I've been living with my girlfriend for about a year. Her sickle cell and my inability to deal with it is causing some very serious problems in our relationship. I don't mind helping her drive, massaging out her leg locks and occasionally helping her walk. She's a wonderful person who is well worth the effort.
The problem is the medication. I understand that she needs painkillers to have a somewhat normal life, but the side effects have been very hard to deal with. Last night I took her to the hospital where the doctor gave her two shots of dillauid. We got into a minor argument over the way I asked the nurse for a blanket (she felt I was too timid). I tried to let it go, but she escalated it. Eventually she threatened to drench me with a urine sample and even unscrewed the cap from the lid. I left the hospital, returning when I discovered that the doctor was about to call the police on her.
The argument continued when we left. I begged her to chill out and talk thing over when we got home. Instead she punched me in the face while I was driving and nearly caused an accident. At another point she put the car into park while I was going 40 mph in the far left lane. I barely had enough momentum to safely park the car. At that point she told me she was going to have me put to death and phoned up a sibling who is fighting an attempted murder charge. I ran from the car and spent the night at a friend's house.
When I met up with her this afternoon she was upset that I abandoned her in a time of need. When I pointed out that I was literally scared for my life she replied "I was doped up on pain killers. Why would you take me seriously?"
I should point out that my girlfriend never takes these pills recreationally. She only uses them is when she's in blinding pain. Also, 9 days out of 10 she is one of the most caring and supportive people I have ever met in my life. When she's in a mood to get mad though the smallest issue (i.e. how soon to enter a freeway exit, is Tommy Hilfiger a racist) will become a full blown fight that can last hours, or sometimes even days.
I need to know, Has anyone else had a loved one with this disease? Did you deal with similar issues? Is this common for people suffering to act this way? Most of all, is there a way to deal with it, or is it best to just move on?
The problem is the medication. I understand that she needs painkillers to have a somewhat normal life, but the side effects have been very hard to deal with. Last night I took her to the hospital where the doctor gave her two shots of dillauid. We got into a minor argument over the way I asked the nurse for a blanket (she felt I was too timid). I tried to let it go, but she escalated it. Eventually she threatened to drench me with a urine sample and even unscrewed the cap from the lid. I left the hospital, returning when I discovered that the doctor was about to call the police on her.
The argument continued when we left. I begged her to chill out and talk thing over when we got home. Instead she punched me in the face while I was driving and nearly caused an accident. At another point she put the car into park while I was going 40 mph in the far left lane. I barely had enough momentum to safely park the car. At that point she told me she was going to have me put to death and phoned up a sibling who is fighting an attempted murder charge. I ran from the car and spent the night at a friend's house.
When I met up with her this afternoon she was upset that I abandoned her in a time of need. When I pointed out that I was literally scared for my life she replied "I was doped up on pain killers. Why would you take me seriously?"
I should point out that my girlfriend never takes these pills recreationally. She only uses them is when she's in blinding pain. Also, 9 days out of 10 she is one of the most caring and supportive people I have ever met in my life. When she's in a mood to get mad though the smallest issue (i.e. how soon to enter a freeway exit, is Tommy Hilfiger a racist) will become a full blown fight that can last hours, or sometimes even days.
I need to know, Has anyone else had a loved one with this disease? Did you deal with similar issues? Is this common for people suffering to act this way? Most of all, is there a way to deal with it, or is it best to just move on?
You thinking of leaving her? 
This is when she needs you the most son.
Smart ass. Touche
