How do I get my family to understand?
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 8:02 am
Hi all . . . I was diagnosed a year ago with MS . . . its something I've felt coming for a long time so it was no surprise to me . . .
I am "fortunate" that I am still walking unaided most of the time and my peripheral tests are still in the normal range . . . my problem? I suffer from all of the "invisible" symptoms - extreme fatigue, easily weakened, random tingles, spasms, and pain, . . . well I'm sure that you all know what I mean . . .
However, because my family can't see what I feel, they assume that I am exaggerating my symptoms or making them up altogether . . . they are constantly pushing me to do things that will just wear me out and exacerbate my condition, I don't know how to convince them that I can't move furniture, or that standing at the kitchen sink for long periods of time just makes me weak, stumbley, and exhausted, or that the nap I take daily is really necessary and not just an indulgence . . .
I don't know what to do anymore, and unfortunately, I've been forced to move back in with them because my disability would not cover my apt. . . . so now this has become a daily hassle and just adds enormously to my stress level . . .
Help! I could really use some advice!
Thanks in advance
I am "fortunate" that I am still walking unaided most of the time and my peripheral tests are still in the normal range . . . my problem? I suffer from all of the "invisible" symptoms - extreme fatigue, easily weakened, random tingles, spasms, and pain, . . . well I'm sure that you all know what I mean . . .
However, because my family can't see what I feel, they assume that I am exaggerating my symptoms or making them up altogether . . . they are constantly pushing me to do things that will just wear me out and exacerbate my condition, I don't know how to convince them that I can't move furniture, or that standing at the kitchen sink for long periods of time just makes me weak, stumbley, and exhausted, or that the nap I take daily is really necessary and not just an indulgence . . .
I don't know what to do anymore, and unfortunately, I've been forced to move back in with them because my disability would not cover my apt. . . . so now this has become a daily hassle and just adds enormously to my stress level . . .
Help! I could really use some advice!
Thanks in advance