Communicate!
Disease and pain may cause stress in any relationship. Yet, at the same time, they also offer opportunities for growth. When the disease seems unending, the behavior of the afflicted person may be noticeably different. This can present challenges for family members, particularly spouses. Instead of giving up, spouses should try to develop and use their communication skills—being slow to accuse and quick to forgive.
A woman suffering from endometriosis should remember that the entire menstrual cycle is foreign to a man's experience and that her condition may be totally confusing to him. However, if her husband is involved in the entire process of evaluating the problem, he can reach a higher level of understanding. Here are a few tips for the patient.
- Your husband cannot read your mind; tell him how and where you hurt
- Choose a doctor who will educate both you and your husband about endometriosis and who will take extra time if needed
- Tell your husband about changes in the way you feel—including positive changes!
- Ask him to read about the condition
Return to: My Struggle With Endometriosis
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