Tough Conversations

 I've always been an open book. Not just with my illnesses, but with everything in my life. But conversations around my conditions are particularly sensitive for me because I never know what I'm going to get on the other end. I could get someone who is supportive and kind and asks wonderful questions and truly wants to understand. But then, I could get someone who, while they think they're being all of the above, they are doing the opposite. It's been a long while since I've had a conversation about my illnesses but when it rains it pours - Ive had three in the last week. Two of those three all the right things were said. I felt supported and I felt understood. But the third conversation went a little different. They told me that they could "cure" me. I was questioned on all the different approaches I've tried and somehow it still felt like they thought I had just succumbed to my diagnoses and given up. Almost like I CHOSE this life. They told me to try garlic supplements and that yoga & regular exercise " really can heal me". I don't question that this was coming from a place of love. But it is more defeating, more frustrating, and more lonely than I can even begin to explain. Don't get me wrong, I actually really love and appreciate when people ask me questions about Dysautonomia. How else will people learn? Questions are beautiful and support is wonderful. It's when we inch closer to questioning someone's treatment plans or start making unprovoked recommendations or suggestions alluding to it being the "answer".