What to expect from marrying someone with health problems?

My wife vomited the morning of our wedding… How about that for a punch line? I think I’m the right person to answer what to expect from marrying someone with health problems.

Chronic Illness

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The answer is pretty straightforward – expect the unexpected, and be prepared for anything.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. But, if you can go into a marriage with an open mind and a willingness to adapt, you’ll be off to a good start.

My wife waited for the diagnosis of her primary chronic condition long enough that she developed stage IV deep infiltrating endometriosis. In a matter of a year, she was additionally diagnosed with a chronic disorder – fibromyalgia.

What I’ve learned from our experience so far is that you need to be prepared to take on additional roles and responsibilities when your spouse is dealing with health problems.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Be prepared for physical, emotional, and mental challenges. You should also expect changes in plans, social challenges, and financial strain. Your partner might experience stress, anxiety, and depression due to a lack of understanding from others, but also work complications.

What to expect from marrying someone with health problems?

In short, here’s what to expect from marrying someone with health problems:

• physical challenges
• emotional challenges
• mental challenges
• changes in plans
• social challenges
• financial strain
• lack of understanding
• work complications

Now, I’m going to expand on the impact of health problems below…

If you want to learn how to cope with your partner’s chronic illness, how to support her struggles, and manage a relationship with a chronic condition, I give away a FREE Chapter of my eBook: “Supporting a Chronically Ill Partner”. 

This chapter alone has all the comprehensive information about acknowledging the struggles, including:

• A word to your partner.
• A word to you.
• Stepping on eggshells.
• Understanding her needs.
• How to acknowledge having a chronically ill partner?
• Acknowledging can be hard.
• 15 tips on how to do it!

Be prepared for the physical challenges.

If your partner is dealing with a chronic illness, there will likely be physical challenges that come along with it. These can include pain, fatigue, brain fog and difficulties with concentration, even mobility issues.

So if your partner has a chronic illness, they may need help with basic activities of daily living, like bathing or dressing. This can be a physical challenge, as you may need to lift or carry your partner at times.

But don’t get scared because depending on the chronic illness, people still are fairly independent.

So it’s important to be patient and understand that your partner is not trying to be a burden. They just need a little extra help from time to time.

Be prepared for the emotional challenges.

When you marry someone with health problems, you are also marrying their illness. This can be a lot to handle emotionally, as you watch your partner suffer and sometimes feel helpless.

Your partner might feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and even scared at times. So again, it’s very important to be supportive and understanding. They might need to vent or talk about their feelings more than usual. Be patient when that happens.

It’s important to find ways to support each other emotionally, whether that means going to counseling together or just being there for each other when things get tough.

Be prepared for the mental challenges.

Mental illness can be a challenge in any relationship, but it can be especially difficult when you’re married. If your partner is dealing with depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issue, they may need extra support.

Mental challenges can include things like fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. Again, it’s important to be understanding and supportive. Encourage your partner to rest when they need to and help them with any tasks that are proving to be difficult.

It’s important to be understanding and supportive of your partner’s mental health needs. This may mean getting them professional help or just being there for them during tough times.

No matter what challenges you face, remember that you are not alone. There are many resources and support groups available to help you in this tough time. And, most importantly, remember that your love for each other will get you through anything.

Be prepared for changes in plans.

If you’re used to making all the decisions in your relationship, that may have to change when you marry someone with health problems. Suddenly, you may find yourself having to make last-minute changes to plans because of a doctor’s appointment or a sudden illness.

Spontaneous trips or nights out might have to be put on hold. It’s important to be understanding and flexible.

It’s important to be flexible and understand that your partner’s health needs come first. This may mean making some sacrifices, but it will be worth it in the end.

Be prepared for social challenges.

Your partner might not be able to participate in social activities like they used to. This can be difficult for them, so it’s important to find ways to connect with other people.

You can also help by being their advocate and educating others about their condition. You can do it the way I do it, by blogging.

Blogging allows you and your partner to feel some sense of social normality. Even though you may not meet other people in person immediately, you can find other couples in a similar situation to yours and connect with them. They will be most likely to understand your needs.

Be prepared for a financial strain.

If your partner has health problems, there is a good chance that they will be unable to work. This can lead to financial challenges, as medical bills and other expenses start to pile up.

It’s important, to be honest about your finances from the start, so you can figure out a plan to manage your money and what you’re comfortable with spending. You may need to adjust your lifestyle or make some sacrifices in order to make ends meet, but it’s important to be on the same page about your finances.

If you’re married to someone with health problems, it’s important to be prepared for anything money related, so expect the unexpected and be willing to adapt. With a little understanding and flexibility, you can make it work.

Be prepared for a lack of understanding from others.

Your partner might face a lack of understanding from others. People might not be aware of what they’re dealing with or what they need. It’s important to be their advocate and educate others about their condition.

This is where also connecting with other couples in a similar situation helps. You can share your experiences and offer support to each other.

It’s also important to be understanding if your partner needs some time for themselves. They might need to take a break from social activities or spend some time alone. It’s important to respect their needs and give them the space they need it.

Be prepared for work complications.

Health problems can lead to work complications, as your partner might have to take time off or adjust their hours. It’s important to discuss these things in advance and come up with a plan that works for both of you.

And again, this is where blogging can help.

Blogging allows you to reach financial freedom by working from home. This way, you can still earn an income even if your partner’s work schedule is unpredictable or they need to take time off.

Positive outcomes of marrying someone with health problems.

Marrying someone with health problems doesn’t mean only a negative outcome. There are many benefits of marrying such a person, including:

• You’ll learn to be more patient.
• You’ll become closer to one another.
• You’ll have a greater appreciation for life.
• You’ll learn to better manage your finances.
• You’ll learn to be more understanding and flexible.
• You’ll become a better advocate for your partner.
• You’ll connect with other couples in a similar situation.
• You might be able to work from home.

Tips for marrying someone with health problems.

If you don’t know what to expect from marrying someone with health problems, below you will find 25 tips for marrying someone with a chronic illness:

1. Get organized and make sure you are on the same page.
2. Discuss your finances and be honest about what you can afford.
3. Find ways to connect with other couples in a similar situation.
4. Be patient, understanding, and flexible.
5. Respect your partner’s needs and give them space when they need it.
6. Advocate for your partner and educate others about their condition.
7. Plan ahead for work complications and be prepared to adjust your schedule.
8. Have a positive outlook and appreciate the good moments.
9. Be willing to make sacrifices when necessary.
10. Communicate openly and honestly with each other.
11. Seek professional help if you are struggling to cope.
12. Take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
13. Make time for fun activities together despite the challenges.
14. Find a hobby or activity that you can enjoy together.
15. Support each other through difficult times.
16. Be there for each other emotionally.
17. Cherish the time you have together.
18. Express your love for each other in words and actions.
19. Be willing to compromise and make adjustments as needed.
20. Keep your sense of humor and don’t take things too seriously.
21. Remember that you are a team and work together towards common goals.
22. Build a strong support network of family and friends.
23. Take advantage of technology and stay connected when apart.
24. Learn about your partner’s condition and what they are going through.
25. Appreciate the strength and courage it takes to face health challenges.

Conclusion.

Chronic illness can often shift the balance of a relationship, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to make it work. With a little bit of understanding and flexibility, you can overcome any challenges that come your way.

Just remember to communicate with each other, be honest about your finances, and connect with other couples in a similar situation. Most importantly, don’t forget to show your partner your love and support. They need it now more than ever.

If you’re thinking about marrying someone with health problems, it’s important to be prepared for anything. From financial challenges to a lack of understanding from others, there are a lot of things to consider.

But with a little understanding and flexibility, you can make it work. And don’t forget, you’re not alone. There are other couples in similar situations who can offer support and understanding.

If you have any questions or want to express your thoughts, feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you!