I have had many very serious health issues and I am not one to say "why me". My wife has been through all of them with me and right at my side. The primary concern for my serious health events is for my wife not myself. The patient is the one getting the care from the professionals, not my spouse.
My wife has also had a few serious health issues and I was by her side for all of them. While I am one that tells everyone to be optimistic, I am also a person that is a realist. Sure my wife had more trouble dealing with her issues than I because we are different people and everyone does not see things exactly the same.
When my wife was concerned about something in particular while recovering from her stroke, I listened and we discussed it. She was never dismissive of me nor me to her.
As for you husband? He is like the majority of men that think they are in heII when they get even a slight sickness. Some need their every detail done by nurses or a spouse or SO. I don't know your or his age, but if his falls into the "older category"? I haven't a clue how you could "elicit more understanding" from him.
This old man just does not understand a spouse treating the other in such a manner, especially one that has been through some serious problems with their health. I think some of it comes down to how a person is raised and the environment in which they felt they belonged to as they aged.
Wish you the best with getting some answers to the things that are still bothering you.
hckynut(john)