same here, but a small variation on the theme...

our family's oldest child abdicated the position, when she fell into unfortunate circumstances (drugs), and thus, I became the responsible one, the go-to-gal for support and nurturing for our passel of six kids.

I think the moment that irremediably soured my relationship with my older sis was when she told me that her drug addiction was a DISEASE, just like my MS...

now I understood that totally, (I was a substance abuse counsellor for teens at one time), BUT...

I told her... "I don't *pour* the MS down my throat, or shoot it into my veins! If I could STOP having the MS by stopping a behaviour (no matter how difficult) I'd DO it, in a heartbeat!"

and yes, it's sometimes a bit of a sticky wicket for me, living in a place where MS is unknown... sometimes I *see* the "looks"

since my MS is mostly invisible, people sometimes appear to think I'm just lazy or slacking.

so this board is a Godsend, where I can let my hair down, be myself, be supportive if I'm able, and whine when I need to.

bless every darn ONE of ya !!