Hello Songbird,

You have understandable stressors in your life. Anyone would get overwhelmed. Balancing self-care, relationship and raising a child challenges many perfectly healthy women. Having pain and limits on your ability on top of that takes tremendous grit to deal with day in day out. Pain is exhausting and has emotional consequences. Feeling unsupported in the battle would feel very lonely and upsetting indeed.

Are you seeing a therapist? I was so overwhelmed by my pain and loss that I felt much like you in that I just didn't want to go on any more. It took professional help to get out of that place. I am so glad I went. You need support right now. Family cannot be objective about our illness and give the type of support we need. It affects them too personally and frankly unless someone has experienced intense chronic pain they have no idea the effect it has ones life. There is tremendous benefit in having a professional dedicated only to you and your process to help cope with the losses and challenges of daily living.

Would your fiancé perhaps be willing to go to any sessions with you? For some, hearing or reading about the impact of a disease from an outside authority makes it more tangible. Having your experience minimized obviously doesn't help you or your sense of self worth. It takes courage and determination to live with CRPS. It would be wonderful for you if that were recognized and perhaps would help the dynamic in your relationship. Being yelled at is never, ever pleasant and is especially hard when it takes all you've got just to get through the day. I am so sorry that your relationship is not a support to you but a stress. Ugh.

We all understand the need to vent, have a cry and let down the brave front sometimes. Remember no matter how much it feels so at times you are not alone and you are not a burden. You are loved and have value. Your daughter knows this. Trust her wisdom.

Sending extra hugs and healing love,