Love in the Midst of Gut Problems

For many couples, supporting a partner with gut problems requires unwavering patience, understanding, and love. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the real-life experiences of a couple who have faced the ups and downs of gut health together. From managing daily routines to maintaining intimacy, they share candid insights, heartfelt anecdotes, and valuable lessons learned along the way. Join us as we explore the intersection of love and gut health, and discover how couples can navigate this journey with grace, resilience, and a whole lot of love.

Question 1: Can you share how your partner’s problems have impacted the dynamics of your relationship and how you are affected in your daily routines?

We prioritize daily routines that are strict on diet, and lots of rest. We do our best to not let the diagnosis dictate our lives, but we must still plan ahead as we try to always be prepared for any situation. Unfortunately, due to the unpredictable nature of flare ups we must at times cancel plans at the last minute. We have to sleep in different beds during an attack and that does break my heart, but she prefers to be left alone, to “suffer in peace” as she calls it. In these times I try to be helpful by filling her water bottle, taking care of the animals and taking care of things that need to be done in the house. We are a team and if the one is down, the other one picks up and carries on. We are a winning team. It sometimes does feel as if we live on our own planet, far away from what is happening in the world around us. We call it planet Wopper and its safe there.

Supporting the love of my life through sickness and health, through ALL things in life, was my promise to her and my word is my honour.

Question 2: Gut Health is complicated and often misunderstood. Have you encountered any challenges or misunderstandings with friends or family members regarding your partner’s gut health issues, and how have you addressed them?

Yes. Lots of people think they know what she needs, but only she knows what she really needs. Friends have become upset because she does not want to go to the hospital, but through experience, Olivia knows the extent of her attacks and will reach out when she feels she need medical attention. When that happens, we rush her to the hospital.

Question 3: There must be many, but do you remember a particularly challenging time or a moment that you and your partner had faced together, that relates to your partners gut problems?

Not one specific moment, but my wife’s gut problems have been a real challenge to have to see the bubbly, full of life, love of my life in so much pain and discomfort. Its genuinely traumatising.

I worry and I stress when my wife gets so sick. I suffer and I find that I am in pain myself when I see her in such agony. I really sympathise with her pain. But one thing is for certain; love overcomes everything.

Question 4: How do you support your partner emotionally and practically during flare-ups or periods of increased problematic symptoms?

I am always close by. Ready to help, assist, drive, rub, pray, carry and the list goes on and on. Most of the time all I can do is keep her as comfortable as possible, so my efforts are aimed at just making myself available and helpful. My patience and unending love for my wife carries me through and helps me be understanding when things get tough. So to answer your question I remain patient and make myself available.

Question 5: I see that you have identified yourselves as a winning team, what strategies have you developed together to cope with the stress or anxiety that can arise from managing gut health issues within your relationship?

Communication is key. We communicate about everything openly. I struggle to get her to not stress about her loved ones, work, the homeless, and the needy as she draws everything very close to her heart. I love how she loves, but I often need to remind her to prioritize loving herself first.

Question 6: It’s clear that gut problems can have a negative impact your sexual intimacy, how do you maintain intimacy and closeness in your relationship despite the challenges posed by your partner’s gut problems?

We are best friends, lovers, partners and make time to keep things feeling special and sexy. We go on regular date nights, walks on the beach, and special outings. Our love continues to grow through the grace of our Heavenly Father. We remain open and honest with one another and chat about everything and then some more. MAKING TIME TO BE TOGETHER. Pillow talk is great and highly recommended.

Question 7: Can you share any tips or advice for other couples navigating similar situations with one partner suffering from gut problems?

Have patience for your partner and for yourself. When you get stressed, your sick partner feels it too and then gets even more sick. I love being at home, so it doesn’t bother me to stay at home and be by Olivia’s side. Life gets stressful when we cannot avoid the worlds dramas and its problems. Surround yourself with good people and develop a support system that cares. We are lucky in a sense that our kids are adults now and do not need constant care, this gives my wife and I more time to focus on her health.

Question 8: You mentioned earlier you believe that love overcomes everything. Have you found any unexpected silver linings or positive outcomes within your relationship because of facing these challenges together?

Every time we encounter a challenging moment, we understand each other a little better. We grow closer, but I know of many people who cannot cope with all the stresses. Then I ask myself, do you they truly love your partner if you cannot accept everything about them and still love them?

Question 9: It’s easy to neglect your own health and wellness when trying so hard to be there for somebody else. How do you prioritize self-care and maintain your own well-being while supporting your partner through their gut health journey?

I have my hobbies that I enjoy. I make music, I really enjoy playing with our furry kids, and I always have something to do around the house as we are building a beautiful home together. It is not very difficult for me to find something to do that makes me happy. I also love my job and that is something I really appreciate. I enjoy my own journey of building my career. The best part is that I can work from home should it be required. The saying goes that if you love what you do, then you never work a day in your life. We are both blessed to be doing what we love.

Conclusion

Finding love in the midst of gut problems undoubtedly presents its challenges, yet it’s a journey marked by resilience, understanding, and unwavering support. Intrinsic feelings of embarrassment, sadness, anxiety, and shame are real and cannot be ignored, but neither can the profound connection that love brings.

We really appreciate the open and honesty from this amazing couple as we found it really inspiring. We implore you to share your own stories of ‘Love in the midst of gut problems’ – if you have one.

Please email us your story to info@numesa.co.za. Or send us a mail and we can send you a list of questions to ask and answer together as a couple, it can be a great way to start the conversation between partners who would like to communicate more openly and honestly.

Written by Zachary Ludick