I'm not a doctor, all I can do is tell you about myself. 

 He over a 2 year course almost totally isolated himself from everyone. That includes his family,hates it when they call,finds excuses not to visit.  I isolate myself in down cycles.

Got his own bank account, became convinced I was squandering his money.( i don't work because he was so jealous I was going to run off with someone,told me constantly to quit,made me miserable until I did quit.)  I also get very neurotic about money.  I don't get jealous, though.

He is moody,obsessed with the ideal because of his health(he has beginning problems with his joints,he still gardems,works on motorcycles,etc)   I have achy joints in my down cycles.

the only way he can enjoy sex is orally,which translate I do all the work. If I could get away with it, in down cycles I would.  That kind of closeness is too much to handle.

He thinks I have turned the kids against him but they run shy because of his temper fits.Just this morning my daughter had the nerve to leave the toothpast upside down.  My husband tends to shelter my daughter from my temper flashes - again, a down cycle thing.

He is laid off from work because he can't stand to work with people over a month or two,he then hates them all. Me too.  My record is 2 years, but in general I'm miserable after the second month.

We have been married a long time and I hate to just give up but I'm at my wits end. He is obsessive with his hobbies, I haven't been able to vacuum my bedroom in 3 months because it is full of his hobby stuff and won't let me touch it. I get a little nutty with my hobbies too.  Fortunately I have my own craft room to put it all in so it doesn't affect anyone else.

I am just looking for ways to cope here.Help me have a little insight,I have posted before but things have not improved. We are both 47 and I catch myself just wanting out ,,but then fell guilty because I know he is sick...Just need a little imput,,,thanks so much to you all...I read all the posts here and keep you all in my thoughts.....   You can't let pity for his diagnosis excuse his behavior or dictate how you spend the rest of your life!  :hug:  I feel for you too.  I know my husband is a SAINT to put up with me, and quite frankly I don't think I'm THAT bad as far as the spectrum of bipolar goes.