Re: Various responses / getting others to understand / s...

August 3, 1999

In a message dated 08/03/1999 9:18:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

Alison.Rowland@... writes:

<< Does anyone else have a problem getting friends and family to understand

when one minute they seem fine and the next they don't feel able to do

anything? >>

The problem is that the more we try and force ourselves to struggle through

the pain and fatigue to function and take care of our obligations...the more

people think we can do and the more they think we must surely feel okay or we

could not cope a well as we appear to.

They are usually clueless as to how much of a battle it is to keep going and

not let them down. I am reminded of the old adage .. " the squeaky wheel gets

the oil. " So true. The whiners and complainers are thought to be too ill to

be expected to function...but those of us who keep going despite even

debilitating discomfort and deformity are seldom appreciated. Whoever said

life isn't fair must have had PA.

Annette

August 4, 1999

In a message dated 08/04/1999 11:45:01 AM Pacific Daylight Time,

Frog1945@... writes:

<< Does anyone else have a problem getting friends and family to understand

when one minute they seem fine and the next they don't feel able to do

anything? >>

Gosh. I even have a problem understanding it myself. After all this time, I

still commit to doing something or going somewhere a couple months down the

road just because I feel okay at that moment only to feel lousy by the time

the event arrives. Someday I'll learn. (G) I can see why others don't

understand it, when I can't " get it " myself.

Funny thing... I have plans to go to an all day meeting/seminar this

week-end I advised the hostess that I'm planning to attend but that I may

have to change that at the last minute if I'm feeling ill due to a

" condition " I have. I didn't tell her what I had - but she said, " I know

exactly what you mean... I have rheumatoid arthritis and deal with the same

sort of thing!! " That was something. I found someone who understands! I

think I found a new best friend. LOL Can't wait to meet her.

Vicki

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