What It Is Like to Live with an Invisible Illness

Fibromyalgia has a lot of misconceptions attached to it. What do you wish people understood about fibromyalgia?

Total and utter destruction of the life I knew and what I expect to be able to do. A constant ebb and flow of pain, confusion and forgetfulness, constant tiredness. Every day is a fight to achieve something even if it is just to get out of the house or right down to get out of bed. The worst is the way others treat me. Like it is a choice, like I just don't try and how even my sister thinks I am competing for the worst life when all I want is for people to understand what they can't see. It destroys not only your abilities but your relationships. Eventually depression can set in and this, oh, this is the icing on the cake, to have to fight your own brain as well as your body while life falls apart around you.The house becomes a pit and you eventually become a semi hermit to protect yourself and put on a show for everyone when family events mean you have to make an effort - which only makes people think there is nothing wrong with you anyway. Doctors laugh at you or have that deep sigh, not her again, look. You constantly have to prove to the state you are not fit to work and justify your need for help. Where in this is any shred of dignity?

Has any one told you that "you don't look sick?"

Constantly get told how good I look for my age - nice but if I looked how I felt people would be sick at the very sight of me.

Tell us, who is your biggest support system while coping with fibromyalgia?

My dogs. Constant, gentle, loving support and a reason to get up and try to get out of the house. My partner who I could not cope without and is one of the few that gets it.