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Coubie15

Why is it so hard for people to understand how much pain you are in

Ellen

Welcome to the online Community @Coubie15 .

It is tough trying to get people who don't have Arthritis to understand how painful it is and how debilitating it can be I think because it is often invisible.

This thread here (not recent) has people discussing this very issue:

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/52411/my-partner-doesnt-understand

I don't know if this might help you at all coping with your pain:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/

Best wishes

Ellen.

AndyT

I think others can be quite selfish, especially if they start having to do more chores. It probably doesn't help when we struggle on quietly with tasks, because then my partner assumes I can do those things easily therefore I should be able to do it everyday or do other jobs without an issue.

I don't buy that it's 'invisible' unless other people are just not listening or not noticing the physical struggles, cries of pain, visible fatigue , low mood etc.

Fran54

Hi

I totally agree with you.

When I was first diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my right knee, I found that I was still trying to carry on with housework etc. as usual. As the pain progressed more, I was getting frustrated and angry at trying to carry on as if nothing was wrong. Perhaps I was trying to kid myself that I could, but eventually had to ask my husband to help me around the house.

Sometimes, it does feel like an invisible illness, unless people can see you physically struggling.

Anyway, I now just ask for help and have also bought a few aids to help make life a little easier around the home.

Hope this helps you feel that you are not alone with this.

Take care.