Living with fibromyalgia is extremely difficult because millions of patients around the world can testify. 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 the painful and often debilitating side effects are often not clear to others.
A person with fibromyalgia may look good on the outside, but suffers from excruciating pain on the inside. Understanding this fact is important for those who want to support a friend or family member of a person with fibromyalgia.
Although it is often difficult to find the words to provide support and hope for those suffering from fibromyalgia, here is a list of 5 things that absolutely do not mean someone with fibromyalgia. We believe that we do not say anything better than one of these 5 things.
# 1 “You do not seem sick”
This comment shows a complete lack of understanding of invisible diseases. Not all serious diseases come with obvious, outwardly visible symptoms, such as sitting in a wheelchair. Fibromyalgia sufferers have often learned adaptive mechanisms and can use their limited energy every day to try to look more normal for others. But the pain is still there. And even an indication for someone with fibromyalgia they do as if they are likely to jeopardize their relationship with them.
# 2 “It should be nice not to have to work”
No, no … it is not. The vast majority of those suffering from fibromyalgia would do everything to regain their independence and ability to work full-time.
The suggestion that not being able to work was a choice or that they are just lazy is incredibly insulting.
# 3 “I heard that fibromyalgia is not a real disease”
You’ve already heard wrong. The cause of fibromyalgia is still being studied and the amount of research is lagging behind other health conditions due to lack of historical understanding. But that does not mean it’s less real for almost 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 was granted its own diagnostic code and has been recognized for years by the Administration of the FDA and Safety Social.
# 4 “You just have to get more exercise and be more active”
If only it was that simple. 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 goes with physical exercise is not an option.
# 5 “It’s all in your head”
We saved the worst for the last time. Actually not, it is not completely in my head. Pain and fatigue are found throughout the body and sometimes I feel that even my hair hurts! Yes, it is so bad and the fact that you can not see my pain does not mean that it is not a physical condition. Stress, anxiety and depression can aggravate all symptoms of chronic pain, but usually do not cause pain.
If you have come this far, it is likely that you are a fibromyalgia patient or someone who really wants to understand fibromyalgia to support someone they love. Soft stuffed toys for you if you are the first and thank you very much if you are the last one.
