It took me ages to tell people at work, even those who I consider close friends. Although it frustrates me, I can understand where they're coming from. For a while I began to wonder wether it was in my head. We look well but have lots of time off sick. Theres a lot of times at work when the other staff have to pick up the slack because Im in pain which must frustrate them.

Thats why now when people ask me how I am, I tell the truth. I feel like crap, I'm in agony, but day after day I go to work, do my job and I do it better than people who arent physically struggling through every moment they're out of bed!

It sounds like the president just needs some reassurance.

Tell her that you've carefully considered the impact of your health before deciding to go for re-election and that you know that you have served your members well and will continue to do so, not in spite of your health issues but because dealing with them has made you better at your union work for instance.... * insert text about understanding people's plights and ability to empathise etc.

Sometimes we just have to fight harder for what we want now. Fighting for a seat on the bus is enough for me!

I am sorry you are going through this.
Sometimes people can be very judgemental with little to no empathy.
This is why I don't share my stuff except here.
I want you to fight hard for this and when you win.
Shove that up her nose!

Thank you. I feel better already.