Living with fibromyalgia is extremely difficult, as millions of patients around the world can attest. 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 painful and often debilitating side effects are often not visible to others.
A person with fibromyalgia may look good outdoors, but suffer from excruciating 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 words to support and hope for those who suffer from fibromyalgia, here is a list of 5 things that certainly does not mean that someone has fibromyalgia. We do not think we can say anything better than one of these 5 things.
# 1 “You do not look sick”
This comment shows a complete lack of understanding of invisible diseases. Not all serious illnesses are accompanied by obvious symptoms, such as being in a wheelchair. People with fibromyalgia have often learned coping mechanisms and can use their limited energy every day to try to be more normal to others. But the pain is still there. And even referring to a person with fibromyalgia, they claim to be able to compromise.
# 2 “It must be nice not to have to work”
Uh, no … it’s not. The vast majority of those suffering from fibromyalgia would do anything to regain their independence and ability to work full time.
The suggestion that it was not possible to work was a choice or that they are just lazy, are incredibly insulting.
# 3 “I’ve heard that fibromyalgia is not a real disease”
You have already heard the evil. The cause of fibromyalgia is still being studied and the many researches are based on other health problems due to a lack of historical understanding. But that does not mean it’s less real for nearly 6 million people with fibromyalgia in the United States.
Fibromyalgia was officially recognized as a true disease in the United States last year, when it received its own diagnostic code and has been recognized for many years by the FDA’s social services and the National Security Administration.
# 4 “You just have to exercise more and be more active”
If it was that simple In fact, many patients with fibromyalgia push the limits of their physical abilities by getting up and taking a shower every day.
Many find relief in yoga or other light aerobic exercise. But often, the type of effort associated with training is not an opportunity.
# 5 “Everything is in your head”
We kept the worst for last. In fact, no, not everything is in my head. Pain and fatigue are present throughout 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 do not cause pain.
If you have come here, it is likely that you have fibromyalgia or that someone really wants to understand fibromyalgia to support someone they love. Soft tongs for you if you are the first and grateful if you are the last.
