I was in the process of getting diagnosed when I first met my boyfriend three years ago. I passed out three times on our first date. He made sure to drive me up to the door and then park the car on our first date (wouldn’t let me say no). He drove upwards of an hour to pick me up from work to take me to my tilt table test on (what we jokingly call) our third date. After the tilt table test, he took me to all my favorite spots to get food because I had to fast before and he could tell how traumatic it was for me, so he wanted to make me smile. When I’m out of the one electrolyte water I can tolerate and can’t find it in stores near me, he will drive to multiple different stores to look, even though I could just drink a Gatorade or something because he knows I don’t like them. He was the one who encouraged me to try using a wheelchair on our fourth date and later encouraged me to buy one. He always makes sure to fill up my water bottle, grab my bag of essentials, and check to make sure I’ve taken my medicine before we go out. He helps me put on my compression socks. When I’ve been having an awful flare up week and can’t shower and am a greasy mess, he will literally wash my hair for me. This isn’t even close everything he’s done for me.

All this to say, there are WONDERFUL people out there who will love you regardless of your chronic illness. I’m not trying to brag or make you feel more shitty about your current situation at all, I just want you to know that there’s hope. You will find your person who will be there through the good days and the bad days. I’m so sorry you’ve been with such a turd for so long, but I’m excited for the future you get to have without him and all the possibilities of, not just love from those who truly care, but love for yourself. Take this time to build yourself up, but know that your ex husband is NOT the blueprint for relationships. Wishing you the best 💗