I hate that I'm becoming insensitive

[desolationangel]

I've noticed that lately, when a friend, acquaintance, or classmate starts talking about their little "crisis du jour," I just want to tell them to shut up and get over it, at least you don't have IC.

I don't like myself when I think this.

My roommate's sister has anorexia, and while on the surface I tried my best to be supportive, in my head I was thinking, "Get her in some treatment, she'll be fine, shut up and leave me alone." Which was a horrible thing to say because I have friends who are anorexic and it's not exactly easy to treat...

I feel like some bitter old wench who thinks nobody's problems are as great as her own, whereas in the past I tried not to complain and was as selfless as i could be. Anyone else notice this feeling at times?

[dancemomof2]

YO8ur not alone I go through that alot, maybe it is becasue we do have so much going on that when little things bother them, it seems so petty to us. Keep your chin up. Your not a wench just human.

[ICNDonna]

I think most of us have had the same feelings at one time or another with IC. But it can go away quickly when someone dear has a serious illness.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[Mel53H]

You know, sometimes I feel that way when people complain that their husband did this or their husband did that and then I think well at least you have one. Mine is in a nursing home!!

So, a lot of us have feelings like this. I guess we are all humans.

[mayray518]

I went through that. I used to get mad when people would complain about little nothing things like "Oh my car broke down, what will I do" "I have a toothache, on geez", etc. So I know what you mean. I realize I probably did the same thing before IC. Now it takes a lot to get my upset.

[andcohen]

I know what you mean!!!!! People go on about this & that, even things like OH I'm am so tired I didn't sleep well last night & it's like geez try & live with IC & see how much you sleep & what pain really feels like. Then you get the people who say Well at least you don't have cancer....... I am more grateful than words can express that I don't have a life threatening illness but nor am I graetfull that I have IC..
I think we all understand your thoughts, Don't feel bad
Andrea

[this_sucks]

I do the same exact thing. It makes me feel like such a ***** sometimes. I cant help it though. My mom calls me selfish. My guidance counselor just keeps saying be lucky that you dont have cancer or something like that. I am glad that I do not have that and i know no how much trouble it is to take all these meds and pain and everything. But if my friend starts saying how fat she is, or how bad her period is that month or how bad she has to go to the bathroom, I try to keep my mouth shut and not say "at least you dont have all of this!"

[Lyn40]

I have days where I have these feelings, and I wish I didn't feel this way. I never used to be like this. I have always been pretty sensitive to others feelings. I am especially sensitive to others who are dealing with life threatening illnesses. I'm sure all of us are. But, I shy away from people who complain about acute problems, you know - the ones that come and go and stay gone! I think I spend more time praying for my attitude than I do for the pain itself.

[creatingkarma]

You are not alone. I have noticed myself becoming more & more insensitive. It has gotten to the point where I don't even want to be around anyone & have been avoiding my friends. I know, that can lead to depression, but I get so tired of hearing them complain about things that won't matter tomorrow. Like last week, my friend dropped by uninvited & sat down at my kitchen table & started telling me about her menstrual cramps & how she hurt to bad to even go to the store & she was walking like she was crippled. Well, then what the heck are you doing here at my house? If you came for sympathy, you're not going to get it from me. Try feeling 10 times worse than that every single day & still make it to the store & still entertain uninvited guests with a smile on your face. I didn't say that, but oh how I wanted to. It just makes me want to be alone.

[Betsie]

I completey understand what you are feeling and why. It can be so overwhelming.

On the other hand, I think I am more sensitive to others. The experience of being misunderstood on the subject and/or symptoms of IC combined with horrendous migraines, actually makes me more understanding of someone else's pain, bad day, etc.

I still wish my own issues were better accepted, but I do hope that my own understanding of others becomes a sort of "Pay it Forward" act of kindness. I try not to compare issues as it seems that only diminishes everones feelings at the moment.

I have also found that the most supportive people of me, turn out to be ones with either very serious illness of their own or the care of a loved one. It makes me feel silly to have explained myself away and still get unconditional support.

[ad8123]

I think it is normal to feel that way. And it is very hard for family to "get it" they often say hurtful things, I am not sure why really though. I am reading a book that is helping a bit. It is ok sometimes to feel that way, just remember if it is a feeling you keep in your head they have no clue anyway. Ic sucks there is no way around that so you have a right to be frustrated and short tempered especially when you are having a rough day (at least that is what i think). Be kind to yourself and you know you care about others so you are just fine :) Take good care of yourself.