A partner’s persistence saves lives.

This is especially true when the symptoms of an illness are vague or do not manifest in the early stages of the disease. As Professor Christopher Eden points out, patients often downplay their symptoms, usually because they are too busy. This is why the responsibility for their health often falls on their partner, who will insist on doctor visits or medical check-ups.

Women Worry About Their Men’s Health Early On

Professor Eden has seen countless examples of men diagnosed with serious illnesses after their wives urged them to see a doctor. When time is of the essence, the intervention of a persistent spouse can be a matter of life or death. This is particularly true in cases like sepsis—a life-threatening condition that develops in response to infection but can be successfully treated if detected early.

As Dr. Ron Daniels told the Daily Mail, partners know their loved ones better than anyone else. So, if they think something is wrong, it usually is.

The reluctance to seek medical help can particularly affect men. According to a 2019 survey, 8 out of 10 men would rather endure an illness than seek help, possibly due to fear, pride, or simply being too busy.

Relationship consultant Louise Tyler notes that being familiar with someone else’s body has its advantages. For instance, looking at a loved one’s back can reveal a mole that needs attention. Ms. Tyler also adds that often, nagging is just a form of care that can sometimes save a life.

A Wife’s Persistence Saved Her Husband from Cancer

Katherine noticed that her husband Graham suddenly started going to the bathroom several times a night. She insisted he consult a doctor. However, Graham was convinced that this was due to the diuretics prescribed for his high blood pressure.

Meanwhile, Katherine knew he had been taking those pills for a long time, so she didn’t see them as the problem. Moreover, she came across information about prostate cancer symptoms and reminded Graham about it daily. However, he kept postponing the doctor’s visit, saying she was worrying for nothing.

Soon, Graham began waking up tired, even after a good night’s sleep. At that point, Katherine took it upon herself to schedule an appointment for him and confronted him with the fact.

Medical tests confirmed that Katherine’s husband had prostate cancer. The timely detection of the disease allowed for its progression to be halted and for him to receive treatment. Thanks to his wife’s “nagging,” Graham became one of the lucky survivors, as the cancer was caught early enough for him to be treated.

A Wife’s Persistence Led to the Right Diagnosis

Louise noticed that her husband Johnny was constantly fatigued. At the time, the couple had two small children, and she was exhausted from lack of sleep. However, she felt that her husband was suffering more from it.

This raised concerns for Louise, who was studying to become a dietitian and was more health-conscious. That’s why she pushed her husband to see a doctor, although it was not easy. It took her 8 months of continuous reminders to get him to visit a doctor. Tests showed a slightly elevated iron level, but the doctor didn’t consider it a problem.

However, Louise had read about hemochromatosis, a condition where iron levels accumulate over many years, potentially damaging the liver and even causing cancer. She told her husband about it, but he dismissed it as nonsense. Nevertheless, Louise persistently made him listen to her concerns, and a new examination confirmed her fears.

Johnny underwent comprehensive treatment for a disease that, without it, could have led to a life-threatening condition. He had been skeptical of his wife’s words and was genuinely shocked when they turned out to be true. Now he says he will always be grateful to her for her persistence.

A Wife Noticed Signs of a Heart Attack in Her Husband Early

Kelly noticed that her husband was constantly feeling tired. He was working a lot, and she kept telling him to slow down, or he would get seriously ill. However, Michael responded that this was just life.

The heart rate monitor on her husband’s watch was beeping erratically due to abnormal readings. Kelly told Michael that this was proof, but he kept making excuses.

Only after several weeks of family arguments did Michael agree to see a doctor, just “to make his wife happy.” The doctor discovered that Michael was in imminent danger of a stroke or heart attack. He was hospitalized and spent two days under the care of specialists.

Since then, Michael has been doing everything he can to stay healthy. He says he will always be grateful to his wife, whose persistence saved his life.

A Husband’s “Nagging” Helped Save His Wife

In January 2018, the entire Kearns family came down with a severe flu. However, after a few days, only Jennifer remained in bad shape. Her husband urged her to see a doctor, but she refused, insisting it was just the flu.

However, Sean felt that something was wrong. His wife was getting worse. He begged her to let him take her to the hospital, but she flatly refused.

When a week later, she couldn’t even swallow water, Sean called the doctor himself and arranged for a visit. But Jennifer couldn’t even walk a few meters to the car, so he had to call an ambulance.

At the hospital, doctors quickly diagnosed her with sepsis and were able to save her when she was literally on the brink of death. Sean says that his “nagging” managed to save Jennifer, and he is very glad he listened to his instincts.

A “Persistent” Wife Saved Her Husband from Death

According to Nadine, John never went to the doctor. He was fit, relatively healthy, and his only “flaw” was drinking cider every evening. However, in June 2021, she noticed that her husband looked different. She thought he looked unwell, so she constantly urged him to see a doctor.

He flatly refused, citing ordinary fatigue. However, he became even more lethargic and weak.

At that point, Nadine insisted he visit the doctor without any excuses. Tests revealed that her husband had liver cirrhosis, likely caused by a combination of excess sugar and alcohol. He was given medication and discharged, although John’s condition did not improve.

Then Nadine insisted on another examination, which resulted in him being hospitalized. His health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually needed a liver transplant.

John took a long time to recover. However, if his wife hadn’t been so persistent, it might have been too late for treatment, and he could have died.