Hello all! I have 3 close friends that do not understand or do not think that I have a problem. I have small fiber neuropathy, among many other medical problems. It took 1 1/2 years to diagnose. Initially, in May of 2010 I ended up in the hospital for 8 days and still did not have a diagnosis. My right arm had gone numb and both legs from the waist down in a 16 hour period. They discharged me with the diagnosis of stroke(s). The neuropathy was idiopathic in nature and came on suddenly due to extreme stress. Now, almost 2 years later, those close to me do not believe the extent of what is wrong, mainly because I appear normal. My pain is constant and I just keep pushing through it. I do not want sympathy from those close to me, I just want them to acknowledge that I do have this problem and encourage me instead of judge me. Prior to the event, my company closed their doors and I also had to file for divorce. Even though I haven't been working, I have managed to keep my home. This is not the position i wanted to be in, I was a professional that earned a good salary. I do not want to be disabled and just was approved for disability today. I keep busy, take classes, do volunteer work and am trying to start my own business. I am a positive person that will survive! It is hard to accept and to wrap my mind aroung all of this!

Debbie,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Happy to see you have come to be with us. Just let us know if we can be of any help. There are great number and caring fellow members here, you will see we are supportive and relaxing place. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

Check into the following forum for some assistance:

fiber neuropathy:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

Hi Debbie!

Welcome to NT, hopefully you will find the insight and support you desire here...I sure have.

I know it is very frustrating when friends and family just don't get it. I know many of us here have struggled with it. I have RSD through most of my body and I've received the comments..."you look normal, you must be ok" and "I can't see the pain, so it must not be there". One problem is that they do not understand, so they judge. I have educated my closest friends and some family members; they understand better now.

Wishing you the best.
Nanc

Hi Debbie ~ I'm so sorry you're going thru all this. I totally understand and know how hard all this is.

I've been a chronic painer for over 25 years, and while I too sometimes look normal, the pain can be overwhelming at times. I have severe spinal disorders, and have had 2 open surgeries, as well as a spinal cord stimulator implant & removal. Not to be dramatic, but I have NO friends anymore, because they just quit calling -- since I can't tell them for SURE that I'll be "okay" on any certain day, they won't be bothered with me anymore. Oh well -- I guess they weren't REAL friends anyway.

My biggest problem has been the doctors -- trying to convince them how severe the PAIN is, since they can't SEE it. They know I'm in pain, but they aren't sure how MUCH. Good grief. Do they think I just about crawl in the office on purpose??

Such is the life of chronic painers, right? God bless and I wish you the very best. Please take care. Hugs, Lee

And welcome to NT!

My heart goes out. I may as well have written your post cuz it sounds exactly how I have felt. It hurts and it's extremely frustrating. This is when we find out who our true blue friends are. This forum (and my wonderful husband) has kept me from sinking into the abyss of lonliness.

I just wanted to send this (((HUG))) and say that I know exactly how you feel.

Please don't lose hope tho. We DO still have a future and we don't know what's in store for us around each corner.

God Bless,
Rae