I have M.S. My friends dont understand my problems because I dont LOOK sick.?

Question

So needless to say...they have all disapeared. Because of my over-whelming fatigue most of the time, I feel like I dont have the energy for them as my energy is used on just getting things accomplished at home. Any suggestions??

Answer 1

I have a similar problem as you do. Believe me, for almost 20 years I have tried to explain it, but they DON'T get it. If you have a good day, they think you are healed. Find a hobby and peace within yourself. I hope you have at least a spouse or one friend. I have both of those and a few distant friends, but not sure anyone but my husband understands. Please read the book, THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED by M. Scott Peck. It will help you deal with this terrible situation. Bless you and keep your head up, as you are worth something and never believe you are not. Blessings to you.
Your worth is inside of you and depend upon your faith as it will stay with you when your friends walk out the door.

Answer 2

I have Crohn's and Lupus, (yea lucky me I get 2 for the price of 1) anyway, I've always had a problem with people not beliving I was sick, be so tired that I could barely get dressed but look fine. I sometimes wish I had a great oozing sore, or a bone sticking out of the skin. Anyway, some of the things that have helped me are..try explaining to 1-2 closest friends how you feel and maybe they will speak to others. gradually change your interests to things that require less energy and meet new friends, I go to the book store about twice a week and read and drink coffee for a while. Pick your battles...if you want a day out, don't do anything around the house, get dressed, rest, and go out for a while. Do you live alone, are you married, have children at home? deligate.deligate, deligate. Most of all remember it is your life to enjoy to the best of your abilities so do ENJOY

Answer 3

That's terrible. I really feel for you; someone very close to me suffers from MS. I really don't know what advice to give apart from just keep your chin up. It can be very hard sometimes, but a postive attitude can work wonders. If you can afford it, getting someone to clean your house once a week takes a big load off.
As for your friends, you really need to explain to them about your MS and how it will affect you. If they are any sort of friends they will stick by you and help you.
If you can get steroid treatment, I think that helps a bit. It also helps to cut down on sat fats and to stay as stress-free as possible.
The person I know who has MS still goes out with friends often; they rest up for a few days before hand and make sure they aren't due for a relapse, then arrange to go to a restaurant or theatre with friends. It does take a lot out of them at times but they still have a great time and have some sort of social life.
The kind people at the MS Society should be able to give you help in how to deal with your fatigue.

Hope this helps just a little.

My thoughts are with you.

Answer 4

Yes, I would suggest you get some much needed exercise in a swimming pool. Many PT clinics have a warmed pool for patients like you. I knew one personally and she went every other day and it greatly improved her agility and her outlook; and she made new friends. You might consider joining a group for MS patients also. You have alot to contribute and you need to take care of yourself. You also need to live beyond your condition because most people don't know how to deal with a chronic condition. When your friends are around, they don't want to constantly hear about how tired you are; even though it's a legit complaint, any more than you would want to hear somebody talk about their diabetes, for example. It gets old. It's depressing and it makes people feel helpless. Find some good hobbies and interesting things to do with your time and take good care of yourself. You'll extend your life and your quality of life and make new friends or revive old relationships. God Bless You!

Answer 5

I'm sorry your friends aren't be good friends. Your true friends will stick by your side and find activities to do that you can do and keep up with. My friend has MS and doesn't look sick either and it's easy to forget that she doesn't feel well sometimes. Maybe look online for a support group and find some people with MS that you can talk to and maybe even hang out with and hopefully your true friends will come around. Maybe give them some literature/pamphlets on MS so they can get informed.

Answer 6

Not realy a suggestion, I just wanted to say that a friend of mine has MS also and to look at him, he does not LOOK sick at all. He's about 40 yrs. old and looks healthy. I wish we all knew more about MS.

Answer 7

First and foremost, I'll be your friend I might not be with you, but I'm here for you.
please try Herbal concentrate, its atea for energy and metabolism
I know it works, I take it my self, the bottle cost about $25US
It wont make you sleepy and you'll have enegry so you can start enjoying life again.
And Its all natural.

Answer 8

Education is the key. i think maybe if you educate your friends about MS they may "get it" and in turn "get you ". Ingnorance is the worst thing that can happen to a disease. Good Luck I truly hope things start to brighten up for you.

Answer 9

try to print stuff off the internet and try to explain your condition to them. my aunt for ex. has EB a skin condition that causes her to get bulisters all over her body that would never go a way and its very rare so not that many people know about so she has to tell people about it and when she goes to the hospital she has to bring a card explaining her condition with her and people stare at her alot. so i understand. try to show them things about MS and if they really are your friends they should understand you and support you. i hope this helps. if you need a friend to talk to email me at [e-mail]

Answer 10

Maybe try and educate them on the illness, so that they know exactly what your'e going through. If they don't stick around, then forget them. They were never your "friends" to begin with.