Benza

you are not the only one to be disappointed in people's response to your illness. I personally lost my best friend, who had had chronic fatigue herself, and who knew me very well. She turned on me suddenly, saying she no longer wanted to see me, that I was a complete pain to everyone around me (only I couldn't see it), and I was incredibly selfish. Coming when I felt at my very worst, I can't tell you how much that hurt. I was very disappointed in her, and it was the last thing I expected from her as a devout Christian. I felt lost, betrayed, bereft. Still do, and it's nearly 9 months ago. When you're ill you find out who your real friends are. None of my friends, who knew me before I got sick, understand what's going on, why it;s taking such a long time to get better, why I don't believe in doctors, why I have to be so careful with my diet, and to be honest, I have stopped talking about it. I only talk about my illness with other mercury-toxic people, and pretend to be OK-ish whenever I see my old friends. I don't go out to parties and generally I don't see them very much any more. Sad, but I have kind of got used to my own company now. I have found comfort in my local church, and the advice of one who said - you must just be, not do, for now. And that's OK. My husband has stuck by me - though I must have driven him mad as well, and he doesn't really understand the whole thing - and my parents are supportive, but don't really understand either. In hard times, close family is all that sticks by.

I'm sorry to hear about your girlfriend, but I think these responses are very common when people get sick. It is not an easy time, but count the blessings that you have. And concentrate on getting well safely. That's all that's important for now.

Nicola