MS Ended My Marriage

By PShu

1 min read

After 35 years of marriage my husband divorced me, he said I wasn’t fun anymore. I was being treated for fibromyalgia at the time and the doctor I had just kept throwing opiates at it, never doing an MRI.

Initial symptoms

I had a lot of symptoms like heat, balance, fatigue, and brain fog. I stopped taking the opiates before the divorce was final. Finally I had a relapse 2 yrs later and was finally diagnosed. From the number of lesions and from when the symptoms started it was decided I had probably had it for almost 10 yrs. So now I just navigate this MS maze alone.

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stuckey17 Member
It sounds like He enjoyed the fun but lacked commitment. My wife stayed with me just because I stayed with her through her problems ( thyroid, weight issues) MS is like an uninvited visitor who way overstays His welcome. I have an idea. your view on God and commitment affects all other relationships
Lori Foster Member
My heart goes out to you, <inline-mention username="PShu" user-id="4130362"/>. MS can really put marriage vows to the test. You are far from alone. You'll find many people here who lost partners or spouses after their diagnoses, but it is important to remember that MS didn't destroy your marriage. You are not to blame either. The fault lies entirely with your former spouse. MS was the catalyst that revealed your ex-husband's true character and lack of commitment to the marriage. I hope you eventually find someone who loves you for the person you are, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. You deserved that. Gentle hugs. - Lori (Team Member)
Erin Rush Community Admin
I am so sorry, <inline-mention username="PShu" user-id="4130362"/>. I know the end of a marriage can be so very hard, let alone when you're dealing with chronic health issues! I wish I could say it's uncommon for relationships to end when one person is diagnosed with a life changing condition like MS or fibromyalgia, but, unfortunately, it's not. A lot of relationships just can't withstand the strain of a life changing diagnosis. One of our longtime contributors wrote about the dissolution of his marriage, and it really touched a nerve within this community (check out the many comments following his piece). Keep in mind that his wife was very supportive and understanding, so your situation may not totally be the same as Devin's was. But, I wanted to share the article nonetheless -- <a href='https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/ruin-my-marriage' target='_blank'>https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/ruin-my-marriage</a>. You are not alone in this! And as Lori wrote, you deserve better and you are worth sticking around for! Don't forget that! Best, Erin, <a href='http://MultipleSclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member.
PShu Member
Thanks for all your kind words and well wishes, they are greatly appreciated!
MSfam Member
One day at a time. Find support and find things that make you happy. You can do it. People do love you.
PShu Member
Thank you 🙂
Carotha Member
I’m so sorry! Too many partners don’t seem to get the “for better or worse” part. When we truly love someone, we don’t give up on them (excluding abuse). You will find someone much better, if you decide to. My brother has severe MS, and he had just gone through a rough breakup and was feeling pretty low, thinking no one would want him as he was, and then he met his wife. They are very happy. Anyway, I hope you get everything you need.
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 I am so sorry this happened to your brother, <inline-mention username="Carotha" user-id="8773868"/>, but I am glad he ended up meeting his wife! Living with a chronic condition like MS definitely can make a relationship more challenging, but it's not impossible and having an illness should never exclude a person from love and companionship, right? Thank you for sharing! Best, Erin, <a href='http://MultipleSclerosis.net' target='_blank'>MultipleSclerosis.net</a> Team Member. 
2. Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Carotha" user-id="8773868"/> thanks for being part of this community and sharing such encouraging words and an inspiring story. It's nice to have a place where we can have the real and honest conversations with people who get it. And that's wonderful to hear about your brother's new marriage. We certainly wish them well. He's also very lucky to have such a caring sister as you. - Alene, moderator

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