"Me vs. Fibromyalgia" is a biweekly, one-of-a-kind series designed to give readers and warriors affected by Fibromyalgia a comprehensive look into the facts of the disease and the story of a driven, high-achieving business woman who wouldn't take no for an answer. I've chronicled eight years of experience with Fibro including chronic pain and fatigue, low energy, doctor, relationships and more, and hope to offer answers and support to those who seek them.
To honor National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, I've been thinking about what aspects of the condition I could bring awareness to. What don't people already know? The reality of Fibromyalgia is not only that people don't know much about it unless they have it, but there are many who don't even believe the condition is real.
In this bonus edition of the Me vs. Fibromyalgia series, I'll be taking my cue from the National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association's theme this year, "Your Voice Matters." I'm using this platform to voice a few opinions that are rarely spoken but need to be said.
It's fake. It's invisible. It's a B.S. excuse for being lazy.
Imagine your body is on fire. Imagine every time you take a step, it feels like the ground beneath you is littered with Legos. LEGOS people! Imagine if the mere act of walking from your car to your desk caused such exhaustion, you could sleep for a day. Sounds pretty terrible, right?
Now add in that there's no way to prove what you are feeling is real. Every single test has come back negative. (And you've taken hundreds of tests.) Imagine that amid the fatigue, chronic pain and hypersensitivity, as you try to convince yourself to press on, you overhear people talking about how they are "over your Fibro" and how much you complain about your pain. Imagine hearing that all of your suffering is something you made up in your head.
If you know someone with Fibro and want to understand them better, here are 25 Things People Without Fibromyalgia Should Know About People With Fibromyalgia. Are you a Fibro warrior? Share this post to spread awareness and understanding.
- Give gentle hugs please -- my skin hurts.
To become part of a community that is making a real difference, join The National Fibromyalgia Association's facebook page here.
For a wealth of information about Fibro, here are Healthline's "Best Fibro Blogs of 2016."
Still to come and next up: Me vs. Fibromyalgia: Part 4 -- Flare Up, Now What??
Part of my mission is to bring the Fibromyalgia Survivor community together to offer real support and encouragement to one another. You can be part of this movement by sharing your story too. What do you want people to know most about how your Fibro affects you? Tell us in the conversation below.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. All information presented should be regarded as friendly advice and opinions based on my own experience and research. I am not making an attempt to prescribe any medical treatment and the information contained in this blog is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a doctor or qualified health practitioner.
Click here to read my last post, Me vs. Fibromyalgia: Part 3 -- Doc Appointments, You Are Your Own Best Advocate