On my friends in pain, I agree with your both. I too have a supportive family but often they don't get it either. Saying No is very difficult for me.
Chronic pain robs us of so much. We should never feel guilty or have to explain our "No" but it's my guess most of us do. I know that when I do say No I'm often racked with guilt. Foolish guilt. When I say Yes than I can pay for days with a horrid flare. It's a catch 22.
You're welcome Remar. I have a few other articles/letters regarding chronic pain. I'll post a few of my favorites in the future.
Take Care,
~Tuck
I really have a problem with the saying no part. My family and friends are very supportive but if you don't have chronic pain it can be hard to understand why you don't feel up to doing something. Going out, having people over and even talking on the phone.
Thank you for posting this Tuck. I think a lot of us needed to read it.
Good to revisit this at times. We pain sufferers and those around us tend to forget that we are not anymore super women. I too am tired to explain why I say NO. Tired to remind that I am not pristine anymore , I have the right to get old without having people telling me that 100 yo still climb Kilimanjaro. I just don't feel like doing it. that's all.
Thanks Mariepi