Guest guest Posted April 9, 2008 Report Share Posted April 9, 2008 I agree with you. It is much simpler and the explanation is more believable. However, I just think that for me I would rather tell them about fibromyalgia even if I get a blank stare or silence. My reason? Because I am tired of the majority of the population thinking fibro is a simple little illness that is curable with a pill called Lyrica, and I am tired of the disbelief. If some of us keep telling people and get the word out there, the more recognizable this illness will be. I really don't care that much if they believe me or not, but I am going to try to educate them IF they will listen. But I don't blame you a bit. It does get tiring having people doubt you. It is just aggravaing after a while to try to explain this crap. And You do have arthritis, so you are telling the truth. love and hugs, Debra V. jeribelle2000 girlsaylor@...> wrote: With the recent thread about people's reactions to our fibro, I thought what I do would maybe help someone else. I do not tell anybody I have fibro. When asked why I'm limping, hanging onto something, whatever, I'll just casually say, oh, it's my arthritis. It seems to be totally accepted, as arthritis has become such a commonly-known malady, the responses are usually something like, oh my grandma was terribly arthritic. Or maybe I'll hear, there was this person, so-and-so, who had that bad arthritis, and used a cane sometimes. It just seems to be a much more socially acceptable malady. And I am telling the truth, as I DO have arthritis. But I can sometimes get a bit more of a break for being less active than others my age. And, because arthritis is so common, I don't have to explain over and over the discomfort. I mean, sheesh, life is for the living, and I'm going to do all I can while I'm here! Don't want or need a pity party. I could certainly have done without the fibro, the arthritis, GERD, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, diverticulosis, hypothyroid, hip replacement, ad nauseum. But people don't want to hear about it, off a list like this. Others are busy living, and I feel best when I'm joining in the business of living also! Just some food for thought. I know we all have bad days, but some are less 'bad' than others, and certainly worth cherishing! Girlsaylor __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 9, 2008 Report Share Posted April 9, 2008 Arthritis is one of the, " I can see it therefore it exists " diseases. Fibromyalgia cannot be readily seen, not by sight, x-ray, or other means of examination. It is not the responsibility or task of the Fibromyalgia sufferer to -prove- to anyone, the existance of the disorder. Arthritis is well known and well documented, Fibromyalgia is not. This lack of general knowledge can be corrected, and should be. Fibromyalgia -is- a recognised disease: Fibromylagia is a recognised DISEASE by the WHO in 1992 and classified under the ICD-10 ( International Classification of Disease) with the code M-709. Copenhagens definition of 1993 says: Fibromaylgia is a painful widespread condition not articulated, that concerns predominantly the muscular zones and presents an exagerated sensibility in multiple predefined points. Fibromyalgia has been recognised since 1994 in the International Association for the study for pain (IASP) and is classified with the code x33 x8a. People's disbelief because they can not see the disorder does not in any way make the disorder invalid. People belief that the wind exists, they can't see it but they can feel it. The same principle exists with Fibromyalgia, you can't see it but -we- feel it. Try that logic on anyone that doubts the existance of Fibromyalgia and see what kind of reaction you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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