@sueinoregon Hi. I totally understand where you are coming from with a spouse who doesn't understand this illness. Problem is, we don't look sick (many of us). My husband just tuned out my incessant coughing. He'd always question me as to why I don't have energy to do things. I felt like smacking him upside his head with a 2x4 and scream; Because I have mac!!!! It wasn't until my doctor said in front of him that I may need a lung transplant that he started to take this seriously. I am sorry that your hubby is being self centered about your condition. My hubby still forgets at times that my illness is still here and still something to reckon with. My husband has low spectrum asburgers syndrome, so you can imagine the empathy I get. That's right, zero. On the other hand, it has made me stronger. Sometimes having sympathy/empathy can make you feel like more of a victim to illness. To deal with my husband; I just keep educating him about this disease. I even read excerps from some of these posts. Mainly the ones about having a lack of energy. That is my way of proving to him that my fatigue is very real and is a result of having mac and bronchiectasis. I have a 2x4 if you need it! (LOL)