I am so embarrassed.

Marian
Sun, 15 Jul 2012 12:49:17 +0000

Just because someone else has problems worse than yours does not mean that your problems are insignificant.

I think you should whine plenty – starting with a conversation with your doctor. Is there anything you could be doing differently that might help? Different meds? Physical therapy? Nonpharmacological therapies that may help with pain control? Are you a candidate for joint replacement? Could you expand your life a bit by buying some adaptive equipment? Maybe a wheelchair or scooter? Using a wheelchair for longer distances is not the same as being confined to one; it increases your freedom rather than decreasing it.

I don’t see why you should be embarrassed about wanting the best possible quality of life. That’s what the kid with spina bifida wants, too, and it’s what his parents want for him. The two of you just happen to have different problems.