[] Funny, You Don't Look Sick
"People who have chronic illnesses are in two distinct categories: those who look sick and get all kinds of sympathy (wanted and unwanted), and those who, no matter how they feel, just don't look "sick". How do we classift "looking sick"? Well if someone is looking pale and wan, or seems to be in pain, we ask them how they are feeling and if we can do anything for them. On the other side, is the person who may very well be in constant pain or at least discomfort, but is able to walk and talk and carry on with their daily activities, no matter what the cost is to their physical or emotional health. These people are almost never asked how they are feeling because if they look "well", we assume that they are fine. Most times, they aren't fine, however, and it's about time we acknowledge this."
"We must make the general public and members of the medical community aware that the way we look is only "skin deep". The way we "feel", both emotionally and physically, is the bottom line. So the next time you ask someone, "how are you", please take a moment and really listen to the answer; you can be sure that your concern and caring will be appreciated."
http://www.ednf.org/articles/funny.htm
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[] But You "LOOK" Good!
"...when a person loses their job or is forced to give up their career due to illness, for some reason, people often treat them like they are choosing to do so; and, they are often insensitive to the fact that the sufferer has lost all for which they have worked, planned and hoped for their future."
"Most people do not "give in" to illness; in fact, it is ingrained in our nature to fight to survive as hard and as long as humanly possibly. If you believe that your loved one is "giving in" to the illness, because they have given up their usual activities, this is just your perception of how they are handling their limitations.
"We, as chronic illness sufferers, do not want to give up; we want to laugh, smile, look our best and enjoy life; after all, it is our incredible courage, perseverance and persistence to fight for our lives which make our painful disabilities seem invisible to the naked eye."
http://www.orci.com/~invisible/lookgood.htm
--The 15th century proverb which summarizes the purpose of medicine is: * To cure sometimes, to relieve often, to comfort always. *