They definitely don't. I sure didn't until I got it. I don't think they CAN

only u no your body dont listen to others they dont have it s cant understand. love lisa

The worst is when they accuse you or treat you like a drug addict

If I hear one more time "Oh you just have to (fill in blank)" I will freaking pop. I mean BOOM. Till you live it, you can't get it, I guess. Sucks, but there it is. So yeah, they don't, and FM is so poorly understood even by docs it's a real fight....

Hugs!

ooh yes... Exactly what Leo said. I have decided that a lot of ppl don't need to be in my life. I don't spend a lot of time with family due to this and if you're my friend, you're one of those ppl with empathy OR knows how to keep your trap closed... It is hard.

Some days I wish so bad that there was a blood test or something to make fibro make more sense... It is what it is and I have been reassured on this site that I am NOT nuts :D

Yep they sure don't! It sure is disappointing

Sadly enough even my own family doesn't get it. My son who is of high intelligence. (he is currently pulling a double major of physics and chemistry) thinks if I just eat healthy and exercise, I won't hurt anymore and won't have the need for any medicine! Hmmm, wouldn't that he nice if it worked that way. Then husband who sadly enough is my biggest disappointment. I honestly thought at first that he got it, or at least was sympathetic. However that was very short lived. He has actually told me it makes him mad if he wants to go somewhere and I don't want to go b/c I don't "feel good". I was very hurt by that. I feel as though I cannot tell him how I am feeling on any given day b/c he simply does NOT want to hear about it! He NEVER asks either. Most times doesn't even ask how my doctor appointments go. I am trying not to let this get to me, but honestly it does! FM effects every aspect of our lives and it amazes and saddens me esp when those closest to us are not seemingly caring and supportive. I am still hopeful that with time, they will.

Take Care, Dawn

My daughter is 23 and I've been sick about the whole time she was in school from about first grade. I didn't know I had Fibromyalgia until her late teens. She's so tired of hearing me say how tired I am that she kind of zones out when I say it. She wishes she'd had a normal mom. I was a single mom so it was hard for me to do things with her, but I tried my hardest. My mom will watch shows on TV and hear people talk about how I feel, and I tell her that's exactly how I feel, so I'm glad she "gets it." I wish my daughter did, but she's out on her own and living her own life. I know she cares about me and loves me, so that's a comfort. She doesn't understand what I'm going through though.

I guess our families are more disappointed that we're not able to do/be what they wish. My dtr. mimics me, and I don't know if she really is tired or it's the heavy tranks she takes. Won't see another dr.

I am so sad today that I missed a lovely wedding this week. It was called for 5pm, and I had planned to go, but by 4pm I was back in bed. No way I could stand the drive, the walking, the people. So sorry to miss a joyous occasion. But that's fibro, sucks the fun right out of our lives.

My husband knew how much I wanted to go to the wedding. He commiserates with my poor health, and knows it's against my will!

I suppose it is hard for people to get (understand) this illness, but that does not excuse a lack of compassion, in my book, nor does it give people a right to judge. I'm fortunate to be surrounded by supportive people that either do understand or at least try to understand it, but I've experienced rude comments from the medical field a few times.

Personally, I've made it a point to educate people that I know. I think it's important to have a support system, as with any illness, though sadly, we cannot control how others will choose to perceive this. It is very sad for those that have family that won't even try to understand, which is another great thing about belonging to a wonderful group of friends here who are supportive and who understand, here at ds!

I can relate to you all but the most with the comments that Dawn made, My husband doesn't respond when I'v told him I'v had a bad day or that i am hurting. I asked him did he just not care and he said thats all I ever hear so.... He also gets irritated cause I don't always feel like doing things and heaven forbid if he were to go do something by himself.

I totally agree with you guys, yesterday I saw a speicalist we out right told me he new nothing about fibro , and suggested lyrica cause it sounded good on tv or gabepentine. That is a pretty pathetic world we live in . what year is it. It seems like it is no better than 1970"s. what has to happen to change the medical professions. isabee

I with you all on this.
I think some people suffer from 'compassion burnout'. They get as sick of this disease as we do. I believe my husband used to be more compassionate towards me but lately I feel that he's joined the ranks of people who are disappointed that I did not get better but actually got worse. I notice he tends to blame me instead of being on my side so I have shut down and do not talk about personal things with him anymore. Very sad. I'm going into a shell like a turtle. It's becoming less safe to come out.
Now I am just out to protect myself from any potential abuse from the toxic disappointment, anger, whatever in the environments. Yikes, sad commentary.

Loneliness is the worst symptom of FM. It should be included in all lists of FM symptoms.

I've given up expecting normals to understand. I sure didn't get it before it became my life.

I agree totally. I think my family dismisses my condition and just thinks I am "lazy". This just adds to my depression I think. I am fortunate though to have pretty good friends. I go to an athritis swim class at the ymca and there are a few that have FM in the class. I talk to them about both our symptoms and it really makes me feel better. Besides the excercise the swim class helps my depression and overall well-being just knowig there are others that suffer. Thanks to all your comments on this subject. It really helps and helps me understand. THANKS!!