According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, fibromyalgia affects 10 million people just in the USA alone … and 3-6% of the world population overall. Of those people somewhere between 75 to 90 percent are women. Fibromyalgia involves both chronic pain and chronic fatigue, trouble sleeping, and a number of other symptoms including headaches/migraines. Many of us suffer from “brain fog” and are often forgetting things, which is frustrating to no end. There are so many other symptoms that can be involved like rashes and restless legs.
There’s no cure for fibromyalgia. We are treated with drugs that try to affect the individual symptoms, but they generally just take the edge off. At least for me, the pain is never actually gone anymore. Those are just the physical symptoms. It doesn’t cover the trouble with getting through every day life. Simple daily activities are difficult, chores are a major struggle, and a job is often out of the question. Our families, friends, and spouses also have to adjust to the new family dynamic as we spend much more time in bed and are less able to help out around the house.
One of the most frustrating things about this illness though? Hearing someone tell you that it doesn’t exist. We get told that we’re “just lazy,” that we should “stop whining,” or that we’re “looking for attention.” People think that it’s a disease of “bored middle aged women.” Well, let me tell you, we’re not and it isn’t. We are in PAIN. Our pain is REAL.
It isn’t just the general population that needs educating. Many doctors and other health professionals also don’t believe that Fibromyalgia really exists because it is diagnosed entirely based on symptoms and signs versus distinct tests. It’s hard to convince people that you aren’t just making it up when they defer to the opinion and authority of the disbelieving medical profession. This means it’s that much more important to educate everyone about this illness.
I deal with the endless pain, fatigue, fog and numerous other symptoms of this illness EVERY DAY. So do millions of other people, including number of my friends. People have slowly begun to recognize that fibromyalgia is real. Major hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic have now recognized it. Still, we struggle to convince people every day. I hope that together we can educate people to help them understand what we suffer through.