Oh, Coldwut! Be kind to yourself! There are people everywhere who say/do/believe stupid, hurtful things. Try to recognize them early in a conversation and either change the subject or end the conversation al together. The most outspoken people frequently are the least informed and trying to educate them is a waste of your time. You don't have to discuss your own illness with anyone you don't want to. You don't owe it to them and the chances of changing their mind is pretty slim. Just give yourself a mental hug and get away from them. It's easy to get sucked into a conversation with someone who has based their beliefs of you, your life, your illness, whatever on some cockeyed thinking, but as soon as you realize they have no clue, stop the conversation. You will never educate them and what they think should have no effect on you at all!