Kim,
I completely understand and after having RSD for a year and a half, I have started making my teenagers go with me to Dr's. appt. It has shut them up for the most part and they do try to help around the house more......sorry that they are sutting you through this, but don't give up. They'll come around.

Hi Kim! Welcome to the forums!

One thing I have learned over the years is that sometimes we are the reason they wont listen or even try to understand. It is because when ever they get near us the first thing out of our mouths is complaining. We hurt here, or there, and start running down what is wrong with us at that point in time.

I noticed that I was a chronic complainer. Sure we have a right to complain, but we are driving a wedge between us and those we are trying to get to understand what we are going through. My kids, and even the wife would try to avoid me at all costs. They wanted to help me, but just couldnt handle my constant complaining.

Once I realized this I changed my tactics. I started to watch everything coming out of my mouth, and began to ask about them. Taking an interest in what was going on with them first, and tried my best to not change the focus to me. It wasnt long before they were asking how I was doing, and if there was anything they could do for me.

My daughter started looking RSD up on the internet without me prompting, or encouraging her in any way. What she learned she shared with the rest of the family, and when it came from her everyone listened.

Life is much better around here since I started focusing on them, because now they were focusing on me. My wife even understands now when I have those days where you cant even concentrate because of the pain. ( A real fun person to be around at the time LOL)

Not sure if this will help at all, but it worked for me

Thank you everyone! Your input has helped me tremendously! (sp?) Happy Thanksgiving to all! Rest easy, friends! (mostlly, rest...)

Thank you!!!

Hi Kim,

I'm really having a tough time with similar attitude from my boys....ages 13 and 15.

I've been dealing with chronic pain/rsd for 5 years. Truthfully, I think they were more supportive/understanding when they were younger. I don't know if it's teenage attitude or if they are resentful because of what I can't do.

They both saw counselors when my issues started and we have just started doing that again.

Further complicating my situation is the crappy state of my marriage. I 'm afraid to end it because my husband would want to try for full custody......because I'm 'obviously unfit' because I need narcotics and antidepressants. It's not surprising my boys have learned it's just fine to diss mom.

Soooooo.......I'm still looking for solutions too, but wanted to say, I feel your pain.

Dear Finz,

Many of take us narcotics and anti-depressants, but I don't believe that that would give anyone the right to attempt to take full custody of your children in a divorce case. Stay in counseling and engage in open conversation with your therapist on this matter - and with your doctor. If necessary, start to try to reduce your meds. Do what needs to be done to hold your family together and/or maintain your rights as a mother.

And remember - many times with kids respect is earned as well as commanded. We need to try to keep ourselves together as best possible (no, life is NOT fair!!), which means getting up and dressed each day to the best of our ability, maintaining some semblance of a household (with the help of the rest of the family), and keeping our routines the same. It gives kids a sense of security at their age.

Good luck and please take care. XOXOX Sandy