So maybe Fibro has variable visibility? We have “fibro fog”, so why not go with the weather analogy? After all, that damn weather – humidity and the barometric pressure – rules our lives.
Variable visibility: "You don't look sick." "You sound like you are doing better." "You look good today." Thank you. We are glad we do not look like we should be wearing sackcloth and ashes. We are glad we don't look like death warmed over. That's good, thank you.
But could you observe for a moment? Could you see the pain and apprehension in our eyes as we slowly sit down? Could you see us wince as we squirm in the chair to try and get comfortable? Could you hear and see the sigh, the slump of our shoulders, and the sigh of relief, as we finally do get off of our feet?
Visibility: So, could it possibly be: "You don't look sick. I don't know how you do it when you feel so bad." "You sound like you are doing better. I hope that means you have found something to help with your pain." "You look good today. I hope that means you are having a good day."
If you could work with us a little, maybe we could be visible all of the time. Maybe you could understand that this is it. This is us. This is the way it is going to be. We have fibro/CFS/ or any one of the many other chronic diseases that suck the life right out of us.
Here we are. We don't like it, but we are trying to manage as best we can. Can you please see us? The person you have known is still in here--I hope--somewhere in here underneath the pain and fatigue. Please see us and accept us as we are now. Maybe if you do maybe, just maybe, we can accept us, too. Maybe, just maybe we can find ourselves again. Even with the pain and fatigue.
Later,
me
CJ, in time -- maybe, just maybe...
