My wife is in denial

peterbee

I have cerebellar ataxia; I was diagnosed several months ago, but I have had it for some years.  My balance is now pretty bad and I can no longer walk very far.  I am also now getting the other symptoms of ataxia - slurred speech, urinary problems, maybe dementia (not sure about the last one yet).  My wife will not discuss the condition or our future but simply says that there are plenty of people worse off than me and that I should simply "get on with it".   She loves me deeply - as I love her - but she just refuses to discuss the issue and gets angry when I attempt to bring it up, Any idea as to what I can do?

Neil2017

Hello @peterbee
is is there not leaflets available on your condition to show your wife?
Or what about talking to someone else with your condition?

Matilda

@peterbee

Is there a support group for relatives of those with your condition?

Sam_Alumni

Hi @peterbee
It can be hard to come to terms with a loved one becoming ill or disabled, could you perhaps write her a letter explaining how you feel?

As you say, you love eachother a lot and so her anger may come from a place of fear or sadness.  Would you consider councelling? Either together or separately?