You only have one body, you might as well learn to get along
Today, May 12th, is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.
Guess who’s in the video :)
(Source: fibrosupport)
People say that diseases shouldn’t “change you as a person,” but they do. And not in a bad way, although it’s done that for me too. But it really does change you, it changes the way you think, it changes every tiny decision you make. It changes the way you see other people and the world. But…
![chronicillnesscat:
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat.Text reads: “So, what do you do?” Please god anything but this question]
I know people are just trying to get to know you, which is why it’s so hard to dodge this extremely simple conversation starter. But being asked “Where do you work?” or “Where do you go to school?” when you can’t do either leaves you kind of stumbling for an answer, especially if your illness(es) are completely invisible. It’s so hard to explain and really kind of a mood killer, plus who wants to share their health information with a stranger, even a friendly one? Of course, that could just be the “oh my god they’re judging me” anxiety acting up every time I hear it…
It’s not exactly that question, but I can connect to that awful feeling when you’re trying to dodge questions, but it just doesn’t work. They always think it’s ok to ask you questions, because, OF COURSE, the answer will be nothing serious. But then, if you’re being honest at last, it’s the ultimate conversation/mood killer.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2e745QDXt1qi36g3o1_400.jpg)
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat.Text reads: “So, what do you do?” Please god anything but this question]
I know people are just trying to get to know you, which is why it’s so hard to dodge this extremely simple conversation starter. But being asked “Where do you work?” or “Where do you go to school?” when you can’t do either leaves you kind of stumbling for an answer, especially if your illness(es) are completely invisible. It’s so hard to explain and really kind of a mood killer, plus who wants to share their health information with a stranger, even a friendly one? Of course, that could just be the “oh my god they’re judging me” anxiety acting up every time I hear it…
It’s not exactly that question, but I can connect to that awful feeling when you’re trying to dodge questions, but it just doesn’t work. They always think it’s ok to ask you questions, because, OF COURSE, the answer will be nothing serious. But then, if you’re being honest at last, it’s the ultimate conversation/mood killer.
![chronicillnesscat:
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat.Text reads: “Have trouble talking because of fibro-fog” - “Friend thinks it’s because I’m shy”]
I had this conversation with a friend the other day, about the fact that I’m actually pretty shy (if you don’t know me). She said she could tell by the fact that I sometimes “stutter” (the usual fibro-fog kind). I told her it’s because of my illness, but I’m not quite sure she understood.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m1n4khms7m1qi36g3o1_400.jpg)
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat.Text reads: “Have trouble talking because of fibro-fog” - “Friend thinks it’s because I’m shy”]
I had this conversation with a friend the other day, about the fact that I’m actually pretty shy (if you don’t know me). She said she could tell by the fact that I sometimes “stutter” (the usual fibro-fog kind). I told her it’s because of my illness, but I’m not quite sure she understood.
Hope you like it!
EDIT: Hope the link works now…
http://www.facebook.com/groups/336641633051661/
I think about making a Facebook group for (rather young) people with chronic illnesses like fibro.
The idea is that we all know those days when you want to rant or talk to someone about all those difficulties, but on tumblr it is hard to answer and interact without spamming and the ask/submission section isn’t that handy.
I’ve been on other FB-pages and groups, but to be honest, a lot of the people there are a lot older than myself.
I wouldn’t “ban” people who are older, if they feel like they belong there, they’re welcome as well, it’s just that I want to focus on people like I find here on tumblr…
What do you say? Feel free to answer or contact me via my ask ^^
![chronicillnesscat:
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads: “Limping far behind main group - What is this, a nature documentary?”]
You guys, if I get eaten by wolves I am going to be so mad at you.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lxfjri92et1qi36g3o1_400.jpg)
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads: “Limping far behind main group - What is this, a nature documentary?”]
You guys, if I get eaten by wolves I am going to be so mad at you.
![chronicillnesscat:
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads: “Go to pick up medicine for memory - forget what it’s called.”]
The doctors constantly ask me a million questions about things when clearly, my records say I have horrible memory.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0lqncF4c61qi36g3o1_400.jpg)
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads: “Go to pick up medicine for memory - forget what it’s called.”]
The doctors constantly ask me a million questions about things when clearly, my records say I have horrible memory.
this is the walking stick i have ordered which should arrive on Saturday (fingers crossed). i am still not 100% comfortable with the idea of having to carry it around with me and using it in public it seems weird to me only being 19 that a walking stick is going to be necessary to just walk more than 15minutes.
i can’t come to terms with it, that i’ve brought a walking stick. The idea of using it still upsets me and makes me embarrassed .
I know exactly how you feel. I’m still not used to the questions. Before, people might have noticed I walk funny, or limp, or don’t look to well, but never minded asking. A walking stick seems like an invitation: “hey, what happend??” well, actually nothing happend, just me, being the same like pretty much always. I wish I didn’t have to explain it. I wish it was as easy as “I broke my leg”.
On the other side, walking with a stick wasn’t as bad as I imagined. I’m still not super comfortable with it, but I’m not as afraid as I was before. When I need it, I use it. Sometimes I still hide it (the stick) but it depends.
BTW, that’s such a nice stick you have! Mine is just plain black. Still want to decorate it though!
personal rant/whiny post ahead
- January 28
- , 2012
![chronicillnesscat:
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads quote from Kung Fu Panda 2: “Ah my old enemy…. STAIRS”]
Evey.fucking.time.
(my department is ALWAYS on the 4th/5th floor, and I have to go up there every morning.)
#fibromyalgia #fms #cfs](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly3jztcM6k1qi36g3o1_400.jpg)
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads quote from Kung Fu Panda 2: “Ah my old enemy…. STAIRS”]
Evey.fucking.time.
(my department is ALWAYS on the 4th/5th floor, and I have to go up there every morning.)
#fibromyalgia #fms #cfs
![chronicillnesscat:
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads: “Have a bad case of Fibro Fog. Convince yourself it’s the Silence.”]
For all the Doctor Who fans out there :)
Haha, already told this one to my friends the other day.
I find this very convincing!](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ly36fahZKP1qi36g3o1_400.jpg)
[Image: 6-piece blue colored background with a Siamese cat with blue eyes. Text reads: “Have a bad case of Fibro Fog. Convince yourself it’s the Silence.”]
For all the Doctor Who fans out there :)
Haha, already told this one to my friends the other day.
I find this very convincing!
I’m asking myself this constantly.
I mean, I can’t hide that I’m sick, I can’t hide that I sometimes feel like shit and I sure can’t hide that I’m not abled to do, what others do.
Since my latest “flare” (fibro’s been pretty silent for about 2 years and is now showing up again), I see how many of my friends forgot or even never knew that I’m sick.
I constantly feel the urge to excuse myself for my behaviour/for not being abled to do certain things. And I actually just don’t want to!
It’s just that a lot of my “friends” just don’t seem to inform themselves. It’s a bit like they don’t take it too seriously, that’s why they don’t need to.
But then, instead of showing them what my life is really about, it just looks like I’m exaggerating things. And that’s not what I want…
I fear some of them might think I’m just constantly crying for pity, but actually I HATE being pitied. But I also hate being treated like I just act like a whiny pussy. Cause I’m not.
It’s this kind of dilemma I just can’t think a way out of.
Maybe I just forget the one’s that don’t get it. They can kiss my ass.
I’m sick of having “friends” I can’t talk to or who do not talk to me. I don’t need anybody in my life who doesn’t think I’m important, or who I regard as important.
I don’t have the energy to make people like me. You like me, or you don’t. if you don’t, just jog on!
