Having a “hidden” illness can be very frustrating. I have Fibromyalgia and it has taken a while for even my family to understand. It is hard for everyone around me because I look “healthy”. They can’t see the pain I am in or the exhaustion I feel on a daily basis. Even my husband took a long time to understand even a little bit how I feel. I can almost handle the daily aches and pains, but for me the exhaustion is the worst. Some days I can’t even get out of bed. My doctor also said I have severe adrenal fatigue and a few other disorders which also compounding the situation. But from the outside I look “normal”. Only a few of my close friends really know what I am going through. The other parents at my girls school must think I am a flake when I sometimes have to cancel volunteering because I am just too exhausted or in too much pain. I do what I can, when I can, but some days it takes everything out of me just to do the regular daily things I need to do for my family. I don’t want pity. It’s not about that. I just wish people could see what is hidden without me having to say something. It would be nice if everyone just understood and was a little more patient with me. There are days when I do feel great and I will be able to give 110% but on those days when I can’t give 10%, I say a silent prayer that those around me will have patience.
The good news is that I started seeing a new primary doctor who has switched some of my medications. I am also eating healthier and using alternative treatments such as essential oils and I am starting to feel some relief. I will keep updating on my health and hopefully one day I will feel “normal”.
For all of those that suffer from a “hidden” illness, you are not alone. To all of you who are healthy, please remember those of us who are not. Be patient with others no matter what you think you know about them. There might be things hidden inside of them that they, too, wish you could see so please be patient and kind to everyone.
Thank you for sharing this with us. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 15 years ago. Most days I do fine but on others, the pain and fatigue are so bad. My family doesn’t understand so I just deal with it. Please share with us about your new treatments and about the essential oils, I’d be very interested. Thanks again.
I am so sorry for what you are going through but I really appreciate your comments. I have 2 posts in the works that I will hopefully post in the next few days and I think both will help you. One is on the essential oils, etc. and the other is an open letter to family members and friends of people with “hidden” disorders. If there is anything you would like me to include in that letter post, please let me know. 🙂