If someone close to you has fibromyalgia, a condition that causes pain and tenderness throughout the body, there are things you can do to help. Everyday Health
I HAVE fibromyalgia, and was misdiagnosed for the first 20 years. By that time my medical records were covered with "hypochondirac", and the stigma that goes with it. The most important thing a person with fibromyalgia needs is to be believed. We don't LOOK sick, but our pain levels are felt at a level two to four times greater than "normal" people. We are also exhausted - not only from the disease itself, but also from pushing ourselves beyond our limits in an attempt to become what society demands of us. ANY assistance is appreciated. We don't want sympathy, but need people to understand we are limited in what we are able to do. Keep telling people about it - especially the fact that those with the disease rarely LOOK sick or in pain, but usually are. My pain LOOKS like anger, and people think I am angry and unforgiving when, in fact, I am only trying to hide the pain so people won't back away from me.
I HAVE fibromyalgia, and was misdiagnosed for the first 20 years. By that time my medical records were covered with "hypochondirac", and the stigma that goes with it. The most important thing a person with fibromyalgia needs is to be believed. We don't LOOK sick, but our pain levels are felt at a level two to four times greater than "normal" people. We are also exhausted - not only from the disease itself, but also from pushing ourselves beyond our limits in an attempt to become what society demands of us. ANY assistance is appreciated. We don't want sympathy, but need people to understand we are limited in what we are able to do. Keep telling people about it - especially the fact that those with the disease rarely LOOK sick or in pain, but usually are. My pain LOOKS like anger, and people think I am angry and unforgiving when, in fact, I am only trying to hide the pain so people won't back away from me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Jeannie. It's helpful to know what it's like for you and other sufferers.
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