Mrs F in hospital?

[fishman65]

Mrs F has crohns disease among other illnesses, she saw her GP on Friday and I went in with her. Mrs F mentioned her diarrhea and occasional blood, so the GP prescribed steroids and if they haven't made a difference after a week, then it would likely be hospital.

While I'm well aware I should be thinking of her and not myself, it doesn't alter the fact my anxiety has rocketed. I think it feels worse because it has come off the back of a very good spell stretching right back to the end of April. 'If' she does get admitted, no doubt I will cope but it will be very hard work. It is also times like this when I realise just how much I rely on her. I despise this illness I really do but then everyone else here knows the score.

[ana]

I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. It's an undoubtedly stressful time for everyone involved. The fact that your anxiety has rocketed doesn't make you selfish. It's perfectly normal to feel fear, resentment and unease in the face of such a situation, and it would make anyone (not just us anxiety sufferers!) anxious. Please remind yourself that this is a response to a stressful, unusual situation; this isn't you getting worse.

I do hope, however, that the steroids help your wife, so that she doesn't have to go to the hospital after all.

[fishman65]

Thank you Ana, you are very kind and speak very wisely The thing is, she's trying not to be ill because she knows how it affects my anxiety, and I'm trying not to be anxious because it makes her worry which exacerbates her crohns

But you are right, this doesn't mean I'm getting worse, it's entirely situational.

[KK77]

I agree that thinking about how you'll cope and your increasing anxiety levels isn't selfishness. It's survival and sometimes it's more difficult for family/loved ones than the actual patient when it comes to stress and worry.

Can only hope that treatment works and therefore doesn't necessitate stay in hospital.

[fishman65]

Many thanks KK77. I've heard that said before, that it's tougher for the carer/visitor than the patient. Never having been in hospital I don't know if it's true or not...

[Fishmanpa]

Just sending positive thoughts your way... Having been through this from both sides, it's equally as difficult.

Positive thoughts

[fishman65]

Thank you for your kind words Fishmanpa and also for your insight.

[fishman65]

Well, Wednesday is the day of Mrs F's appointment with her gastro specialist. She was told last time (I've since found out) that all they can offer her is a stoma by way of treatment. This is a very big step, and I was already anxious as it was!! Wednesday can't get here quickly enough.

[MyNameIsTerry]

I hope everything goes well for you both. Anticipatory anxiety can be very hard. In many ways it's easier to cope when the time comes and you can at least be doing something rather than dealing with the dread.

[pulisa]

Yes the very worse bit is the waiting and not knowing. I'm sure you have faith in her gastroenterologist and he or she will guide you both towards the best decision as regards future management of her Crohn's. Please let us know how the appointment goes-at least you will know a lot more afterwards and won't have to torment yourself by speculating on the outcome.