People with chronic pain or illness want everyone in their lives to know these important things about them….

If you are seeing this and are a family member or friend of a person who is ill you must be pretty important!

Don’t be upset if I seem on edge. I do the best I can every day to be “normal”. I’m exhausted and soul snap.

I find it very hard to concentrate at times for a lot of reasons. Pains, drugs, lack of sleep…. I am sorry if I lose focus.

Letting my loved ones and friends down by canceling plans is heartbreaking to me. I want more than anything to be active as you and do the things I used to do.

My health can change daily. Sometimes hourly. There are a lot of reasons this happens. Weather, stress, flare-ups…. I can assure you that I hate it just as much as you do.

I don’t like to whine. I don’t like to complain. Sometimes I just need to vent. When this happens, I’m not asking for your pity or attention. I just want an ear to bend and a hand to hold.

During fought times, i fond it hard to describe how bad it is. When I say “I’m fine”and you know I’m not, it’s ok to ask questions. Just be prepared if the flood gates open because “I’m fine “ is often times code for “I’m trying to hold it together, but having a rough time. I’m on the edge”.

If I’m hurting bad enough to tell you about it without being asked, please know that it’s REALLY bad.

When you reach out to me with suggestions to help me feel better, I know that you mean well. If it was as si ple as popping a new pill, eating differently, or trying a different doctor, I’ve most likely already tried it and was disappointed.

All I truly want from you is friendship, love, support, and understanding. It means everything to me.

When someone gives me a pep talk, I understand the sentiment. Chronic illness doesn’t just go away. 8 wish it did too! I appreciate you wanting the best for me, but save the pep talk for the kids next volleyball game, or he gym.

It hurts worse than you could possibly imagine when I’m thought of as lazy, unreliable , or selfish. Nothing is further from the truth.

I do a lot of silly things to distract myself because any part of my life not consumed with pain is a good part.

The simplest tasks can completely drain me. Please know that I do the best I can every day with what I have.

Come to me with any questions you may have about my condition. I love you and would much rather tell you about this face to face without judgement.

Thanks you for caring enough to read this!