I got an apology yesterday. As you all know, I have struggled with getting support and understanding from my family since all of this occured. I've told you of how I feel like everyone thinks I'm faking my symptoms. When I say family, i'm talking about my in-laws because they are the ones we are around the most. Well, the one I have had the most problems with is my sister-in-law, she has been my best friend for over 30 years, needless to say, we have had our "ups and downs." She called yesterday morning and I told her what my neuro said, about the Epilepsy and that they want to do an LP to me for MS. I also found out that I have Encephalomalacia ~ which means on the side of injury, my brain is softening and shrinking due to trauma, which means that side is filling up with fluid and it could mean a shunt in the future. Anyway, later that afternoon, she called and told my husband her and her husband wanted to take us out to lunch. So after lunch, they come over to the house, and I started to do the dishes. She asked me to stop, that she needed to talk to me in my bedroom. We go into my room and she tells me she has a confession to make. She precedes to tell me that when I first started to have these "symptoms" she thought I was faking it. That I was researching this disease (MS) and giving myself these symptoms, and having a support group was just making it worse because I was reading all of your symptoms and bringing them on myself. She said she didn't think I was sick because she couldn't see a differnce in me on the outside, that I still looked the same. I told her that MS is an invisible disease, most symptoms are on the inside, not everyone ends up in a wheelchair etc. . . .come to find out that my mother-in-law was thinking the same thing, only that I just didn't want to work! She told me she called her and told her they were wrong, that I do have these problems and it was wrong for them to think otherwise. So, she sincerely apologized, and now I have her support. She has even volunteered to take me to my doc appointments because I can't drive and my husband has to work. God turns everything around for the best! I realized that God is using me to teach others compassion and understanding, and I am a willing vessel. I know that through this illness, no matter how tough it gets, that He will be Glorified through it all! I just want to encourage you all to hang in there, God will reveal Himself through your sufferings and that makes it worth it! He is always there right by your side and will carry you when the burden gets to heavy. Keep strong my friends, you are all in my prayers.Thank You Lord for revealing Yourself through my sister. Thank You for giving me all the support and understanding I need. Amen.
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What a wonderful friend you have.It is distressing to hear of your diagnosis\', & you are in my prayers.Thank God you have good drs.Rest now in God\'s loving embrace,and know that He would not give you a burden too heavy for you to bear.
This is the things I need to hear. I hope you got my message you can see I have faced this too. Before my father died he said, If I had all they say is wrong with you you would be dead\" I was his caregiver until his last breath and he held my hand. I love him but he still broke my heart.
I glad to hear your good news.:) I,myself, have given up on my own mother, sister and all in-laws. My dad has been the family member that understands and supports. The mom and sister just email my aunt in CA and she gives them websites that claim to have a \"cure\" for MS. It\'s so obvious they don[t understand. My in-laws simply ignore it, because they don\'t understand and choose not to want to.
I am so happy to hear of your in-laws giving an apology and showing such compassion and support! It is wonderful to see God at work!
It\'s awesome that your family is coming around! It seems those closest to us seem to have the most trouble accepting our limitations and having compassion.
It is hard to deal with people sometimes because if they havent dealt with this disease they cant begin to know what your going through. Sometimes you get sick of people telling you that you do look good on the outside but the dealings we have on the inside is what is so hard. Everytime I have a bad day I tell God that the suffering I am enduring is nothing compare to what he went through. We just have to take day by day and hope for the best with all of God\'s love. Hang in there and I am glad you had your talk with your inlaws even though sometimes we think everything is allright with family and then find we really are shocked. Communication is a given. God Bless you Sherie and we are all thinking of you. Friends here are so WONDERFUL!! Take Care and keep in touch..We all love you!!!!
I\'m sure that makes you happy to see God working in your famly.
What a touching story Sherie! Thanks for sharing it. Yes, God does work in His wonderful ways doesn\'t He? I wish you the best in your future tests and it sounds like they are finally starting to find some answers for you. I\'m going to find a new neuro. Like I\'ve mentioned earlier, my cervical spine MRI was questionable, but it\'s my symptoms that are more alarming to me. I believe they go beyond Fibromyalgia. Hugs to you!! ;) ~ Tonya
Very touching post. Thanks for sharing and I am so happy that you are getting support from them now and that she sat you down and apologized and shared all of that. I hope that lifts a lot off of you and that it continues to go well. I wish you all the best! Hugs, Michelle
I\'m really glad things are working themselves back out with you and your sister-in-law. Support is so key regardless of what is going on with symptoms. I hope this keeps working out for you. You deserve to have this work for you rather than against you. You are very forgiving, and God will remember that. I hope your sister-in-law does too. Good for you!
Humbleness is a characteristic of love and mercy. It took so much for your sister-in-law to be honest, but I am sure you could feel GOD all around you with this confession. I am praying for you today.