Thank you for posting this. The article in the Bee disturbed me too. I don't tell very many people that I have fibro. If someone asks, I just say I have a muscle disorder. Not sure this is exactly correct, but it will do. I am still newly diagnosed and wavering between knowing to pace myself and going into denial and pushing myself to do the things I used to do. Sometimes I expect to wake up and it will be all over.
When they say fibro is just a bid for attention, that is upsetting. One reason is that I fought tooth and nail for 5 years to overcome anorexia. When I was finally done with treatment, I was extremely relieved. I was glad to be over it. I was glad to be "normal." I was so happy that I didn't have to go see the doctor all the time anymore. Then a year later, I get diagnosed with fibro. Now I am back at the doctor all of the time, etc. This is not what I want. Somebody might see my life and think, "she just cannot get enough attention." I feel relieved that finally a doctor will listen, but is that the same as seeking attention? No.
I also wish the naysayers would get fibro. Let them try to do grocery shopping or clean house or work like we do with the pain. I cannot grocery shop without having to come home and rest. Errands - I can do two or three and by then I am parking in the disabled parking and hobbling on my cane. Whee, what fun. I just love the funny looks and the exhaustion.
Sue