[Kim]

I feel that long term chronic pain can put a toll on the best of relationships. I have been married for over 12 years now and the last 2 have put a very big strain on us. It hard for me to accept that I cant do many of the things that I did before and I am so independant I hate to have to ask for others to do things for me I feel that I should be helping with. My husband has a very demanding job and works long hours. With the loss of my income in addition to the loss of my ability to do many things at home it has definitely put a strain on us. Its hard to talk about things to even our spouses sometimes as if they have not experienced what we have, they cannot understand totally what we are going through emotionally or physically.
I have felt at times that it would be better for hubby to just trade me in for a new model when things get so far behind around here.
We have endured and are still struggling and I hope and pray that we make it through this but I wanted you to know David that its not easy on anyone
I was told by a counseller at one time that chronic pain is not one persons problem it affects the whole family and this is so true.
It affects our close relationships and our childrens lives as well if that is applicable to you.
I have also talked to many women who have either lost their partner or husband due to being in chronic pain. So yours is not an isolated incident. I know this will not make it any easier for you but know that you are not alone in this.