mslily, I almost envy you that you have a husband that does not belong to the 42%, my husband on the other hand does belong to that 42%, granted there are some times he does exhibit some form or empathy towards me,not to often. I am not whining here, just stating that I sure do believe that statement. I think it is great you have an understanding husband, that can make a world of difference in how you have to deal with your pain.

Support can make a difference. I think alot of those 42% of people are flat on their backs when pain does hit them, and if they be stricken with chronic pain they would not be able to deal with it. I do the same as you do, I put on a face when I have to regardless of how I am feeling, I have learned there is just no point in trying to explain to those people, my mother in law is also one of those, she continually tells me if I would just take 1 light coat aspirin I would not have any problems, when I have tried to explain she just shakes her head and tells me how when she was young she had to walk 5 miles to school, uphill both ways in the snow and fight the grizzlies of with her looseleaf notebook. So.... I should just toughen up!
chevygal