http://blogs.psychcentral.com/chroni...-chronic-pain/

We had a whole thread on this early last year—there've probably been more...

C'mon! Let's tell 'em what not to say!

Doc

When you asked "let's hear what not to say"....I read a post from you in 2012 that mentioned cystic acne and megadosing with B5 (pantolhemic acid). Never had a problem as a teen or young adult; but in the past 4 -5 years; having problems with a cystic/nodule type acne. Have been to a few dermatologist (have appointment next week with new doc) so far no help; Any info is appreciated.



Gerry

Answered via PM.

Doc

How about: "ARE YOU KIDDING?"

My mom walks over to the recliner where I'm in serious pain with my neuropathy.....she looks at my feet and says "Well they look fine"....thanks mom....thanks.......and I nicely said "It's on the inside" when I actually wanted to scream that at the top of my lungs.

But mom is 82 and soaking wet weights 85 lbs and I love her very much

Debi

My mother was in chronic pain for two years... Went to multi specialists. In very big cities until they finally diagnosed her with a 7 centimeter tumor in her lung... Two years later! After being diagnosed with many other things...trigeminal neuralgia. Copd. Well it spred and quick and mom was in so much pain!

My absolute fav thing to hear as a chronic pain sufferer is "oh you are fine. Stop being lazy." Or of course the classic "you are faking pain to get pain relievers!" Both make me want to go absolutely ballistic. But considering I've dealt with it going on 11 yrs now, I don't really have a thermo nuclear melt down anymore.

Yep, people say you look good, but inside it hurts. PN doesn't show, and neither do 7 inch rods in the neck. I often wondered if they could put the rods on the outside of the neck....maybe then people will understand why you don't lift heavy things, or do heavy labor. Disability isn't something any of us want. If we walked around with this showing on our bodies, maybe the light bulb will go on for them! Some folks are just dim up stairs, missing the taco on the taco platter. Thank God we have NT. At least here there is some understanding of one anothers medical issues. Until someone experiences pain, or some medical issue, they just don't understand. You can't educated someone who is not able to Hear. I keep all of us in my prayers. ginnie

Healthy people have an image of pain/disability as someone with OBVIOUS physical ailments. They understand white canes, wheelchairs, etc. If you don't have something that SHOWS, then you must not be in pain or disabled. Little do they know about our tribulations. We understand that from strangers but when it is friend/family, it can be devastating to us.