Relationships and MS
Has anyone experienced the destruction of relationships after your diagnosis of MS. If so, how did you cope?
Hello Adele,
After barely two years of marriage, my husband no longer wanted to be married to me and blamed my inability to participate in his physical activities. I'd been diagnosed long before I met him, but I suffered a flare two years into our relationship that made me start using a cane and prevented me from gardening, being in the sun, cleaning the house, etc.
His abandonment hurt terribly at first. It's been over two years now since we separated. I'm thriving, living alone in a nice apartment, and taking better care of myself now than I ever have. I've always been good at coping, I have a strong sense of self, good self-esteem, and never relied on a man for my identity and self-worth anyway.
As far as my friendships and family relationships, I haven't lost any of those. They don't understand what I go through, but they are supportive. I guess I'm lucky that way.
My goal is to stay as strong, healthy, independent, and capable as possible. I'm 57 and do not want to spend my last years in a nursing home. I love living alone and can take care of myself just fine. I can handle loneliness. I date occasionally and think it would be nice to have a romantic relationship, but I'm not sure I'd co-habitate with a man again. I love my space!
Thank you so much. The last 2 years have been difficult, but I know I'll figure things out.
I appreciate you responding to me.
