The 'Fibromyologist'

Or, “You don’t look sick.” I’m sure you can relate to these comments, and ‘m sure you do look good or even great. Facts are, you feel like you haven’t recovered from being run over by a semi on the freeway or a tractor in the field slowly, and repeatedly.

A well intentioned remark, can come off as being dismissive to our plight. We don’t hold it against them though. We smile, and say, “I’m doing okay.” Maybe, you reply with, “I’m alright.” Through a strained half smile.

When I read the words invisible illness last year, a weird kind of relief washed over me, coupled with the emotion of déjà vu. Relief because it meant that others were living through this same intense struggle. Déjà vu washed over me as this isn’t the first time I’ve had an intimate relationship with an invisible illness. I just never thought of it in that perspective. Shining the light on a dark place within me, the invisible, I finally came to a place of reckoning and acceptance. What I suffered from day to day, was in fact a really terrible, invisible illness.

Invisible illnesses are medical conditions that are not distinguishable on the outside to others, including medical professionals. Conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerous (MS), fibromyalgia (FMS), arthritis, lupus or depression.

Have you had to deal with social misunderstanding and skepticism relating to your health condition? Have you had to deal with family who started to think you just became a lazy complainer because you struggle to get to work, or in the shower? I see you, I’m sorry.

Here’s another perspective: my mother Gladys, (who was pretty much the oldest living patient with lupus before she passed on), would tell me when I was a teenager, “When you look good you feel good, and that’s half the battle.” You know what? She’s right. Thank god we look good.

Everyone needs validation at some level. To be seen or acknowledged seems to be metaphysical phenomenon. And while we appreciate that we may look a ton better than we actually feel, we just need you to know we are in a proverbial hell. Too strong? Fight me.

Make your, recovery your new discovery❤️