Dear Abby:Man's Moodiness Following Heart Attack Puts Wife on Edge

[cereta]

DEAR ABBY: My husband had a heart attack last year, and since then he has become extremely volatile. He explodes for no reason and threatens me. He does not want me to talk about it to his doctor, and he's scaring me regularly. I don't know what to do. I think it may have to do with all the medications he's taking, but I'm not "allowed" to talk to the doctor. He is moody and making me fearful. Help. -- SCARED IN NEW JERSEY

DEAR SCARED: Obviously, something isn't right. Call the doctor anyway. If the doctor refuses to talk with you, write him a letter about the changes in your husband's behavior, his explosive temper and your concern that it might be medication-related. If, after that, nothing changes, talk with a licensed mental health professional about what has been going on.

If you feel you are in danger, call 911. You should not have to live in fear, and if this isn't resolved, you may have to leave the marriage for your own safety.

Comments

[redbird]

This also misses that 911 is for emergencies: things that can and ought to be dealt with immediately. You call 911 if you (think you) had a heart attack and want an ambulance, not because you want to adjust your blood pressure medication.

"I'm afraid of my husband, please help me leave" is something the police might be willing and able to handle. "I'm afraid of my husband, please make him talk to his doctor about his medication side effects" isn't.