One unavoidable effect of serious illness is that the patient-spouse relationship changes - not necessarily for worse, but it will never be the same
Some couples find the experience draws them closer together over time - but other couples find that their relationship never recovers, and even in couples who adjust well, there are many challenges in the shortterm due to changes caused by the illness
Activities change - the things you enjoyed doing together may be affected by physical condition, stamina, fatigue, medical side effects - imagine that the two o f you were avid tennis players, travelers, etc.
Romance - it can often be difficult to feel romantic when you feel sick. Also, studies show that sexuality is affeccted by many illnesses, as well as by the many treatments and medications people take for those illnesses - Sex is a way of expressing intimacy and love, and this oftentimes requires adjustment and adaptation - and patience - can be a very difficult subject to talk about
Communication - open is best, research says avoidance doesn’t work
I’ve had many people tell me they’ve agreed not to discuss the illness - no!
