Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Most Irritating Question or Statement

kimberh
kimberh
Hi All,

Given that FM is often misunderstood by our family, friends, coworkers and even our health care professionals, I am wondering what is the most irritating question or statement any of you have encountered about your condition. Mine was, "You look ok. It can't hurt that much."

Also, please forgive me if this topic has been posted before. I am new here. :)
ashleyjanette
ashleyjanette
It's my husband who has fibro, and I get "I wouldn't let my husband get away with that" or "you're just enabling him when you take care of stuff around the house that he should be doing". As if he's choosing this, and I'm letting him walk all over me. I know when people start saying stuff like that it's time to stop talking to them.
kimberh
kimberh
Thanks everyone for sharing. Goodness...it really seems like we all get the same kind of misunderstanding...especially from the people we are closest to. I'm sure my family means well when they tell me to "push past the pain." My husband is one of those proponents of exercise. I pool-walk at the gym, but he thinks I should try using the exercise bike he bought for me. Not gonna happen Love!

I sometimes wonder about my coworkers' intentions though. I get along with them and all, but sometimes they "throw darts" like, "Oh, you seem to be fine walking without your cane today," or "I saw you walking up those stairs just fine this morning." All said with a smirk. I think to myself, "So me and the other 5M+ people in this country with Fibromyalgia are all just faking it? Is that what you mean?" So far, I've been able to hold my tongue though. ;)
kryslalee
kryslalee
Where does it hurt?
gramybear
gramybear
Never worry about that because there may have been others who have never heard the question or received the answer. I can't stand when they say "Well you look great". Okay, well shall we turn me inside out so you can see that I'm NOT GREAT? I understand your frustration. I shared the "Letter to Normals' with another fellow Fibromite. If you would like a copy too, I will be more than happy to send it to you. Hugs Gramybear