I have not heard from any of you in a while and wonder how everyone is doing? I am in pain 24/7 and trying my best to hang in there. Chronic illness is tough! Certainly can bring the spirits down and a challenge to bring them back up!!

Do any of you feel that people just don't "get it" when they talk to you about your illness? People think I "look good, so I'm "feeling well", which of course is not true! I smile and try to act as normal as possible but it's hard. People, even those who should know how sick I am, do not ask how I am if I do not bring it up.It is very frustrating!I am sure many have this problem??

Judy

Hi! I am actually kind-of new on the board...but when I read your post I felt for ya. Yes! Boy does that happen to me..I actually own a horse stable and this last year am having worse problems, what I fould was the boarders that were just aquaintances always ask how I am feeling and seem to care...but its the ones that I thought were my friends, one actually told another that she thought I a a hypochondriac. Made me feel rotten. My in-laws are the worse...they think I am either depressed or lazy. But you know I really am the one that knows the pain, and the people here on this board know also. This disease is bad enough without people making us justify that we are truely unwell. I for one have better things to do. So, smile and tell yourself, you, your doctor and the creator counts...no one else does....ha ha ha it helps in the low moments. It is hard for others to understand, maybe we need to find understanding for them..I am still learning.

I think were all in the same boat. I'm told all the time how wonderful I look even when I feel like I'm dying inside. I just smile and say thanks. I don't like to explain to people about the illness. The only people that know are my family-friends and this support group. I do have one friend that doesn't quite get it but I don't discuss my illness with her anymore because she doesn't understand. I can always count on my family.

Eva

Though, I have a friend that as soon as I found out, began on their own searching for information. That friend tells me not to over do it on my "good days" because they have that understanding.....which is so nice. Since, it is just been only 4 months that I was officialy diagnosed, I have still those interactions with people. Telling them why I was in the hospital etc....They kinda look at me with that awkward look like, "you don't look sick"! Though, the don't see my huge scar on my chest or my back from surgery. The fact that it takes all that is in me to just to do everyday things, that people take for granted.

Like driving....I had not been able to drive a car for four months! So like the dorky girl that I am I took a pic of myself in the car! Then I proceeded to send the pic to everyone on my phone! lol Hey I was excited

Post edited by: mysoulloveu2, at: 05/22/2008 11:28

I'm in so much pain. Which makes me frustrated and depressed. I've lost a few friends along the way, because they just "don't get it".

I often feel so alone. I'm unable to work, and some feel I'm lazy and just don't want to. Do they honestly think I enjoy not being able to get out and do things that I once could? Do they honestly think I enjoy staying home and being lonely?! Heck! I'd do even some of the crappiest of jobs, if I could.

And the "Oh, You Look SO Good!" Well, they only see me when I'm having a half-way decent day. So, of course I don't look too bad. I just plaster on that 'fake' smile, try not to be depressed, and try really hard to be nice.

Okay, I'm done having my little vent session there. Thanks for listening!

I love this site! Couldn't live without you all.

Post edited by: fibroforever, at: 05/22/2008 11:34

Do they honestly think I enjoy staying home and being lonely?!

Hey fibroforver! Hugs! I know it can be so isolating and people don't understand it! They think, "oh if I could just stay home and relax I wouldnt be complaining" Just like a job gets old and frustrating, it gets frustrating that you have absolutely no control over your own body!!!! Ok, I am getting a lil rowdy now LoL

Hugs

mysoul

Eva

Judy