I feel that no one really understands. I am lonely and always in pain and feel defeated.
Fibromyalgia has a lot of misconceptions attached to it. What do you wish people understood about fibromyalgia?
I wish they understood that, just because I look okay, doesn't mean that I am okay. I also wish that there were more Dr's that cared enough to try and help. Another thing that I wish I could get family and friends to understand is....Why I can't obligate myself to anything because I never know when I am gonna have a flare and not be able to keep my commitment. It is a very painful and lonely illness.
Has any one told you that "you don't look sick?"
Yes, they have...more than once. The one that hurt me the most was my 32 year old daughter. I had planned on going out with her for a mother/daughter day and the morning of the get away, I was hurting so bad that I was unable to hardly walk. I know she was very disappointed that I canceled out on her....but I had a major flare. She said "Mom I just think you don't want to go because you don't look sick." I was so very hurt.
Tell us, who is your biggest support system while coping with fibromyalgia?
My husband is my biggest supporter. He has been with me from the start of this illness. He has watched me suffer and tried so hard to understand and to be there for me. I just can't imagine what I would do without him.