I wear my back brace in public to avoid those looks. Especially if I use a motorized cart. People need a reality check! Not all illnesses are walking around with a sign on us that we are disabled. And yes I use that word! When we park in a handicapped spot people give us dirty looks. We have lost EVERYTHING, including our place to live. We now live in our RV in my brothers yard... anyone want to make T-shirt’s that I am not an able bodied person for when we are in public?!

One memorable moment that ill never forget happened in a grocery store. There was a lady in front of me at the check out she was putting her groceries on the belt and dropped something on the floor. She looked at me almost as to say “would you pick up my item”? But i couldnt bend down. Out of the corner of my eyes i noticed the person behind me rolling her eyes at me, almost as to say “you bum, be a man & help that lady” then the woman who dropped the item also reacting in a similar way. People, i never felt so low! These people didnt know i cant bend down, yet they reacted in such a way that hurt me pretty bad. Ill never forget how bad that made me feel.

I agree.

Whenever a person has chronic pain we should not have to prove to anyone that we are in pain

About how people treat us..... Your so right. To look at me you would have no idea how sick I am. I'm not in a wheelchair, missing limbs etc. so when I cancel plans or leave early, people don't get it. They may not invite you anymore because you've canceled so many times before. I can't and won't explain myself, maybe to those I think I can trust with my personal business. You go Sister85