Lost friends since telling them about small vessel disease

It sounds like you do not have people in your life who care. I find doing what I can and surround myself with positive people. Hope that helps.

Yes thats what I'm doing now.thanks for your good advice x

H, @red79 - just wanted to check in with you and see if you are still noticing friends backing off since telling them about your small vessel disease? Have any of them come back into your life or started moving toward you again?

I am so sorry. Coming from a Christian this may sound blunt, but, here it is. Most people cannot handle when they are healthy and a friend/family member has a chronic or serious illness. It's sad. I have lost friends as well.

When people ask me how I am doing, I tell them I am blessed....because I truly am. Or that I am ''Better than I deserve". It's sad to say but a lot of people do not learn compassion for others until they go through something physically themselves.

I have 3 close friends that stick with me no matter what and I am forever grateful. They truly want to know how I am. I try not to wear them out with the details and just hit the "high" spots so I will not exhaust them.

Chronic illness has drawn me closer to the Lord, given me a greater prayer life for others and compassion for others in a deeper way.

Praying for you and I care. Please keep me posted. Hugs & Blessings....

While I struggle with this daily, my immediate family behaves as though my worries and fears are of no importance.

In my family, I am alone.

@red79 @covidstinks2023 the older I get (now 78) the more I realize quality of just two or three friends makes up for the larger number of friends who have drifted away. As I age too, I find I prefer my own company more, anyway.

@katl819 you are not alone. This is my life too. I try not to allow insensitivity make me feel alone - and it’s good to know at least there is this huge Mayo Connect Community that cares. It really does hurt, however, when those who are supposedly closest to you brush off your concerns. Been there, so I understand you perfectly!

I was diagnosed with dementia last year.

My neighbors are now distant. I don’t know why. It’s their loss not mine. I’ve made new friends because of my illness. I have volunteers around me now, and they bring me joy!