Yes, like Tessa most of us HAVE dealt with these feelings and it is hard.
In the beginning I read about the isolation that kinda comes with this at
times & wondered "why?" Well, now I get it.
I've learned to just do what I can & be cheerful whenever possible because
I'm not looking for sympathy.
It's a very tough balance because people do get tired of hearing all the
weird symptoms we get. When I find a news story or treatment story about
RSD/CRPS I usually forward it to family (if it's pretty short). There are some
good ones on "youtube". I would not bombard them, but once in a while
it at least helps provide some validation.