relationship issues and UC

  Hi everyone!  I have been reading a few posts on family/romantic issues and have been having some issues in my own relationship with my boyfriend lately.  I just wonder if anyone has ever heard anything like a statistic on how many couples where one partner has UC divorce or break up because of the stress of having a chronic illness?  Just wondering because I can imagine that it must be higher than the average divorce rate.  Any suggestions from anyone on how to make it easier on the non-UC person?  Between the frustrations and the steroids, etc., I know it can't be fun.

Thanks,

Becky

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29 years old; diagnosed since 1997 (but I've had it forever)

Current meds:

-I was awaiting a Humira study.  Now, ironically, they say I'm "too well" for the study now! :(

-Prednisone starting at 40 mg.  I'm at 20 now.

-Asacol 12/day

-Failed Remicade (8/06-8/07)

-Calcium (for my steroid-affected bones)

-Prenatal vitamins (for the extra stuff, not for pregnancy)

-B vitamin complex

-Miralax (because surprisingly I need it sometimes)

I agree that open and honest communication is really important. My husband is wonderful, he took care of the house and yard and me when I was so sick, all while working full time. The only time we ever really had a problem was when I had a really bad spell and didn't tell him. I was thinking he was probably sick to death of hearing about my poo and my pain, so I'd just keep it to myself. I nearly passed out in the bathroom one day, and he was furious with me. He accused me of "shutting him out." I learned from that, and now he always knows if I'm feeling sub-par, because what I've found out about him is that it scares him if I get sick and don't tell him.

Really explaining your fears and feelings can be very helpful. If your partner responds badly to that, he or she probably isn't the right one for you.

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Judy