Hi, my wife caitriona 34 has recently been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and is struggling to come to terms with it !! It is affecting her capability of doing her job that she loves and is affecting our relationship !! I don't know much about the disease and only know bits and pieces that I have read online ! I have tried talking to her about it and she gets angry and upset with me and all I want is to help her cope and deal with it as best I can !! Any suggestions what I can do to show her I am here for her and she not going thru this alone ??
Confused husband
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nogutsnoglory
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the best thing is to just show your support by being there for her and letting her know you are in this together as a team. I'd recommend getting involved in your local IBD support group or organization to learn more as well by reading online about what this disease entails. The forum us a great place to ask questions and get support. She is more than welcome to join us too 
It is really hard to come to terms with a diagnoses like IBD and to learn to live with all it brings. I think my best advice would be just to try to understand that - that it is hard for her - and give her time. Hopefully she will be happy to talk about it with you more at some point. Forgive any anger or upset - even the best of us respond like that even though we'd rather not - and it can feel like we've lost ourselves in this confusing maze of emotions that we are trying to navigate.
Is she taking any meds at the moment? Because it is quite common to experience side effects that can significantly affect your mood with some of them too. I know my family had to make lots of allowances for that when I was taking prednisolone.
I think just being there is the best thing you can do. Even if she doesn't want to talk - just be there. If she's too tired or sick to do the same things she could do before, just understand. Perhaps plan different things that she can manage right now and will enjoy. As others have said, little things really help. Just show that you care and that you are there for her in those actions.
Is she taking any meds at the moment? Because it is quite common to experience side effects that can significantly affect your mood with some of them too. I know my family had to make lots of allowances for that when I was taking prednisolone.
I think just being there is the best thing you can do. Even if she doesn't want to talk - just be there. If she's too tired or sick to do the same things she could do before, just understand. Perhaps plan different things that she can manage right now and will enjoy. As others have said, little things really help. Just show that you care and that you are there for her in those actions.
Cross-stitch gal
Moderator
We have a wonderful support group on here that I think you might benefit from. It's called: Partners, Family, Friends & Caregivers under our Support area. There are a few on there who share their experiences and support each other.
Just as nogutsnoglory said, we will take your wife in with open arms as well and are here for you both. Take care.
Just as nogutsnoglory said, we will take your wife in with open arms as well and are here for you both. Take care.
Well done you, I wish my husband was that thoughtful and caring.
Everyone is different, I hope you can help her in the ways that she wants. Don't give up.
I hope things get easier for her - IBD can force alot of compromises and the future may look way different than how you (and she) had planned. That is hard to deal with and something those are thoughts that will not go away with time.
Hugs, sympathy, and empathy, are always good!
Everyone is different, I hope you can help her in the ways that she wants. Don't give up.
I hope things get easier for her - IBD can force alot of compromises and the future may look way different than how you (and she) had planned. That is hard to deal with and something those are thoughts that will not go away with time.
Hugs, sympathy, and empathy, are always good!
