I COMPLETELY understand. It's really hard and EXTREMELY frustrating.

Many people I know see me trying to get on with my life, things like attempting the grocery store (with ear plugs) or going to a family event for a short period of time (just to get out of my house) and everyone assumes I'm doing great and doesn't understand why I can't even consider going back to work for at least another 6 months based on the advice of the Drs in the various therapies I am in. I basically get looked at like, "oh you are milking this for all it's worth." I just want to scream. Just because I don't complain constantly, doesn't mean I'm not in pain.

It's even worse with those closest to me. Although they have been extremely supportive, they don't understand because they've never experienced it. I tried to hide from them the fact that I am constantly effected in some physical way by the this, because I don't want to seem like I'm constantly whining. But I am suffering, and it hurts when they look disappointed when I say I don't think it's a good idea I do something they want to do.

If I "look okay" and don't talk about the constant struggles, because I don't want the fake pity that comes with it, then people think that I'm feeling better and doing well. However, if I try to tell them how hard it is, I get this pitied look where someone feels bad, however this doesn't change the fact that they think I should be doing everything they way I would have normally done. Nor does it cause them to do anything to help me, because they feel bad. Its like, oh, you've been sick for six months. We really cared when it first happened, but now it's old news so.... we're over it.