Living with fibromyalgia is extremely difficult because millions of patients around the world can testify to it. The fact that physical and emotional pain is not visible to others can often make it even more difficult. Fibromyalgia is known as an “invisible disease” because its painful and often debilitating side effects are often not apparent to others.
A person with fibromyalgia may look totally good outdoors, but suffer from unbearable pain inside. Understanding this fact is important for those looking to support a friend or family member of someone with fibromyalgia.
While it is often difficult to find the words to provide support and hope for those who suffer from fibromyalgia, here is a list of 5 things that certainly does not mean someone with fibromyalgia. We believe that we are saying nothing better than one of these five things.
# 1 “You do not look sick”
This comment demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of invisible diseases. Not all serious illnesses are accompanied by overt and obvious symptoms such as being in a wheelchair. People with fibromyalgia have often learned coping mechanisms and can use their limited energy each day to try to appear more normal to others. But the pain is still there. And even referring to someone with fibromyalgia, they claim that they are likely to put their relationship with them at risk.
# 2 “It must be nice to not have to work”
Uh, no … it’s not. The vast majority of those with fibromyalgia would do anything to regain their independence and the ability to work full time.
The idea that not being able to work was a choice or that they are just lazy is incredibly insulting.
# 3 “I’ve heard that fibromyalgia is not a real disease”
You have already heard badly. The cause of fibromyalgia is still under investigation and the amount of research is lagging behind other health issues due to lack of historical understanding. But that does not mean it’s less real for nearly 6 million people with fibromyalgia in the United States alone.
Fibromyalgia was officially recognized as a real disease by the health industry in the United States late last year, when it received its own diagnostic code and was recognized for years by the administration. FDA and Social Security.
# 4 “Just get more exercise and be more active”
If only it were so easy. The fact is that many people with fibromyalgia push the limits of their physical capacity by getting up and taking a shower every day.
Many find some relief in yoga or other gentle exercises such as water aerobics. But often the kind of effort that comes with exercise is not a possibility.
# 5 “Everything is in your head”
We saved the worst for the end. In fact, no, everything is not in my head. The pain and fatigue are all over the body and sometimes I feel that even my hair hurts! Yes, it’s so bad and the fact that you can not see my pain does not mean it’s not a physical condition. Stress, anxiety and depression can aggravate all the symptoms of chronic pain, but usually do not cause pain.
If you have come this far, it is likely that you are a fibromyalgia sufferer or someone who really wants to understand fibromyalgia to support someone they love. Sweet cuddles to you if you are first and thank you very much if you are the last one.
