I have several well-known diagnosis' and one rare, myotonia congenita. I believe that my brother has myotonia congenita also but refuses to get genetic tests. We share some of the symptoms.

Some of the more common diagnosis' we do not share. When I try to explain how debilitating fibromyalgia, essential tremors and osteoarthritis are for me. He, as usual, says he has pain too but has no choice but suck it up and push through it. I can't seem to convince him that our pain levels or types can vary wildly. I'm not sure what to say to him at this point.

He and I are in a position now where our parents are requiring more at home care. Each have different stages of dementia. This is a delicate matter for the four of us. So I need to do my part in their care. Especially our mother who struggles if I'm not with her several times a week. During the current discussion between my brother and I he told me that he needs me to step up more. He thinks I don't know that?! I feel guilty enough for not doing what I think is enough.

Our parents live in his basement apartment and I live 10 minutes away. He now has a lake house as well. He wants to pick up and go whenever he wants without notifying me until the night before. Which means I have to pick up the slack so to speak. I wish it was easy for me to just get ready and leave my house. We all know that it's not that easy or simple. My parents have a spare bedroom but he and his wife don't want me to live with our parents. Just come over 3-4 times a week for a few hours he says. I struggle showering or even cooking for myself daily. I'm at a position where I need extra care myself. But I'm at a loss at what more I can say to him. It's a no win situation for all of us. Thank you so much for listening to me vent. Have a great day! 🙏 #Fibromyalgia #Depression #Paresthesia #Neuropathy #formication #MyotoniaCongenita #EssentialTremors #RareDisease #Osteoarthritis