Discussion: Most chronic heart patients, experience a sharp decline in sexual function. At the same time, the ability to give and accept love remains unchanged. Quite paradoxically, the ability to fantasize sexually remains unchanged.

Unfortunately, coping with a spouse's long-term illness is common in the modern age. The question of how to behave with a sick spouse is a question that few talk about. Even if chronic patients are not at their peak of sexual fitness, they need love, touch, intimacy, and sex. The ability to fantasize is not impaired.

Living with a spouse who suffers from a prolonged chronic heart illness is the ultimate test of any relationship, not just sexuality. Chronic diseases usually intensify the relationship, positive or negative. Some couples strengthen their bond during sickness, but other relationships may not survive. The decision to stay together is a joint decision between the two partners, but the healthy spouse must not feel he is making a painful sacrifice.

Many years ago, a naturopathic therapist told me that if the emotional connection between the couple before the prolonged outbreak of the disease were excellent, the relationship would only deepen. And if the bond weren't proper, it probably wouldn't survive either! (I'm not an expert in the field; I believe she was right.)

Prolonged betrayal of the healthy spouse is not only sexual but emotional abandonment!
The sick spouse, usually aware of the infidelity, sometimes consciously ignores it to avoid conflict with the spouse "doing him or her a favor" by staying with them. But the patient pays for it an energetic price of "humiliation" and a feeling of inferiority.

As a severe chronic Liver-kidney patient, after many years of struggling with survival, including prolonged treatments in China, I felt that there was no longer any emotional connection between my ex-wife and me, but only an economic relationship. I realized that I had to end a long marriage despite the difficulties. The decision is, of course, individual, as everyone is in a different situation.

I gained courage only when I felt I was in advanced recovery. Divorce and separation can deplete life-force energy; avoiding conflicts for patients in severe conditions is advisable. Despite the many difficulties of getting divorced at an older age, I am happy with my decision. At the same time, it is a personal decision that others cannot deduce.

Link:
Improving Sexual Function In Chronic Patients.
https://www.sf-healing.com/page/224 (Copy & Paste)