Thank you guys. I will try to reply to everyone tomorrow when I am feeling up to it. But, Gayle, I always kind of felt like I was a second concern, even before my brother died. Maybe it was because he was terminally ill and that is where they put their focus, but I remember clearly confronting my mom about this years ago and telling her "you need to start caring for me and (my sister) like you care for (my brother)". And she was defensive and rude, etc. I expect the same thing will happen if I bring it up again.

I know my parents love me. They just aren't willing to accept the reality of the situation. I am now stuck with a job I wont be able to work, and literally begging them to take me to the ER when something isn't right. I have gotten the "I'm tired, we'll go in the morning" and "Just sleep it off" reasoning a dozen times. When a doctor tells me I shouldn't work or go to school, my dad shames me into doing these things. It's like they do not comprehend that it feels like knives are settled between every single one of my joints, that I want to sleep but can't because of the pain, etc.

I am truly an independent person and I have been since I was 12. But I know, with something like this, I need the support of my family or I will crash and burn faster than ever.

I just feel like I don't matter.