havin an invisible illness is not good, - Fibromyalgia Acti...

Fibromyalgia Action UK

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havin an invisible illness is not good,

sandycat profile image
11 Replies

i have had fibro now for 12 months, its getting worse, i have been told by hospital that i need to use a walking stick all the time as my balance not too good also i have osteoarthritis in my knee, i know this is silly but i am embarrassed to use it as fibro is not a visable illness, i know people will think i have nothing wrong, i take so many tablets, i have trouble sleeping, get very tired, x

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sandycat
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11 Replies
pixieh profile image
pixieh

I have recently been diagnosed with Osteoarthritis on top of everything else. Like you had to start using a walking stick. Still feel self-conscious but not embarrassed any more. Just think of it as an aid and as part of the new you. And give it a name! It's not easy but you will find it will get easier given time. Good luck.

hamble99b profile image
hamble99b

get a jazzy one or decorate what you have. Stand proud and use your stick! I have crutches and would love a pair of red ones that some OT's/physios give out. my Mum used to say "if you've gotta wear a hat, wear a biggun!" a lot of people use stickers to brighten their sticks, I've got smiley faces on my crutches.

regards,

sandra.

goldwing profile image
goldwing

I used to feel the same, but after falling over and slipping a few times, I realised I had to use a stick, now I use crutches and people are used to seeing me with them now, and open doors and help me. My best friend also has crutches we look a right pair when we are out, she has put coloured stick on diamontes on hers. Just do it once and then it gets easier. Good luck x

I feel the same honey i struggle to use my stick, i started at 31 and at 33 i still get embarrased but slowly i think sod it i know i'm not faking it.

Rachie xx

pottydog profile image
pottydog

Diabetes is invisible too but it's real none the less. I agree with the others, get decorating, maybe with bells and whistles:)

Extremelygrumpy profile image
Extremelygrumpy

I have sparkly walking sticks... A) I don't lose them...B) people notice them... I have fibro ibs chostochondritis and osteoarthritis ... Am only in my 40s ... When people as what's wrong with me I say arthritis .... Everyone says ... Ooh poor you and make me take the seats on the bus when I get out at the front.... I am sure if I said fibro. I,d get trampled on and get knocked to the back of the queue... I know it doesn't help awareness of our situation, but I have adapted sneakily to using the one illness I have everyone understands to my best advantage

VG x

bbfreak profile image
bbfreak

Ditto, my balance not at all good, plus arthritic toes and knees, without my stick I would be stuck at home, so bit the bullet and use it all the time now. It is hard to get used to, but now I feel strange without it! If it gives you more freedom and confidence then it's worth it. X

gailyg73 profile image
gailyg73

You only have to do a couple of times before you feel less self concious, I promise you I was the same at 36 and if I plan to go to the trafford centre they hire free of charge electric scooters ! no onelooked at me twice so the initial embarrassment didn't last long. Hold your head high you've nothing to be ashamed of xxx

sandycat profile image
sandycat in reply to gailyg73

thank you gailyg, i am going to give it a go and use my walking stick, i just dont like people judging when they have no idea whats wrong, xx

sandycat profile image
sandycat

thank u everyone for your lovely help, its nice to chat to people on here as your all goin through the same, i am gonna have to try and use my walking stick and try not to think people are judging me, x

bbstport profile image
bbstport

i use a walking stick as well - i actually have to but 99 per cent of the time i only use one i have had them for about 8 weeks now and i actually do feel lost without it

use your stick it will help x

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