People’s Misconceptions about Fibromyalgia

One of the most difficult things I find is getting people to believe that you’re actually not well. Fibromyalgia is an invisible illness so when people see you out and about or at work they think you’re fine. What they don’t see is the many days of torturous pain where you literally find yourself surfing between the sofa and your bed and no matter how many painkillers or relaxation methods you try nothing works. They don’t see your tears, your sadness and your frustration at being able to do nothing. Looking around your home knowing there’s so much to do and yet you can’t do it which then stresses you out and probably adding to the pain. Constantly feeling like you’re letting everyone down because you’re signed off from work again, you can’t catch up with friends and family and most importantly your immediate family, your husband and children. The list goes on. When I’m not in as much pain I find solace in writing poems as I can express how I’m feeling, watching television, love Netflix and reading. This is all escapism for me. It keeps me sane and above all I always have hope. Hope keeps me going.