Caring for a loved one in pain. The spouse of a chronic pain patient.

[Eastex]

Mark,
Thank you for guiding me toward the letter the other day. We both read it that night. As you know, my wife and I are going through troublesome times. I am hoping the letter opened her eyes to the reason why I have been such an a**hole the last year. Well, let me say more than usual!! I try to catch myself when I act like this, but sometimes it is too late. I have said a lot of things that hurt her during my times of pain or under the influence of meds. I have said some bad bad things. Sometimes I won't remember all the details. I just hope that I haven't gone too far this time. Please keep us in your prayers. I don't need the support now, we do. She is my everything and I will make sure that she knows that from now on.

[ans]

I relate. When in pain or messed up/spaced from my meds, I get real short. My partner is very compassionate and understanding but truly doesn't get it - that I have days where I simply cannot think straight or write strongly for hours like I used to do. She is baffled and angry at my slowness which is academically hurting me.

ans