Hi Dan9, I hear what you are saying. Reading your answer helped me to visualize what you deal with on a daily basis. If my family don't understand I don't waste time anymore talking about it. I am now able to rest if I am having a difficult day , no explanation given. Whatever path the person is on emotionaiiy is their path and I don't waste time and energy on trying to change their minds. I feel bad that my illness scares some of them and their solution is keeping a distance, maybe that is their way of coping. When I read a interesting article on the subject I print it off and bring it to my GP . She admits she does not know a lot about autoimmune diseases and we have been able to bond over her doing her best for me and the fact that I am aware and doing my best to manage the illness.
I hope this helps Dan, and I am sending you lots of pain free days.

Thank you for your lovely reply.
Take care of yourself !!

Yep get it all the time most of my family are very understanding about my condition but some just think it’s nothing and expect me to carry on as if nothing is wrong.
I work for my brother and have a very physical job sometimes I’m restricted to what I can do because of pain stiffness but I’m still expected to pull my weight and just get on with it. I’ve realised that not everyone understands my condition and I guess the best way is talking about it and educating them into what AS actually does to the body.
When I’m In pain I tell him but I’m sure he just thinks it’s nothing and I’m just moaning about not wanting to do something at work.
AS is very much a hidden condition because to look at me you wouldn’t think anything was wrong so I guess it’s hard for people to understand.
I very rarely take time off sick as I’m self employed so if not at work I don’t get paid which is a rubbish situation to be in as I can be in the most imaginable pain but still turn up for work. I’ve told him to read up about my condition but he’s never really that interested in any of it.
People like him will never understand what you’re going through unless they suffer with the condition themselves so I give up trying to educate him anymore.
I do not go around looking for sympathy I just get on with everyday life as best I can along with taking my medication which helps a lot.
I suppose not everyone can be understanding and show empathy especially towards someone who has a hidden condition.