New to Group/just needing support

[Guest guest]

Hello to all!

I just joined this group because I need to hear from other people w/ RA, Fibro

and ankylosing spondylitis (I have all 3).

I have a loving family (I am the mother of a 17 year old son and a 3 year old

daughter), but I hurt all the time and I try not to complain..but when I do...it

seems that my family thinks I am just whining. I feel that because I don't have

a visible sign on my body, they think I am just complaining. Therefore, I keep

my comments to myself and go to bed in major pain...crying most nights.

I take Enbrel injections 2 times a week and I am on Lyrica. Do any of you ever

feel like a hypochondriac? When I go to see my Doc with a list of my

complaints...I feel that he thinks I am faking it...but, I am not.

I guess what I am looking for are people who feel (and hurt) like I do. Many

times it takes me 15 - 20 minutes to get out of bed. I have a very difficult

time doing most everything (I can't shower b/c the water hurts me so bad...but I

do bathe). I have a difficult time cooking for my family and keeping my house

clean. I can't seem to bend over to get the clothes our of the dryer, etc.

Any support would be appreciated. Thanks for listening to my " whining. "