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Friends,
I need some advice regarding getting support from your spouse when dealing with this disease. I am beginning to realize, and to see, that my wife doesn't grasp how this LC affects me, both physically and mentally. I guess, in a nutshell, I don't think she even wants to try to understand.
I am so scared that as this disease continues to waste me (like it has so far), and as I struggle to try to gain control over it, that she will not choose to be by my side to support me. I got a realistic preview of this over the weekend (I won't go into details but suffice it to say she doesn't even recognize where she has abandoned me). She's sees this as a hassle and clearly has no appreciation for, nor is she willing to learn about, what is going on inside my body to make me feel so awful. Like Tex once said, getting up every morning feeling like a Mack truck has run me over. What a perfect analogy. Why doesn't she care to understand that about me? Why wouldn't she use a forum like this to truly learn about me, others, and how she can help me? Because I do need help at times.
The irony to all of this is that when she was ill with cancer for the majority of our marriage, I was so deathly worried for her, and was there for her in every and all ways possible. I jumped on the internet and learned more about her illness than her (as Tex always seems to say) doctors even knew. It was because I wanted to try to understand everything she was going through, because I loved her that much. I wanted to have an active, even pro-active role in her disease management. Isn't this what a spouse does for his/her spouse? It is in my book. My mother has a theory, and I think it holds merit, that all the stress and worry I had for her over the years (and still do) literally consumed me both mentally, physically, and for a time, financially. And it was the culmination of this that perhaps started the ball rolling with all of my problems; the problems that finally received a diagnoses and a name only recently. Up until then, and probably still, I think my wife thinks this is all in my head.
So I write today with a heavy and very broken heart, being sleep deprived and still feeling so miserable, with no one but my mother who truly stands by me. My wife doesn't seem to want to understand this, and have even put her family and her own interests before me. I would love to be able to express these feelings to my wife, but she has closed the door for even listening to me. I tried so hard last night to tell her that she broke my heart. I don't know if this merits seeing a divorce attorney. But this is something I will give some serious though to this week. It is on my checklist of things to do, and in over 20 years of marriage, that has never even crossed my mind. I have always felt my wife suffers from self confidence and self image issues, and that historically, was the reason for her thinking this way of herself. She has made me feel that way. Like I am the reason for this. I know longer accept this. But as I think way back, her issues clearly pre-dated me. I know this for a fact. I see it in her siblings. I also know that I am (was) good for her. I truly believe that it was my diligence with her care over the years, and navigating the horror of our private healthcare system, while trying to hold down my job in process, that literally saved her life. Her doctor once pulled me aside to tell me this. You see, whenever a doctor told us how dire here situation was, I found a better expert who proceeded to help us find a new and better direction. 90% of the people who were transplanted in 2000 when she was admitted to the Cleveland Clinic, have since passed. My wife, who admittedly went through hell, beat the insurmountable odds. This was no coincidence, it was carefully management that she trusted to me. I feel I ams 70 year old in a 44 yr old body. I am tired beyond my years. It seems now it is my turn and I a all alone.
And if she need to cut loose, i prefer it to be done in my home with her friends in presence. She is a cool woman who is (maybe now was) my soulmate, but she has demonstrated I am holding her back from the sophomoric activities she choose to engage in, that always seem to coincide when I am struggling the most. When she was in the Bone Marrow ward, I crawled in to bed with he her just to comfort her. I was proud when she was released to hospice so that everything could meet my better half. These are the moments I cherish. I guess my priorities, and my care for my wife, transcend what I get in return.
Sand, confused, abandoned, hopeless, heart broken, angry, done with her family.
Rich
Need some advice - Sad today for several reasons
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Oh Rich,
First and foremost, here is a hug for you....
It made me so sad to read your post and see how much you are suffering. But I think it is terrific that you can express yourself and reach out to your good friends here. We care very much and are here for you, anytime day and night.
It must seem so unfair that you helped your wife through every step of her illness and that you now feel that she has abandoned you in your time of need.
What a bummer. Do you have a clue as to what's going on in her head, why she's pulling away? Perhaps the idea of another chronic illness terrifies her and she feels she cannot handle it. Or maybe seeing you sick (the "strong" one in the family) is overwhelming her and she is in denial. I guess if she will not allow you to discuss things with her, it is impossible to really know what's in her head. Before considering a divorce atty, would counselling be in order? A good counsellor could help each of you express yourselves in a neutral setting. You know, men and women approach things differently. For example, men tend to be problem solvers and prefer a more direct approach, while women generally prefer talking over things (processing) without necessarily reaching any conclusion.
Both of you may be going through the stages of grief ....... "why me?", disbelief, anger, etc. and this certainly could affect behavior. Any serious illness can provoke a grief reaction. Even just giving up gluten can cause a full-blown grief reaction, as we have learned here. Many had to grieve the loss of their old and comfortable way of eating.
Rich, as a pediatrician, let me assure you that problems with self worth and self image date back to childhood. I'm sure that you were not the cause of these, although you may have been the "convenient" one to blame.
And I must say that your mother sounds like a very wise lady. I would bet anything that she's right. Years of stress and worry deplete the adrenal glands, a perfect set-up for the development of disease (especially cancer, autoimmune diseases and the like). But here's a silver lining to focus on - you did not develop a terminal illness.....yours is one that is manageble, although I know you don't feel that way yet. But you WILL. We promise.
Also, consider that meds can be affecting the way you think just now. Even the Entocort - I know that little is absorbed systemically, but even small amounts of steroid can affect how you think and feel.
Do you have a good friend nearby to spend some time with? Perhaps one you met during your wife's illness?
I could probably go on forever, but I'll close for now before you get too bored! Please know that I am thinking of you and sending my best thoughts and prayers. And feel free to send me a PM if you wish or call me when you are in MD.
Lots of love,
Polly
First and foremost, here is a hug for you....
It made me so sad to read your post and see how much you are suffering. But I think it is terrific that you can express yourself and reach out to your good friends here. We care very much and are here for you, anytime day and night.
It must seem so unfair that you helped your wife through every step of her illness and that you now feel that she has abandoned you in your time of need.
What a bummer. Do you have a clue as to what's going on in her head, why she's pulling away? Perhaps the idea of another chronic illness terrifies her and she feels she cannot handle it. Or maybe seeing you sick (the "strong" one in the family) is overwhelming her and she is in denial. I guess if she will not allow you to discuss things with her, it is impossible to really know what's in her head. Before considering a divorce atty, would counselling be in order? A good counsellor could help each of you express yourselves in a neutral setting. You know, men and women approach things differently. For example, men tend to be problem solvers and prefer a more direct approach, while women generally prefer talking over things (processing) without necessarily reaching any conclusion. Both of you may be going through the stages of grief ....... "why me?", disbelief, anger, etc. and this certainly could affect behavior. Any serious illness can provoke a grief reaction. Even just giving up gluten can cause a full-blown grief reaction, as we have learned here. Many had to grieve the loss of their old and comfortable way of eating.
Rich, as a pediatrician, let me assure you that problems with self worth and self image date back to childhood. I'm sure that you were not the cause of these, although you may have been the "convenient" one to blame.
And I must say that your mother sounds like a very wise lady. I would bet anything that she's right. Years of stress and worry deplete the adrenal glands, a perfect set-up for the development of disease (especially cancer, autoimmune diseases and the like). But here's a silver lining to focus on - you did not develop a terminal illness.....yours is one that is manageble, although I know you don't feel that way yet. But you WILL. We promise.
Also, consider that meds can be affecting the way you think just now. Even the Entocort - I know that little is absorbed systemically, but even small amounts of steroid can affect how you think and feel.
Do you have a good friend nearby to spend some time with? Perhaps one you met during your wife's illness?
I could probably go on forever, but I'll close for now before you get too bored! Please know that I am thinking of you and sending my best thoughts and prayers. And feel free to send me a PM if you wish or call me when you are in MD.
Lots of love,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
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Joefnh
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Rich first of all let me echo your text from an earlier post right back at you
"Keep leaning on everyone, we can handle the weight :) "
Polly certainly has hit upon the key areas here.
Remember woman are from mars men are form Venus... We really do react to and see situations differently, but it's those differences that can also make us strong.
I would certainly consider finding a good counselor in this case, to just provide a guided environment to work out this issue. These feelings left unchecked can grow and pose bigger problems over time. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...
I would hate to see MC take another marriage down. For me it certainly played a part, in the 10 years of declining health with no diagnosis (It's all in your head Joe etc...). There were other issues but MC was certainly a key factor. We should have pursued counseling at a much earlier time.
Polly has a great point in how many of the feelings and our coping mechanisms come from our childhood experiences, this is an area I am working to better understand.
Rich you are certainly in my thoughts and prayers, I am sure given the right chance that this issue can be worked out
Best Wishes
--Joe
"Keep leaning on everyone, we can handle the weight :) "
Polly certainly has hit upon the key areas here.
Remember woman are from mars men are form Venus... We really do react to and see situations differently, but it's those differences that can also make us strong.
I would certainly consider finding a good counselor in this case, to just provide a guided environment to work out this issue. These feelings left unchecked can grow and pose bigger problems over time. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure...
I would hate to see MC take another marriage down. For me it certainly played a part, in the 10 years of declining health with no diagnosis (It's all in your head Joe etc...). There were other issues but MC was certainly a key factor. We should have pursued counseling at a much earlier time.
Polly has a great point in how many of the feelings and our coping mechanisms come from our childhood experiences, this is an area I am working to better understand.
Rich you are certainly in my thoughts and prayers, I am sure given the right chance that this issue can be worked out
Best Wishes
--Joe
Joe
Rich,
I feel your pain, and I understand how much it truly hurts. In addition to what Joan, Polly, and Joe posted, please be aware that the basic issue you are having, (lack of support from a spouse), is rather common for people who have this disease. The basic problem is that we don't look that sick. When most people think of life-altering diseases, they think of cancer, or severe rheumatoid arthritis, MS, MD, etc., where the deterioration in physical health is obvious. With MC, we still look relatively healthy, (even though we're not, when the disease is active).
For a while, our loved ones take our word that we are ill, but after a while, as time rolls on, and our physical appearance doesn't seem to be deteriorating at all, they begin to "tune us out". It may happen on a conscious level, or a sub-conscious level, but sooner or later, many of the people close to us, are troubled by the fact that, (unfortunately), we are all programmed to believe that sick people should look sick. (And Joe's post adds substance to that point).
As far as wanting to know more about the disease, remember that not only are you a male, (and as Polly and Joe pointed out, males are more inclined to want to find out why things happen, and they want to "fix them"), but you are also an engineer. I can absolutely guarantee that as an engineer, you view many/most of the various aspects of life quite differently than most people look at them, (not just the technical components - everything).
Also, while many people seem to be eager to hear about other people's problems, (à la the tv evening news, and back fence gossip), it is also true that some people just don't want to know all the details of other people's problems. They would rather shut it out, especially, (as Polly mentioned), for someone we view as invincible, and a pillar of support.
Obviously, the position of the medical community on this disease doesn't do anything to help with this issue, either, since they consider it to be a "nuisance" disease, with a "benign" course.
We can only wish that the GI docs who feel that way would have an opportunity to spend at least a few months experiencing the joys of this benign disease, themselves. It would be interesting to see how much of a "nuisance" they might find it to be. Anyway, the point is, anyone who researches and reads about the disease, can't help but focus on that claim, and brand us as a bunch of "whiners". 
Lastly, MC is a very lonely disease, so as Joan pointed out, it's an extremely depressing disease, and that also has a powerful effect on how we interpret the actions of others around us. The absolute low point in my life came when I realized that I had a "rare" disease of some type, that the doctors couldn't figure out, and I didn't know anyone else who had it, nor did I have the foggiest idea what I could do about it. All I knew was that I was getting sicker and sicker, and no one else understood. At the time, I didn't even realize that I was depressed, (the brain fog made it difficult to think clearly, anyway), but looking back, I had to be "eat up", (as they say), with depression.
I hope that your marriage can survive. The basic concern that I would have, is whether your wife is behaving this way because she believes the BS written by the GI docs, (about it being just a nuisance disease), or whether she perceives your condition accurately, and she is truly unconcerned, no matter how sick you might actually be.
When I say that MC is a life-altering disease, that's putting it mildly - in reality, it is extremely life-altering, for many of us. Please lean on us anytime you feel the need, because many of us have been through similar issues, so we certainly understand how you feel.
Tex
I feel your pain, and I understand how much it truly hurts. In addition to what Joan, Polly, and Joe posted, please be aware that the basic issue you are having, (lack of support from a spouse), is rather common for people who have this disease. The basic problem is that we don't look that sick. When most people think of life-altering diseases, they think of cancer, or severe rheumatoid arthritis, MS, MD, etc., where the deterioration in physical health is obvious. With MC, we still look relatively healthy, (even though we're not, when the disease is active).
For a while, our loved ones take our word that we are ill, but after a while, as time rolls on, and our physical appearance doesn't seem to be deteriorating at all, they begin to "tune us out". It may happen on a conscious level, or a sub-conscious level, but sooner or later, many of the people close to us, are troubled by the fact that, (unfortunately), we are all programmed to believe that sick people should look sick. (And Joe's post adds substance to that point).
As far as wanting to know more about the disease, remember that not only are you a male, (and as Polly and Joe pointed out, males are more inclined to want to find out why things happen, and they want to "fix them"), but you are also an engineer. I can absolutely guarantee that as an engineer, you view many/most of the various aspects of life quite differently than most people look at them, (not just the technical components - everything).
Also, while many people seem to be eager to hear about other people's problems, (à la the tv evening news, and back fence gossip), it is also true that some people just don't want to know all the details of other people's problems. They would rather shut it out, especially, (as Polly mentioned), for someone we view as invincible, and a pillar of support.
Obviously, the position of the medical community on this disease doesn't do anything to help with this issue, either, since they consider it to be a "nuisance" disease, with a "benign" course.
We can only wish that the GI docs who feel that way would have an opportunity to spend at least a few months experiencing the joys of this benign disease, themselves. It would be interesting to see how much of a "nuisance" they might find it to be. Anyway, the point is, anyone who researches and reads about the disease, can't help but focus on that claim, and brand us as a bunch of "whiners". Lastly, MC is a very lonely disease, so as Joan pointed out, it's an extremely depressing disease, and that also has a powerful effect on how we interpret the actions of others around us. The absolute low point in my life came when I realized that I had a "rare" disease of some type, that the doctors couldn't figure out, and I didn't know anyone else who had it, nor did I have the foggiest idea what I could do about it. All I knew was that I was getting sicker and sicker, and no one else understood. At the time, I didn't even realize that I was depressed, (the brain fog made it difficult to think clearly, anyway), but looking back, I had to be "eat up", (as they say), with depression.
I hope that your marriage can survive. The basic concern that I would have, is whether your wife is behaving this way because she believes the BS written by the GI docs, (about it being just a nuisance disease), or whether she perceives your condition accurately, and she is truly unconcerned, no matter how sick you might actually be.
When I say that MC is a life-altering disease, that's putting it mildly - in reality, it is extremely life-altering, for many of us. Please lean on us anytime you feel the need, because many of us have been through similar issues, so we certainly understand how you feel.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Rich,
Although I don't feel I can add anything to what has been said (wonderful responses!!), I do want to tell you that I feel for you tremendously and will be thinking of you and your situation. I pray for a good resolution. I know you are in pain and I hope, however it turns out, that the pain will be eased.
Love, Shirley
Although I don't feel I can add anything to what has been said (wonderful responses!!), I do want to tell you that I feel for you tremendously and will be thinking of you and your situation. I pray for a good resolution. I know you are in pain and I hope, however it turns out, that the pain will be eased.
Love, Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
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Tanya Lynn
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Gabes-Apg
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Rich
everyone copes with illness, stress differently.
and given how supportive you were when she was unwell, maybe she reacting slightly to you giving energy to yourself, maybe she has some fears ie as you were the strong able to cope one and she can not fulfill that role.
If you are up to it - ask her talk about it at the moment you are basing your thoughts and emotions on some assumptions and unsettlement
everyone copes with illness, stress differently.
and given how supportive you were when she was unwell, maybe she reacting slightly to you giving energy to yourself, maybe she has some fears ie as you were the strong able to cope one and she can not fulfill that role.
Have you asked her what she thinks?I think my wife thinks this is all in my head.
If you are up to it - ask her talk about it at the moment you are basing your thoughts and emotions on some assumptions and unsettlement
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
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natythingycolbery
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Rich,
I fully agree with what everyone has said on here, and like polly said, maybe counselling is the way forward for you both. I hope that you can find your way with your wife and that it does not end in divorce
Have some hugs all the way from the UK
and know that we are all here for you at what is a difficult time for you.
I fully agree with what everyone has said on here, and like polly said, maybe counselling is the way forward for you both. I hope that you can find your way with your wife and that it does not end in divorce
Have some hugs all the way from the UK
and know that we are all here for you at what is a difficult time for you.'The more difficulties one has to encounter, within and without, the more significant and the higher in inspiration his life will be.' Horace Bushnell
Diagnosed with MC (LC) Aug 2010
Diagnosed with MC (LC) Aug 2010
Rich,
I agree with everything everyone else has posted so far. It may help if I share my experiences with my spouse.
Let me first say that my husband is a gentle man and has never yelled at me or criticized me. He's great at helping around the house and loves to buy me flowers, etc. In every way, he's been a model husband for our nearly 42 years of marriage.
I will have had MC for four years in January. Our lifestyle has changed quite a bit in those four years. We used to go out to eat 3-4 times a week, mainly because we were both working. It was one of our favorite things to do. We also used to take nice vacations, sometimes international ones, at least once a year. I used to make nice meals and baked frequently. Now, we enjoy few or none of those pleasantries, and I think my husband longs for our former life. I do, too, but I'm the one who is trying to control the MC and he probably feels he's at the mercy of my handling of it, and I haven't been very successful.
After I posted last week that things were improving, it was great to read everyone's responses. My husband's comment was that he doesn't think it has anything to do with my diet (again). I mentioned to him today that someone brought frosted brownies as a treat for my Sunday school class (I teach 14-15 year olds) and it was hard to smell them and not have one. He said I should have eaten one and taken an Imodium afterward. Sometimes I will mention that I've only gone to the bathroom twice and he'll say he's already gone three times. Diarrhea is an occasional side effect of medications he takes for diabetes. Clearly he sees this illness in a different light than I do. I believe he resents it, as of course I do, but he's powerless to do anything about it. He's also seen me get my hopes for remission dashed repeatedly over these past years, and probably thinks that I'm using the wrong management technique.
I don't let my husband's lack of understanding stop me from sharing my disappointments, excitement and progress with him. Most of the time, he listens, but doesn't say anything, which is OK. Sometimes I just need a sounding board. I've stopped talking about it with almost everyone else. I sense that they don't quite know how to react anymore.
I understand that you are disappointed with your wife's reaction and lack of understanding about your disease, especially when you were so proactive with hers. I think it takes an exceptional person to put themselves in another's shoes and suffer with them. You are obviously exceptional. Your wife may not have the maturity to deal with your illness. I wouldn't recommend divorce because she is probably not too different from most other spouses. You may have to lower your expectations from her. We want our spouses to share our grief, but they don't really understand what we're going through. The board can be a great sounding board. It's not only a resource, but it's also a caring community filled with people who have been in our shoes. Everyone here understands, and you need to cling to that.
At some point, your symptoms will improve, and you will have a completely different outlook. My emotions go up and down depending on the status of my MC reactions. I hope you get some improvement soon.
Gloria
I agree with everything everyone else has posted so far. It may help if I share my experiences with my spouse.
Let me first say that my husband is a gentle man and has never yelled at me or criticized me. He's great at helping around the house and loves to buy me flowers, etc. In every way, he's been a model husband for our nearly 42 years of marriage.
I will have had MC for four years in January. Our lifestyle has changed quite a bit in those four years. We used to go out to eat 3-4 times a week, mainly because we were both working. It was one of our favorite things to do. We also used to take nice vacations, sometimes international ones, at least once a year. I used to make nice meals and baked frequently. Now, we enjoy few or none of those pleasantries, and I think my husband longs for our former life. I do, too, but I'm the one who is trying to control the MC and he probably feels he's at the mercy of my handling of it, and I haven't been very successful.
After I posted last week that things were improving, it was great to read everyone's responses. My husband's comment was that he doesn't think it has anything to do with my diet (again). I mentioned to him today that someone brought frosted brownies as a treat for my Sunday school class (I teach 14-15 year olds) and it was hard to smell them and not have one. He said I should have eaten one and taken an Imodium afterward. Sometimes I will mention that I've only gone to the bathroom twice and he'll say he's already gone three times. Diarrhea is an occasional side effect of medications he takes for diabetes. Clearly he sees this illness in a different light than I do. I believe he resents it, as of course I do, but he's powerless to do anything about it. He's also seen me get my hopes for remission dashed repeatedly over these past years, and probably thinks that I'm using the wrong management technique.
I don't let my husband's lack of understanding stop me from sharing my disappointments, excitement and progress with him. Most of the time, he listens, but doesn't say anything, which is OK. Sometimes I just need a sounding board. I've stopped talking about it with almost everyone else. I sense that they don't quite know how to react anymore.
I understand that you are disappointed with your wife's reaction and lack of understanding about your disease, especially when you were so proactive with hers. I think it takes an exceptional person to put themselves in another's shoes and suffer with them. You are obviously exceptional. Your wife may not have the maturity to deal with your illness. I wouldn't recommend divorce because she is probably not too different from most other spouses. You may have to lower your expectations from her. We want our spouses to share our grief, but they don't really understand what we're going through. The board can be a great sounding board. It's not only a resource, but it's also a caring community filled with people who have been in our shoes. Everyone here understands, and you need to cling to that.
At some point, your symptoms will improve, and you will have a completely different outlook. My emotions go up and down depending on the status of my MC reactions. I hope you get some improvement soon.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Thanks so much, everyone, for the words of wisdom and support. I am listening. i hope my wife tries and digs down into her soul to recognize my pain. By the way, I have been told to stop the Entocort due to side effects. So know I don't know what will happen. They say I don't need to taper down, which seems very odd.
Rich,
This is just my opinion, but there may be some things in this post that you don't want her to read. If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you probably need to either accept that things won't change, or you need to tell her that you think you both need to see a counselor.
Gloria
This is just my opinion, but there may be some things in this post that you don't want her to read. If she doesn't want to talk about it, then you probably need to either accept that things won't change, or you need to tell her that you think you both need to see a counselor.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Rich,
First, there shouldn't be any problem in stopping the Entocort cold turkey. It will not cause any significant withdrawal symptoms, the way that the other corticosteroids do, unless it has been used for a long period of time, (something on the order of 6 months to a year, depending on individual sensitivity to it).
Since I don't know your wife, I don't feel qualified to advise you on asking her to read this thread. However, I will note that many member's spouses do read some of the topics posted here. I'm going to go with a "maybe" recommendation, in the sense that if she is willing, (IOW, if she is sufficiently motivated to be willing to learn more about the challenges that your current healh situation is imposing upon you), then it probably couldn't hurt. I could be wrong, though - as you are well aware, I'm not a medical professional.
Tex
P. S. I see that Gloria posted at the same time that I did, and reading her response, I have to say that since she is in a similar situation, she is probably a better judge of the complexities of such a situation than I am. Still, of course, you have to make the final determination.
First, there shouldn't be any problem in stopping the Entocort cold turkey. It will not cause any significant withdrawal symptoms, the way that the other corticosteroids do, unless it has been used for a long period of time, (something on the order of 6 months to a year, depending on individual sensitivity to it).
Since I don't know your wife, I don't feel qualified to advise you on asking her to read this thread. However, I will note that many member's spouses do read some of the topics posted here. I'm going to go with a "maybe" recommendation, in the sense that if she is willing, (IOW, if she is sufficiently motivated to be willing to learn more about the challenges that your current healh situation is imposing upon you), then it probably couldn't hurt. I could be wrong, though - as you are well aware, I'm not a medical professional.
Tex
P. S. I see that Gloria posted at the same time that I did, and reading her response, I have to say that since she is in a similar situation, she is probably a better judge of the complexities of such a situation than I am. Still, of course, you have to make the final determination.
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.