Lack of Understanding
I hate making plans to do anything because then if I am sick, everyone is disappointed and upset at me. I told my family I wanted to possibly go to the state park for a picnic this Spring Break. I didn't give a specific date for a reason, but the very next day they all wanted to go and I felt sick, so since I felt like crap and I said tomorrow.
Today was that day and I felt much worse. I think I am getting a cold my husband has AND have another UTI so I couldn't again.
That is why I always come up with these excursions at the last minute so it is a nice little surprise and my kids love it, but when I invite my sister she gets all upset when she can't go because she had plans and feels like she missed something since my parents are usually free to do things at any time. She and other family members know I have lupus, fibromyalgia, Sjogren's syndrome, arthritis, hypothyroidism, and a herniated disc. Now all of these illnesses have one or both of these two symptoms: chronic Pain and Fatigue. The key word is chronic meaning I will always feel this way even if it interferes with everyone else's plans. They all know but do they UNDERSTAND, EMPATHIZE, CARE ENOUGH TO LET IT GO?
Most people think they do but it is only for the first couple months or maybe even a year or two, but at a certain point I know they get over you and your sickness and just wonder why you aren't better! I have grown tired of reminding people that "chronic" means it doesn't go away and I won't get better and I work very hard reminding myself NOT to let it get to me and NOT to care period. It has taken forever to finally not care what most people think about me. Now my children feeling disappointed that I can't take them places like most healthy parents is what I still struggle with and feel guilty about. Does anyone feel this way?
Are there people in your life who act this way? Tell me all about it.
