There are others that know more about the disability thing, but I am sure there is another avenue. I am still getting answers to help me out there. But 15 and 16 and dont understand! My step kids thought I was 'faking it' when I didnt want to do something, but that is because their papa told them I was, they were maybe 10 and 11ish... but at the time they didnt live with me either. Since then, they both live with me and see me everyday so very much so understand and believe in me. They come to my defense often. I have a 12 old son who comes to my bedside on my bad days and says 'mommy I am going out to play but I have my cell phone, you call me if you need anything'. I definetly dont want to say anything negative about your babies, maybe a bit spoiled?? maybe sitting down even with the website and letting them see some of the other post people leave describing the pain and frustration and etc so they can see it is very real? I am thinking it is tenderpoints.com that has a section for family memebers to post and ask questions and vent... I pray they can see the truth in this for your sake. Please dont feel guilty, know you are in the right, it is just their lack of understanding that is causing them to question you, and being teens they are often so self centered.

I would second everything lilmissba has said. It is so difficult when others accuse you of being lazy, etc. We know the pain and lack of energy is real. Have you seen a doctor. Getting a diagnosis, and having your family members hear it and what it means might help. Teenagers, I think, are programmed to be self centered and thoughtless. They are living for themselves, and they forget about others sometimes. Just the teenager thing. But, you do need some support from someone, a good friend, etc. And, look into that disability thing again, perhaps with your county Human Services area. Or sometimes clinics and hospitals have a social worked who will help. There is help out there, but sometimes you really have to dig to find it. Hope this helps. Prayers and hugs

Forgot to mention, I am not sure you can be fired for health reasons. I know January is quite some time ago, but with a doctor's diagnosis, I think you might have had some legal recourse. At this late date, I think it might be too late. But, for future reference, when you have an illness, there are some laws still out there protecting you - not many, but once in a while you get lucky. Did you have any kind of disability insurance with your job? That should have kicked in with a diagnosis. Just trying to think of ways to help here.

YOU KNOW THAT TICKS ME OFF, WHO ARE THEY AT 15 AND16 TELLING AN ADULT WHAT OT DO . HOW DID THEY BECOME SO SMART.. IS IT B/C THEY ARE DENIED THINGS THEY WERE USED TO. THEY ARE OF THE AGE WHERE THEY KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG, THERE ARE MANY CHORES THEY COULD DO TO HELP YOU. HOW ELSE ARE THEY EVER GOING TO LEARN HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THINGS. WE HAVE BEEN TOO LIENANT ON THIS GENERATION, THEY DON'T KNOW HOW TO GET ANYTHING UNLESS WE GIVE IT TO THEM, AND IT'S NOT BIBLICAL, WE NEED TO GET OUR PRIOTARIES RIGHT AND LEARN HOW TO SAY NO TO THEM. HOW ARE THEY GOING TO KNOW HOW TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES WHEN THEY LEAVE THE NEST, LOOK FOR A WOMAN TO DO IT....NO,NO,NO.....

I hate to tell you but I know 30 and 40 year olds who don't get it as well. Unless people experience that type of pain, Idk if they can truly understand. Maybe sit down and try to explain to them how you feel. Like when the kids have a flu, they don't feel like doing anything, much less school. That's how you are all the time. Or how their skin feels when they get burned cause that's what you undergo.

You can also ask your doc about how to approach this.

15 and 16 year olds are egocentric anyway, it is always about them! maybe take them to the doctor with you? Or get them to do some internet research? My kids were 4 and 2 when I was diagnosed so they don't really know any different now that they are 12 and 10. How did your sister respond to the step son? I hope she was supportive of you. i think it helps if they get their information from other adults who understand too - we all have told our kids something only to be ignored, then some other adult says exactly the same thing and it is listened too! go figure.

Wow! Let's all kick her while she's down, shall we? I agree that teenagers are all about me,me,me, but they should understand you're ill, even if they don't really get it. I'm more concerned about the lack of respect in calling you lazy, who does this kid think he is, talking to you that way? Also, as for your stepson's comment, is that his opinion, or is he repeating what someone else said? Seems to me your husband should sit the kids down & explain the facts of life to them. Not those facts, these: Your mom/stepmom is ill. She does the best she can. You are all old enough to help out, so do it. As far as our finances are concerned, you have no right discussing our personal business with others. If you feel we need more income, why don't you get a job and help out? And, most important of all, this lady is your mom/stepmom, but she is also my wife, and YOU WILL TREAT MY WIFE WITH RESPECT OR YOU WILL ANSWER TO ME--GET IT? Then hubby needs to stick to it, & see that they change their attitude. As far as disability, I know there is a 2nd type of SS called SSI, that is for people who haven't worked enough quarters. I believe it is based on family income, though, so not knowing your details, I've no idea if that's a possibility. Might be worth checking into. With 5 kids, i'd think your income could be pretty high & still qualify. Blessings

Thanks for all the comments. As far as being fired they toldd me it was my health but put on the paper it was attitude and the time i missed even though I always made it up. I wrote on the paper that I disagreed and felt they were firing me for my health but couldn't find any help. I might try for disability again and talk to someone instead of just using the computer. As far as the kids go. I guess as much as I hate to admit it they are spoiled. I have never made them have chores which is my fault. I have tried showing them things on the computer and telling them how I feel but they just don't get it. My son acts like he is mad at me for getting sick. Not like I chose this. Also my sister did defend me but not sure if that is his thought or he is repeating what someone else has said. I have been running all week with my sister being in the hospital and at this point my fibro is taking a major flare but really no understanding. Hubby says he does but I still believe if you don't experience it you really can't understand