It is amazing how many chronic illnesses have and will be discovered throughout medical history.
The process of being diagnosed with one of these is not always an easy course of action and the patient endures test after test to be told that there is absolutely nothing wrong.
So although the individual feels sick, they are informed that they are completely normal and that seeing a psychologist might be the best option.
Most chronic illnesses cannot be diagnosed through a simple blood test and it takes a specialist to help subside some of the anxiety from the individual by giving a name to whatever is ailing them.
If the illness has not already affected a relationship or relationships in a persons life at some point in time it is practically inevitable that it will occur.
Being chronically ill is comparable to having a terminal illness, but instead of living with the horrible pain and seeing an end, you live with it every single day knowing that the next may be just as bad and that there is no end in sight.
Most chronic problems can only be masked with narcotic medication, muscle relaxants and psychiatric medications instead of being cured.
Many doctors will have no problem admitting that they have very little knowledge about the specific disease.
The individual may just have to "deal " with the problem for their life span and the doctor will refer them to specialists for pain, emotional therapy, physical therapy and many others as time goes on.
Just as a terminal illness severely disturbs a family structure, so do chronic illnesses.
A significant other may not understand the factors of a chronic illness and even after speaking to a physician about the affliction it is still very difficult to look at someone who appears perfectly normal but consistently complains of pain, nausea, headaches or various other symptoms.
Many chronic illnesses also affect the autoimmune system.
There may be minor or major fluctuations in certain blood tests that will allow a doctor to acknowledge that there is something abnormal within the body that could be causing such distress.
Although this may allow the patient to explain more to their partner or family about their condition, it almost seems redundant or possibly too late.
Maybe the individual has spent months or even years complaining about this seemingly non-existent illness.
They may have lost a job or missed out on important functions due to illness.
Despite what the circumstances are the family members have more than likely become numb or have associated a negative stigma with the person and their health complaints.
It is stressful for both sides.
One of the most important suggestions a physician can make after giving an informed diagnosis is to suggest therapy for couples or families as well.
Having a solid support system is very important for everyone involved.