"He doesn't look ill"
I have had it before with my stomach issues, but this is another level of it.
I don't want the sympathy or pity side to things, as I find that doesn't help in any positive ways - but I do probably need some understanding, since there is very little I can actually do about some major aspects of this.
Is the pain less now?
I have been fortunate, no sever attacks in about 7 years. My collapsed lung was bad and very painful, but nothing really compared to being folded up on the floor in a fetal position just praying the pain would go away.
I still have a lot of pain from the recent surgery, but it is nothing compared to a really bad IBS attack.