How do people react to your illness?

[Mary Kay]

Debi, Welcome! Please feel free to move about the plane..wait! Wrong greeting! Anyway as you can see, we are pleased to have you here.

[DebiDoes2]

Thanks Mary Kay. Ummmm, the question is "How do people react to your illness?"

They think oh no she's nuts!! And I tell them yes I am, I am certified!!

[Jules22871]

Thanks Mary Kay. Ummmm, the question is "How do people react to your illness?"

They think oh no she's nuts!! And I tell them yes I am, I am certified!!

Hi Debi and welcome to the nuthouse! When people question my mental health I just tell them I have papers, I'm registered,lol

[Bunni]

Hi all,

I'm new here too. Found this discussion in Today's posts, and was like wow, now there's a group for me!! I'm a little concerned about posting this as my first post, but I guess this is the discussion!

I have depression (medication resistant), arthritis, and fibromyalgia. It's the last one that really does me in on reactions. I was diagnosed with FM in 1991, and since then have heard about all the well-meaning advice, snake oil, and alternative therapy known to man. I have weight issues as well...same thing...they think I have food in my mouth all the time when in fact, I forget to eat! I have symptoms of thyroid issues as well, but my TSH falls within range so my Doc won't treat me.

I had a wonderful rheumatologist once who was very supportive, gave me medication as I needed it, didn't treat me like an addict. When he died, my Primary care doc told me not to worry and that he'd take care of whatever I needed. When I ran out of pain meds, and asked my primary doc for a prescription, he said: " I never told you I'd give you pain medication! " Only thing that changed was the other doc died, I was still in pain. I guess when he died I should have gotten better! This same doc told me I needed to lose weight, come back and see me in two weeks...I came back and he said, I thought I told you to lose weight!

My mother-in-law gives everyone self-help books for Christmas presents. She has a field day with me.

As of late I've had alot of edema in my legs which led to a nasty bout of venous stasis. I also get recurring cellulitis in my legs. I'm kinda falling apart.

My family has to help around the house alot, and I often have to miss doing things with them, like the party my husband is at right now. I was stung by something yesterday, naturally my leg. It's red, hot and swollen and I have a fever...sigh. It will either get better, or I'll need antibiotics again. Regardless I couldn't go out. I'll miss going with him to a family dinner tomorrow night as well. My mother in law upon hearing this, started to advise me on what I should eat to lose weight. *cry*

I sorta just feel like I live a parrallel life to everyone else; I'm watching friends and family go about there business..I do what I can for them so they can do that, but I get left in the dust.

Hugs to all fellow sufferers!

Bunni

[Mary Kay]

Bunni, Welcome, I seem to be saying that to you a lot today..lol!
You need to kick that doc to the curb! You deserve better.

You sound like you have some serious problems, I bet one aggravates the other. Just deal with it one thing at a time and do look for a good Dr.!

Your Mother in Law sounds like she could use a muzzle. Maybe your hubby could talk to her about "helping" so much. If not find something you can advise her about.

[Bunni]

The old doc is long gone, I have a new one now, but no medical insurance so I pick my battles. You're right, one does aggravate the other.

My mother-in-law really is a sweet lady, and I know she is only trying to help. But honestly ya gotta wonder why would people ever think any of us would choose to be sick, in pain, or disabled if we had a choice.

Hugs and thanks for the welcome

Bunni

[tescela]

I have symptoms of thyroid issues as well, but my TSH falls within range so my Doc won't treat me.

Welcome, Bunni!

Thyroid test that is normal should not -- by itself -- lead to the conclusion that thyroid function is not problematic. Do some online research on the thyroid blood test methodology, and you will understand why. You might want to print out some of what you find and take it to your doctor with the key points highlighted.

[Bunni]

Yup, I know, and i have been reading. I just can't waste to much time with the Doc because I don't have insurance and it costs me to see her. I'm fulla symptoms, but the symptoms overlap with other stuff like the fibro. It makes things very convoluted and hard to get a doc to understand that no, this is different. She is new to me too..which is always hellish; trying to explain to and educate a new doc is just so frustrating.

[Jules22871]

An Open Letter To Those Without Invisible Disability Or Chronic Illness …

[DebiDoes2]

Thank you Jules. That was perfect