Y'all have seen me step outside of my comfort zone so now I'm going to ask you to step out of yours. I know a lot of people with chronic pain who keep it a secret. They are afraid to be open about it because of the negative response they have received or the negative response that they are afraid they will receive. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there who are ignorant about hidden illnesses. And then you have the jerks who just plain refuse to believe in them--as though I've said I'm the Easter Bunny instead of having fibro. To them I give a giant raspberry. But that's not my focus here.
My challenge to you as a FibroMIGHT or other chronic pain warrior is to take an opportunity to let someone random know about your pain. Maybe you get to chatting with someone in line somewhere or meet someone new at bunco. I'm not saying to blurt it out awkwardly, but to include it if the conversation warrants. I have had several amazing experiences with people lately because I was open about my pain. I got the chance to enlighten a few non-pain people to the world of hidden illness and the support and encouragement that I received in return was like a big hug. And then there's the other thing that happened...I found other pain warriors and we shared our stories. (Cue the sappy music.) I met a woman with RA last weekend who had some great info that has already made a difference for me! She suggested upping my magnesium dosing to help with my anxiety and depression. I had no clue that it was good for that so I doubled my dose and I am now only taking half a dose of my antidepressant, with the intention of weaning off of it entirely. I would not have found this path without that lovely woman.
I know you've been burned before. I know you've endured nasty looks and snide comments. All I'm asking is that you try it once over the next week. Be open and see what happens. I'm not going to promise miracles. I am only saying to give it a try and hope for the best. You never know when you'll meet someone whose words of support or personal insight will make a difference for you. You might even end up being the one who makes a difference for someone. Maybe you run into someone who is trying to support a newly-diagnosed loved one and struggling. Maybe hearing your advice/experience/struggle is the connection that someone needs to know he or she is not alone, or that there's always a bit of sunshine in the rain.
I don't know if you've noticed, but fibro doesn't pop up on the news often or show up as a plot line in tv shows. Fibro is still lurking in the shadows and fighting long-held stigmas. It is not "a woman thing" or "all in my head" or "a catch-all diagnosis." The origins and cause may still be unknown but the best way to learn about something is to ask questions and to share information. I've made it my mission to help spread understanding about my illness/disease/whatever the heck they're calling it this week. Will you join me?
