Dealing with my family has been one of the worst parts of my chronic pain struggle. It's bad enough when we get comments or looks from strangers, but it's a betrayal when our own family members turn on us.

So many times, issues have come up ......like somedays I can drive, but others I cannot due to pain. My kids, my husband, and my extended family seem to forget that it hurts me to drive. If one day I am able to push myself to do it, then the next 10 times that I cannot drive I feel like I have to defend myself against their questions and insinuations that I could do more if I just tried harder. I talk to them, lay it on the line and explain about TOS and RSD and how much it hurts me to feel like they doubt me. Everything goes smoothly for a while and then their attitudes get revealed again. Is it any wonder that I (and many of you) are depressed ?!?!