the trick and let him get some relief and sleep.

book hope you are getting back to normal after your election stint and the rain eases off so you can get your outdoors things done.

Juan I think you are right about lots of what we are feeling being very normal, I've been posting a bit on the WAY website and Facebook group and the main thing I am getting from it is that what I am feeling is not unusual. The issue is recognising if it crosses a line, and where that line might be. And I'm worried that how I've been recently is crossing that line. Although as I just mentioned I feel less low this morning.
It is a high thing to get your head around, death is so very final.
Sorry to hear about your panic attacks.
Hugs x

Drama fingers crossed that the shower unit just goes in smoothly and normal service can be resumed.

TheWorldHasGoneToCake · 10/06/2017 13:28

Thanks, wondering if he could be allergic to feather duvet/pillow so going with Piriton tonight and getting some hypoallergenic duvets/pillows.

very sunny here (but windy)!

bookbook · 10/06/2017 17:32

Afternoon all
Juan - thinking of you
Managed to get a lot of bits sorted while it rained this morning - finished DD's dress, mended some trousers , and finished a baby jacket I have been knitting - good job as baby due in about 3 weeks :)
It did clear up, so managed a bit at our allotment too.
Tennis match was good, so very chilled out here now.
Chasing - I 'm hoping all is okay with you - too much sleep tends to make me very dopey, so glad you have felt a bit better.
Cake - that sounds like its worth looking into - could that be why he gets up so early? Wonder if you can get an allergy test.
I have just seen that lovely Somer has had a thread in the round up newsletter !

Chasingsquirrels · 10/06/2017 18:18

It's been pretty hot here, I've been to the garden centre with my mum then she came back here for lunch and I cried a fair bit, then we've been cutting back stuff in my garden - lovely day.
She says I'm being too hard in myself, said it's very very early days - I said it doesn't feel like it, it's nearly 3 months, and she said that's ridiculous is so early. And if I was still feeling like this is 2 years that would be different. Which didn't make me feel great that I might still be feeling like this in 2 years, but made me feel not so bad for feeling how I do at the moment.

Plus I had lunch and some biscuits so that's better than in the week. Not sure what I fancy for tea, and we don't have a lot in as I need to shop.

DramaAlpaca · 10/06/2017 19:24

It's not hot here, it's damp, muggy and very windy all at the same time.

Chasing I'm glad you can talk to your mum, she sounds very supportive and very wise.

Just back from a shopping trip with DS2, I'm the mum taxi and personal style adviser not really. He got two pairs of shoes & two pairs of jeans, then we had a coffee. It was nice to spend a bit of time together.

Shower is fixed, thank goodness.

I saw some of the tennis before I went out, such a good match.

Juan thinking of you.

Somerville · 10/06/2017 19:43

Hello all, hope okay-ish Juan - sorry to hear about the panic attack.

It's been seemingly hot-ish according to the weather forecast but for me it's like the Sahara. I've had a few manic days with work and will be crazy-busy next week for the same company, so this weekend I'm mostly spending lying in a cold bath. Kids wanted to see Wonderwoman at the cinema this afternoon and DH2 offered to take one for the team Hmm Grin

I have a thread in round up? Parmesan on Ddog's food is the only thread I've started lately so must be that?

DramaAlpaca · 10/06/2017 19:54

Just saw the round up email Somer, yes it's the one about your daft
DH putting parmesan on the dog food Grin

Somerville · 10/06/2017 20:34

He thinks she's too skinny because she's not fat like his parent's dogs. Hmm

I mustn't moan too much, though, because hes been right before with DDog.
DH1 got her from a rescue as a pup for DS without checking with me (yes, he was daft too - I clearly have a type Hmm). She wasn't even 2 when he died, and totally backslid with all the training he'd done. Which is my fault really, but being consistent with the dog wasn't top of my very long list of priorities. I think she probabaly really missed him, too.
Anyway, just as I was starting to tear my hair out with her shitting in the house, and persuade DS to let a relative foster her, DH2 came along. He got in a dog behaviourist and had it sorted within a month. Blush

TheWorldHasGoneToCake · 10/06/2017 20:42

Hello all, well so far he's asleep without any sniffing, sneezing etc so fingers crossed. Yes, he always wake up with the stuffy nose so I'm hoping it will help. He's constantly exhausted as am I

Glad you can lean on your mum Squirrel

I too read about the dog and the Parmesan Grin

I'm off to bed soon as I need to catch up.

Hope you're OK Juan

DramaAlpaca · 10/06/2017 21:08

Not such a daft DH then Somer!

Mine has form for bringing home dogs without consulting me too. A few years back when we already had two dogs I got literally an hour's notice that we were getting another one. I was not at all happy but knew if I uttered the phrase "it's me or the dog" I wouldn't get the answer I wanted Grin

Somerville · 10/06/2017 21:33

See, DH1 gave the puppy to DS before telling me, so that I couldn't say 'me or the dog'. Clever, sneaky, lovely man. Smile

Your DH is a right cheeky one, Drama. Grin

JuanPotatoTwo · 10/06/2017 21:49

Evening all. I know I say it a lot, but it's so lovely to be able to come in here and read about lives going on and indeed life going on, and having some sort of touchstone to corner you for the day. I'm not even sure that makes sense, and I certainly don't mean to trivialize anything any of us are going through, but knowing this thread is here engenders a huge amount of calm in me. When Mark died, the A & E docs called in an ITU doc after about two hours, and the minute he walked into the resuss area I felt so much calmer. Ridiculous and unexplainable really, as in the end, none of his efforts saved Mark's life, but there was just something about this man that felt soothing. I felt it in him again when we went back to the ITU two days after Mark died and spoke to him about all that had happened. And actually he told me that day that he had let me stay throughout all the procedures in A & E (despite A & E docs wanting me out) because he felt I was calm too. I wasn't but I must have put on a convincing act!

Squirrels your mum is so right, it is still early days for both of us. Like you, in some ways I feel like it's been an eternity and I should be getting over it. After all, tragedies happen every day every where, and some of them much more devastating than that which has befallen me (I'm thinking things along the lines of children dying and terrorists targeting the innocent etc). But I can only live through my own tragedy, no matter how much I feel for anyone else, and I have to do that at my own pace, and to some extent, in my own way. So, yes, it is still early days for us both, and the fact that we are (mostly) getting up and out there every day is good. To be honest, I always thought I would fall completely apart when Mark died, and although there have been some very dark days, and will be more to come, I have done a lot better than I expected, and I imagining him looking at me proudly from somewhere urging me on gives me some comfort - he always had much greater faith in my abilities than I did/do.

Cake your poor ds, hope he's still asleep and you've hit on the cause of the sleep problems and can sort it now. Drama sounds like you've had a lovely day with your ds. Thanks for posting the pic! I had a feeling the trusty dishwasher might be a Bosch! And I hope your dh manages to wire up the shower safely - have images of all the lights in your house dimming when you get in the shower!

Somer your dh1 and dh2 both sound lovely. I hope dh2 at least saved some parmesan for your own dinner. I have a friend who is one of those people who is good at virtually everything - very clever, very artistic, makes stunning silver and glass jewellery (she's making me a ring with some of Mark's hair and ashes mixed into the silver), brilliant cake maker etc. And, as if all that wasn't enough, she's a dog behaviourist too. I'd settle for just being one of those things!

book cramp is a bugger isn't it? Mark used to get it regularly due to sodium imbalances etc but sitting down for 15 hours must have shocked your body beyond anything, knowing how busy you usually are. I've never had a panic attack before Mark died, and until yesterday, they've only been at night. Hope that one yesterday was the one and only.

Been for a lovely walk along the river with a friend today, and a cream tea to negate any good the walk might've done us. She can afford to eat cream teas, being very slight. Me - not so much! Well, I've managed to write another essay so I'll leave you all in peace now and wish you all a good night.

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