Why bother telling anyone you have fibro? Just tell people it's arthritis

[Guest guest]

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