Posted by Bob P on March 09, 1999 at 12:11:59:
In Reply to: Husband Cronic? posted by Dawn M on March 09, 1999 at 11:06:51:
There is some time standard for chronic. Something like they last for a year without a break of at least a month. The chronic suffers can probably nail it down a little better. I'm episodic but I've had clusters that last up to twelve weeks, two, three or four HA a day. The last five or six of those weeks are really tuff to deal with. It all gets real draining and there are lots of times I just want to give up and let the bastards take me. I just go into a survival mode. One day at a time. "Time", becomes something that is watched with no other purpose than to have it pass. Every tick of the clock brings the possibility of them ending a little closer. This is the point that Jeff is at. Nothing seems to work. As time drags on, they rob you of hope. Self pity and apathy set in. It's when you start wondering if it's worth trying anymore.
I guarantee him it's worth hanging on. They will pass. It sounds like he certainly has a loving, caring wife to stay around for. If Jeff feels anything like I do, you're probably doing the right thing in letting him be while he's having an attack. I hate for anyone to touch or talk to me. My lovely wife of 24 years has learned to just leave the room when a HA hits. She knows I'll get through it and be back alive in an hour or two. Ask Jeff in between HAs what he would like you to do when one hits.
I feel for both of you and wish I could help. All I can do is offer words of encouragement.
Best of luck.
Bob Pahlow
PS: I really love all you guys