Asking for Help...

I've never been one to ask for help. I say I'm ok when I'm not. There are days when I lug the kids around, carry laundry up and down the stairs and stand on my feet in the kitchen ignoring the terrible ache in my hips, knowing I'll pay later with ice packs and advil.

I've come so far with this whole hip thing. I've worked hard and seen great healing and improvements. I've become a stronger person. Most days it's not an issue, but then there are the times when I have what I now refer to as "flare ups". During these times I have a little bit of a pity party because honestly, I need to. Because of all the good that has come from this, and there has been some, I get pissed that a part of myself has kind of been stolen away. I used to imagine that there would come a day when it would be behind me. If i worked hard enough at PT or stayed in great shape. And for the most part I believe that is true. But, there are the days still when I have to hold on to my husband to walk across the room. There are days when I can't clean the house, or get off the couch. I miss the activity level I once enjoyed.

The emotional pain is the worst. I think all of us suffering with FAI have that in common. It is so hard for friends and family to understand what it might feel like or how it could be such an intermittent pain. I may be limping now, but in two hours I'm fine. I'm still trying to deal with this. I hate not always being able to give my kids 100%. My daughter is only three and explaining to her that Mommy's hip hurts too much to play sucks. I hate that part the most.

I'm writing this mainly because I know we all have these feelings and to say to you that you are not alone. I think we need to be honest with our friends and family when we're in pain and when we need to spend some time on the couch. I'm guilty of getting mad because I can't do something and then taking it out on everyone around me. Having this really forces you to need others and accept love and support from those around you. Sometimes it means asking for help. I think to learn these lessons is a gift. Be patient with the ones who don't understand and hopefully they can become the support sytem you need.

How do you deal with the emotional side of FAI? Or, how have you learned to ask for help and support from friends and family?