Hi all!

I'm new here.  I'm 40 and over the past 4-5 years have been diagnosed with RA, Fibromyalgia and Lupus as well as other fun (ha!) conditions like IBS and depression.  I've been sick most my whole life so for me these diagnosis were a huge relief as I finally felt like I had an explanation for all the pain and a doctor validating that I'm not crazy!  :) 

In the past fews years I've had different experiences with how my closest friends, family members, spouse, etc. handle my illnesses and was just curious as to how other people who experience chronic pain find support.  While I have loved ones who obviously care about me and check in on me, I don't have anyone who I feel truly understands what I go through.  It makes it really hard on the bad days especially.  My husband is supportive...somewhat.  He will read an occassional article about my conditions and will massage me when I ask, but many times I feel as if he gets put off by my issues.  I won't feel like doing much one day or won't have the energy or feel well enough to be intimate and he gets aggitated.  He likes to remind me sometimes that "we're all in pain".  It really hurts my feelings as I never look for sympathy and I consider myself a pretty caring and sympathetic person when it comes to others.  I don't really feel like I have anyone to talk to about how I feel which is why I've found myself here.  I'd love to make some friends on here and connect with others who are going through similiar walks of life.