Those of us with fibromyalgia or any chronic illness go through many stages before and after our diagnosis. Our lives change. We grieve the lives we used to have and eventually come to accept our illness. However, the adjustments we make can affect our loved ones, too.
- What is Fibromyalgia?
- What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
I’ve been inspired to write this after hearing from some of my fibro-friends that their spouses weren’t being supportive. Maybe they were misinformed about the illness. Maybe they were having a tough time dealing with the changes.
I’m fortunate to have an incredibly loving, supportive husband. I am not here to brag. He is not perfect. No one is. But I believe his actions are worth sharing and may help the fibro-spouses and significant others out there.
1. My husband has accepted my illness, just as I have.
He believes me when I say I’m in pain. He believes in fibromyalgia. This is the most important step our loved ones need to do. Believe us. Trust us. If they don’t believe us and trust us, then it becomes a serious problem that can affect the entire relationship.
2. My husband learned about fibromyalgia.
Both before and after diagnosis, many of us do research to learn more about our illness. My husband did research. He asked me different questions about it – what the pain feels like, what treatments are available, and so on. Now he understands, to the best of his ability, how I feel. No, he’ll never truly know how I feel unless he’s diagnosed with fibromyalgia himself, but he learned enough and put in the effort to understand. I appreciate that more than he knows.
3. My husband does all the heavy lifting and other tasks that would cause me great pain.
He carries the heavy bags of groceries, takes the garbage out and transports anything that has to be taken up or down our stairs. I do the laundry, clean the counter tops and tables and dust. We split the rest depending on what kind of day I’m having. He knows I do what I can, but he doesn’t want me to overexert myself.
4. When we go out, whether it be to a social gathering or running errands, my husband is respectful of my limitations.
If we’re out with family or friends and I need to go home after a few hours, he knows it’s because I’m in pain and I need to rest. If we’ve gone to a few stores and have done a lot of walking and my energy is gone, he understands and we go home. There are times when I can’t go out at all, but I don’t hold him back from anything, especially parties and social functions. He’s sad that I can’t make it, but I tell him to go and have a good time. He works hard and deserves to have fun.
5. My husband encourages me to do what I can and never puts me down.
He’s proud of me for being active in the fibro community and for writing. He compliments me even when I feel (and look) like hell. He makes me laugh and enjoys my company, even when I can’t do much.
When we got married, we vowed to take each other “for better or worse, in sickness and in health, ’til death do us part.” I know that if you love someone, you love them unconditionally. To the fibro and chronic illness spouses and significant others — we know it can be tough. We just want your love and support.
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Hi! I’m Kristin, I’m 33 years old and I live in Milford, CT with my husband, Jim, and my cat, Ivy. I have fibromyalgia, major depression, anxiety/panic disorder, and chronic migraine. I am passionate about music and I’m a die-hard Red Sox fan (and baseball in general). I also love to write, watch true crime shows, and learn new things every day. I’m currently in an online grad school program at SNHU majoring in Forensic Psychology. I hope to contribute more pieces to The Mighty this year!
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