u/StandardExplorer3328

Okay this is SUPER specific but if I can find it anywhere - it'll be here.

Does anyone have an IS with aphasia (or other brain injury affecting language) and ethically non-monogamous?

Short story. IS has brought up over the years that I should seek other relationships. Now that I'm considering it - I question if he really understands and is okay with it? I want to be open and honest about it but since he can't fully communicate - I'm not sure how to go about it and if I should.

If anyone can relate I'd love to hear about it.

For context I'm 45f, IS is 50m. Caretaking for 18 years and married for 26.

44F here and am on the struggle bus. Along with being a mom to two teenagers I'm also a caregiver to my spouse. I've been struggling more lately with brain fog and just being overwhelmed not knowing how to sort through the things I need to do to actually be productive. Everything is overwhelming. Oh and self diagnosed ADHD (maybe should get official diagnosis 🧐...add it to the list).

I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on what's helped them with brain fog the most? I'm at a point where I wonder if I need to take a step down from my current job because I don't feel like I'm sharp enough anymore - and it's wearing me out - even though it's not any more work than before.

I currently take birth control (norethindrone) for my endometriosis but other than that no HRT. Is there supplements, etc. you've found helpful?? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

I had this overwhelming feeling of wanting to hug and cry on someone's shoulder about life and being a caregiver. I'm not sure when the last time was that I got to do that. I mean, I cry on the regular, but I try my best to do that alone - not in front of my kids, or IS, definitely not in front of family or friends. I miss being able to be embraced by my husband and cry on his shoulder. He had a brain injury from a stroke in 2008 and so when I do break down and cry in front of him it just makes him feel bad and I don't want him to feel bad. It's not his fault, but damn I'm struggling. You'd think after this many years I'd be used to it - but I don't think anyone ever gets used to caregiving. Do you ever worry your IS will outlive you? Like the stress of being a caregiver is going to shorten your own life span? For context, I'm 44F, IS is 50M and we have two kids. Been on this journey since I was in my 20's.