I agree with both opinions here.

I think we often try to mask our health to the general public. Call it a survival mechanism perhaps, but we try to avoid looking weak. For women this is much easier as we can use makeup and a variety of tricks to mask our appearance.

My interpretation of what Mrs D is saying here is, present the 'real' you to the Doctor, not you hidden under layers of makeup and brave smiles. Present to the Doctor in a clean, tidy, honest way. Show him the person who your family sees. Not the person reserved for public appearances. Pretty sure that's the point, or thereabouts.

I was actually glad to see this thread. My achiness started in my upper right arm. Then at times it's my legs and both arms. I tell the dr if feels like when you have the flu...that deep, deep achy feeling. My upper right arm bothers me the most and 3 or 4 nights a week I have to get up and put the cool blue stuff on it. Then I have to actually lay on that arm to get any relief...weird I know.

I was always a make up person. Felt strongly that my genetics didn't allow me to leave the house without my make up on and my hair washed and dried. Oh how a chronic illness changes all that I've put mascara on like 2 times in a year and a half. And I only wear slip on sandals...the ones that have the Velcro right below the toes so I can adjust it. The grandkids just think I'm being 'cool'....lol.....in the dead of winter I wore them with socks. Very colorful, crazy socks.

Doctors visits.....since Dec of last year I've used a wheelchair when going in to see my neuro. I was unable to do that on my visit last week because it was raining cats and dogs. I wondered what he thought about me not being in a wheelchair and it concerns me. I've only been seeing him since last Aug and I almost didn't go back to him but we're working on our 'relationship'. Found that when my husband goes with me the neuro seems more attentive.

I'm tired of not being normal.....I now look at people that are 'physically' challenged and wonder what their story is. About the only time I get out is to go to the dr. I hate not being able to drive (I can but I have to pay a heavy price) and riding isn't much better.

Oh well I've droned on long enough. Just felt like jumping in here today.

Take care everyone and I agree with the others....get out and get some sunshine ! We've had pretty good weather recently. When I walk the dog sometimes I just stand in the sun and look at everything that's blooming. My huge dogwood just bloomed and is absolutely beautiful. Makes me feel better just watching those gentle branches swaying in the wind.

I'm really done now

Debi from Georgia