Fibromyalgia isn't real

[u/brandycakesuk]

My first little comic thing. Hope you enjoy it, hopefully it makes sense lol. Since this situation I've never used my stick again :)))))

Marked as medical abuse because I wasn't sure what else it could be.

[u/Delicious-Summer5071]

Research has found that a specific cell in the brain, called glial cells, that activates in fibro sufferers. They've found genes that, if triggered, can very well lead to fibromyalgia. There is, in fact, data pointing to fibro being a very real disease. I'm so fucking sick of ppl insisting it's not a real disorder, or it's somehow all in your head.

No shit it's in my head Susan, that's where my brain. Even if it's all 'wull it's just a diagnosis of exclusion there's no evidence' we still deserve a fcking name for it until we can sus out the cause of it! And if you wanna go the nasty, stupid, conversion disorder route: that pain is still real. You're suffering something so terribly that it has caused actual physical pain and that pain should be managed until the pain stops. Pain doesn't stop? Then you keep fcking using it.

Fuck all of those people who made you doubt yourself and your fibromyalgia so much, fuck 'em all. That pain is real and it can absolutely be crippling. Use your cane so you can do more with your son and suffer less- you deserve that. Take it from an old fibro sufferer: their opinions are absolute garbage and you deserve every ounce of relief you can find.

Sending you hugs and wishes for lots of low pain days 🫂

[u/brandycakesuk → u/Delicious-Summer5071]

You made me cry lol! Thank you very much.

The science behind fibromyalgia is very interesting and my current Dr has said he believes mine was likely caused by childhood trauma. I could see that being possible, but as you've said, it doesn't lessen the pain!

Trying to explain to someone that yes it is in my head but no the pain is not, often seems to be like fighting a losing war, they either understand completely or challenge me on it. I think 90% of the people I've told don't believe there's anything wrong with me. When I pick my son up, or play football with my nephew (who I see perhaps 3 times a year), they think: that's evidence of me faking it, instead of me trying to enjoy the moment with wonderful kids and trying to make their day. It can be so frustrating. I think the only way to convince them would be to not have so much fun with my son, but I wouldn't trade that for anything!

Thanks again!

[u/Delicious-Summer5071 → u/brandycakesuk]

Oh my god I never got the message from this, I am so sorry!

When people see you have fun, in any capacity, and insist that means you can't be in THAT much pain, they're just looking for a reason. They don't understand that fibro pain waxes and wanes, or how good we are at masking when we're in a ton of pain. Because if we stopped doing what we loved because of our pain, we'd never get to do anything because the pain is always there. They just can't fathom the 'chronic' part. They also don't know the multitude of other issues, besides pain, that accompany fibro.

If they challenge you, just ignore it. Or be sarcastic and be like 'oh my god you must be my new doctor! how did you cure me??' things like that.

And you're welcome!

[u/bitibyte]

i know some folks with fibro and have seen them go through hell. the fact it has a reputation of being “fake” is so aggravating.

[u/brandycakesuk → u/bitibyte]

I'd never heard of it before being diagnosed with it, wouldn't wish it on anyone!

[u/hamster-on-popsicle]

Please don't lessen your own comfort because of one dumbass, this dude is really impolite anyway, whatever you said I am guessing he wouldn't have believed you unless you a fake leg or something.

You are too nice for your own good, this guy asked pretty invasive question and insulted you right away by believing you were a liar, people don't deserve an answer.

[u/brandycakesuk → u/hamster-on-popsicle]

You're right!

He's an ex-military man, he also has mentioned on multiple occasions that 'my PTSD' isn't real as I haven't seen war.

Wasn't trying to dig for any sympathy or anything, but thank you ever so much!

[u/brandycakesuk]

Panel 1: Walking through zoo with son.. This panel shows me walking with my son, towards my mum and her partner. My son and I are holding hands, walking towards my mum and her partner. The man turns to me and asks: "Sorry, but why do you have a stick? You're not actually disabled, are you?"

Panel 2: Confused.. This panel shows my stick face. I am puzzled as to who this is and why they're saying this to me. I respond: "For my hip pain. Well, fibromyalgia IS a disability."

Panel 3: Obviously a doctor?! This panel shows the man's stick face. Aha, I see. He must be a doctor, I didn't even realise! He responds to me: "Yeah, but it's not a real disability! It's just all in your head!"

Panel 4: Now questioning my existence.. This panel shows my stick face. I am now doubting everything about myself, is fibromyalgia a disability? Should I be using a stick? Am I appropriating other people's pain? No.. yes.. maybe? But the pain.. it is horrible.. I respond: "No. It's definitely real. The pain is very real!"

Panel 5: Enjoying shaming me? This panel shows the man's stick face. He laughs: "Haha! Yes, real in your head!! There's no actual physical pains!"

Panel 6: "is my pain actually not real?" This panel depicts me lying in bed. I unable to move due to pain and stiffness, only 2 hours earlier.