Family is currently spending too much time around us after my wife's surgery, and its mentally exhausting
Has anyone else felt like this?
My wife just got her mastectomy Tuesday, she was discharged Wednesday afternoon and we've been around her family for 3 days for at least 30ish hours or so since 5AM. I'm exhausted as fuck having to respond to text messages, injuries about how we can help and demands for us to respond when we want to be alone.
My mother in law wants to come to every appointment (she's been to all except one), and my father in law wants to now stay with us until my wife is healed. Her father doesn't speak any English, can't legally drive here, and he has no money. We also have a tiny row home with 2 cats who fight, and I need to study for an exam.
I'm fucking tired
I have decision fatigue from feeling like I have to manage 6 people including myself whilst my wife agrees to almost anything her family suggests. I've also sent out dozens of messages to her friends and coworkers yesterday about my wife's status.
I dont know what else to do.. please send me a helicopter and take me somewhere where my mind can relax.
Is this what the experience is like?
As her caretaker and her husband, how can i set reasonable expectations?
Posted Sep 11, 2025, 5:01 PM UTC