Posted by Barbara d. (205.188.198.156) on July 31, 1999 at 11:12:44:
In Reply to: Trouble in Paradise posted by Donald on July 31, 1999 at 04:38:32:
Don,
I think what people don't understand is that we LOOK normal (when we're not doing the dance), so what is our problem? I've had people tell me, "Well you don't look sick." My standard reply is, "I AM fine - right now, but stick around. Who knows what's going to happen 5 minutes from now!"
BUT, I've never been one to suffer in silence and I want everyone to know what's wrong with me so in case I have a HA when I'm out somewhere, they will know to get me home immediately and NOT try to give me an aspirin! Or at least they can get me to a "cool" place and leave me alone.
The funny thing is (maybe it's just my age) I don't care who knows or who sees me when I'm having a HA - as long as they leave me alone. I refuse to be ashamed of something I can't control. THIS IS AN ILLNESS just like cancer, stroke or any other SERIOUS illness. If we had our "druthers" we would NOT have it, but we do and that's a fact. Trying to explain it is almost totally impossible and everyone we talk to about it has "had one of those one time!" and that's very aggrivating to those of us who DO have them, but it's just not worth my energy to worry about other people's ignorance.
About your friend. If a friend is a friend they'll remain a friend, if they don't they weren't a friend to begin with. Sounds to me like you have a keeper.
Hugs BD