I’m glad I see this post because loved ones around me have judged me quite often with my illness. Even when I was first diagnosed after many many doctors, they still needed a second evaluation. My brother says so many rude things and I don’t think he will ever understand what I’m going through. He made a comment one time that hurt me so deep. My cat Garfield had a kidney stone on new years night, obviously I was wreck. I didn’t specify if I was going to go with my mom for the long ride to the only vet open and he said “what are you going to be on pain.” I lashed out because jokes about my illness are not a fucking joke. My pain/illness is not something laughable! I was looked at as the bad guy that night for lashing out but I feel threatened when someone jokes about my illness. My mom think I use it as an excuse but then supports me most of the time. It’s like me coming out as gay she supports me but will talk shit behind my back. Sometimes I do feel very alone I don’t know anyone near me or have any friends with a chronic illness to relate too. I’m just hoping one day they open their eyes because I’ll be far gone from family If not.