You are taking too much on your own shoulders! You
know good and well that you have family at the ready
to share with you and go with you with whatever it takes
to get through this period in your life. You finally have
said what they most likely knew from the very beginning,
that you were in trouble but weren't willing to share yet.
I'm certain that they are relieved that you have finally
opened up and just feel terrible that it took you so long
to do it!
Now, it is my opinion that the orthopedic doc was being
your friend when he said that teaching hospitals will take
cases like yours....he was not in any way meaning that
you were not a person! he was just talking the lingo of his
profession. I feel like you should follow up his suggestion
and find a teaching hospital as soon as you can.
I also know from past experiences with your family that you
have a great support system---just begin to interact with them!
They're there for you---you're the one who must accept the
fact that you need help and let them be there for you!
I'm wondering if you would be eligible for disability? Now that
you've started talking, start looking for options.
Glad that you felt free to speak out to us (and your family), just
sorry you tried to do it all by yourself instead of asking for help
and support much earlier this year.
Put on a positive attitude, find something to laugh at, and start
getting the medical services you need. Things will be better!!
JanH