Would it be too personal to request more information on your disability, and the limitations it imposes on your ability work and/or go out on your own? Also, how long have you had these health issues, from the beginning of the relationship, or more recently?
I was injured at work when we had been married just 10 month, something that seemed to be a mild injury at first (sprained ankle) has dragged out over a decade with mutliple surgeries (over 19 to date) and now they will have to amputate. During the first surgery there was a 'medical mistake' that ended up with them giving me a fluid overolad to try to keep me alive... but that itself enlarged my heart and filled my lungs with fluids leaving me in ICU for a week on a ventilator. Presently, I have developed osteoarthritis in my other leg (knee) from compensation over-use and will have to have that knee replaced in the next 5 years as well.
In 2003 I woke one morning unable to use either hand and with the left side of my face paralized... my face still has little sensation but has full movement and my hands and arms are weaker than they used to be with little sensation but I can use them. The decision at that time was MS and my husband wanted me to go into a nursing home.
About three years ago I developed major blood pressure problems and tachycardia (both sinus and ventricular) and soon after developed major gastric issues making me unable to keep down any medications and able to eat only the blandest food. Medical tests show I have gastroparesis (vagus nerve damage, maybe MS related) and they are trying to find a way to deal with that and want to put in a gastric pacemaker, but like all the surgeries that I have on tap, they can't do anything until they can think of a way to manage my blood pressure and heart rate.
I have not been able to drive for 5 years (strange thing, they do not want someone who gets dizzy all the time due to heart rate behind the wheel)and due to chronic pain, mobility issues and nausea I am unable to work. That and there is not an employer out there that is willing to hire someone who might miss weeks at a time for surgery after surgery.
M- 11 y H- 40 Me- 41 D (1st M) 19 S (1st M) 17 First EA (w/OOW)discovered 2000 Third EA (w/OOW & phone) discovered 02/06 SSM (total) 3 1/2 years
