Navigating Family Support When Facing Endometriosis & Chronic Pain

Question
My question is how do I get my family to understand that I am not a hypo or crazy but I need thier understanding and compassion? I have not had my first surgery done yet but I have scans that show free floating fluid and 2 ovarian masses and a colon mass which my doc feels sure it is endometriosis. I have daily pain, nausa, using the bathroom for any reason causes horrible pain and almost every discomfort that comes with endometriosis but my family treats me like I am crazy, my mother says I just can not deal with pain, and my sister justs says that is not possible, this hurts. My hubby says just forget about them but does not know how hard it is for your family to treat you like that because he comes form a caring family. Should I just learn to deal with this without them or should I try to make them understand (talking to them just makes me feel bad and I think that is why I waited so long for help)?

Answer
Dear Heidi,   Your husband is right when he tells you to forget about your family and what they say or feel or think in this matter...  Your family is not loving enough to give you the compassion you need and since the doctors KNOW that you have a problem and all of your pain and suffering IS REAL, then tell your family to keep their opinion to them selves and spend more time with your husband and draw from his understanding and compassion....   Your family needs "attitude adjustment" and if you let them know that you will not listen to any of the STUPID critisizm at this time of your need, then they can keep their opinions to them selves and stay away....

thank you,   karen