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Posted 3/8/2011 1:43 AM (GMT 0)
My best friend call this problem stress related and that is all and psycho-somatic.
Posted 3/8/2011 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
Your friend is ignorant of this illness and perhaps you can educate them.

 

Go into Fibro 101 and print out the link called Doctors Respond to New York Times Article.  It speaks volumes about this illness that is, by the way, recognized by the American Medical Association, the American College of Rheumatology, the World Health Organization, and the National Institute of Health, to name a few. 

 

Also print out the link called A Thorough Explanation of Fibromyalgia and see if these articles will educate your friend.  If not, make the discussion of fibromyalgia "off limits."

 

By the way, stress can make your pain worse but it isn't the cause of the pain.  Right now they think this is a neurological problem dealing with nerve endings and how we interpret our pain.  Our pain is very real and it's not psychosomatic. 

 

Sherrine

Posted 3/8/2011 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
I was very offended by my friend. I have several doctor's and I sometimes use a cane to walk. Sometimes I can't drive or get out of bed, b/c of the ailments. It may seem like a hypochondriac, b/c I get all kinds of illnesses and if someone is sick I get it. I just got through with Prednisone today. I was in the ER on Thurs. I get tired of living this way and wish I too could be normal like people out there that are not sick like my best friend. Normal people don't know what it's like to have to stay in bed or see specialist and be on a cocktail of medication. They say FM is in the Hypothalamus. SLE is in the blood genes. I pray for that the foundation will help us find a cure.
Posted 3/8/2011 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Rebel,

Can I ask you what SLE is?

I can empathize with your problem with your friend - my son has the same attitude. It hurts.

Debbie
Posted 3/8/2011 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
SLE is short for Lupus.

My friend is way off. I see specialist. This is for real. I have lab test to prove it.
Posted 3/8/2011 7:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi~

I sure hope your friend gets some education on fibro and stops hurting you by such thoughtless remarks. Most often, like Sherrine mentioned, ignorance is why people react to fibro the way they do. I'm someone who isn't too likely to speak out at the time someone hurts me, I will just walk away and be silent. For me it's what I have to do, otherwise I might just go ballistic and not return..lol I did learn years ago that it doesn't pay to keep staying around people who bring you down. If a friend continues to hurt you that's not my definition of a true friend. (I'm not talking about the accidental comments that come from not knowing or understanding.) But if your friend refuses to understand and tells you that 'it's all in your head' maybe it's time to use that smart brain of yours and hang out with new people. I finally did and it's given me a life again.

Keep in touch, ok?
Chutz
Posted 3/8/2011 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hello!  I know that it may have been posted in here already, but the links at the top of the forum that says Fibro 101 has a link to butyoudontlooksick.com and explains a good way of explaining lupus and fibro by extension.  I have an old elementary school teacher who has fibro and other illnesses that helps me.  She's said to just tell them I have pain and that I can't go out today or not for that long.  If they can't accept that then they aren't going to be much help to you to get thru the days with those illnesses.  My husband is the best thing that has happened to me since this started when I was 16 (I was diagnosed at 22 and am now 25).  He has seen me with this illness since high school and is smart enough to understand and be patient.  He's seen my face when I've been in genuine pain.  If you can find someone who is understanding then you are on the way to feeling a bit better and comfort.  Otherwise Sherrine is also right.  Just make it off limits with them and then develop fibro friends so you get the best of both worlds.  Remember you have an obligition to yourself and body.  You don't have time and engery for crap.  Life is too short.  Hope this helps!

Arianna

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