Posted by Doug Anderson on February 18, 2001, at 6:17:41
In reply to PMS vs. PMDD vs. Bipolar, posted by Dan on February 16, 2001, at 15:11:13
> Dan, I know what you are going through. The woman I love goes through the same thing. She knows that there is a problem but refuses to take drugs or go to a doctor to find an answer. I have stood by her for well over a year and continue to do so. We are not married so this is a very difficult situation. She becomes so irritable that she starts to have doubts about me and my motives for hanging around. She cuts off the relationship only to call back with sorrow and asking for forgiveness. She does not understand that I will always take her back. I may understand this better than she does. I have read volumes on this but she refuses to get better informed. I think this is because she feels that there is more to this than just PMDD. She fits the classic PMDD mold as it seems your wife does.
From what I have been able to determine, the drugs work for some but not all. There has been some success with progesterone cream but it must be natural progesterone. There may be some help with a combination of SSRI drugs and progesterone.
I don't know any real answers except to hang in there. Love is stronger that this. I have not wavered in my love and caring even if the relationship has a big problem. I keep trying to convince her that this is not her, it is her body. Just keep reassuring her of your love and support. Unfortunately a big part of all this is denial during the good times and a frame of mind that is not condusive to getting help when things are bad.
There is a book that I can recommend. You may be able to find it on Amazon.com or barnesand noble.com. It is: Women's Moods by Deborah Sichel MD and Jeanne Watson Driscoll. It really explains and clears up a lot of the mysteries. It may be of a great help especially if you can get your wife to read it. I hope to get my sweet lady to read it too. Just remember that your wife loves you too. Even during the worst times you have to believe. I have had to suffer through some of the most horrible words I have ever heard in my life but in the end I remember that she is suffering so much more. I could not imagine going through all this myself. If all you can do is support than that is what you must do. There is something else that might help you. There is a short passage in the bible 1Corinthians 13:7. It is a great definition of love. When I am about to give up I read this passage. I then suck it up and start again. If there is anything I can do for you just e-mail me. You may have some ideas yourself. I am open to anything. Good luck. You sound like me. Keep trying!! Doug
poster:Doug Anderson
thread:3315
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010212/msgs/54299.html