I have a rare nerve condition called CRPS which started 5 years ago. My best friend also has CRPS but she’s been suffering for the best part of 30 years. She says there’s a small part of her that was relieved she finally had someone to talk to who would understand, though she hated that she felt like that. I don’t blame her, I know she was devastated when I was diagnosed (except that tiny bit of her) but we’re all human and it does help knowing someone understands and empathises.