another invisible condition

If people can't see any physical disability your condition will rarely be taken seriously. You'll hear "... must be putting it on", "... always moaning" ".... it's just their excuse". That's why we've ended up with self help groups. Given up on waiting for friends to call.

[Hidden]

Yes agree 100% and I'm not too bad off in real terms

[Bobby16]

If they could feel it they would see a life of suffering for sure

[DanielleGemma]

The people that are important and worth it will understand! I always have to believe that ♥️

[cespinosa]

You forgot the old "you don't look sick" that's a big one. Chris x

[spzgirl51]

Hello Hidden ,

I completely sympathise with you. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a little over a year ago. Invisible fatigue and random pain is no fun . we look the same we always did but feel robbed of our energy and stamina.

Luckily for me , I have had an obvious physical disability from birth. Believe me, that is no bed of roses either. Complete strangers feel entitled to ask about my complete medical history. ' what's wrong with you them??' Is always a possible question. Sometimes I long to tell them to mind their own business. I would have loved to blend in and be anonymous ; especially as a teenager.

What we need is kindness, tolerance and understanding. People can be very thoughtless and way too quick to criticise.

Here is hoping you meet people who are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. They are the ones who make up for the few morons who can be just painfully nasty.

[hebden in reply to spzgirl51]

Hi spzgirl51. I get that especially in shops. I use crutches to get about and have lost count of the amount of strangers asking what Ive done? "Have you broken your legs"? Or I hear sniggers and comments behind my back. Just plain rude. I suppose at least when you have walking aids you don't get questioning looks about using a blue badge. I still get questioned as to why I can't do things though and not much understanding as to why I want to stay in bed sometimes.

Hugs Joolz.x

[spzgirl51 in reply to hebden]

I get what you are saying. Many people are thoughtless and insensitive, but there are many good people to counter them. Xx

[Cinders1]

I find it hard to be told " you are looking so well" when it's taken all your energy just to leave the house!!! But I have a friend who has just read two books about fibro to help her understand what I am going through. What a friend!! Hubby has also read them and is so supportive, bless him. It made me cry grateful tears to know that I have two people in my life that care so much. Take care x

[Hidden]

So true - 'but you look fine'...

Sometimes people with intractable cancer 'look fine' - particularly in the early stages

People can be very ignorant at times...