Fibromyalgia, The Invisible Disease

“It’s all in your head”, “they’re faking it for benefits”,“you’re just unfit”.

These are just a few of the things people say when they hear the medical term ‘fibromyalgia’ being used, but those with the disease know the truth.

A condition that can leave victims bed-bound, exhausted, and fatigued after just 10 minutes of a minor house-hold task, like ironing. Small tasks slowly become agonising chores that can’t be eased.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term medical condition that causes pain all over the body.

Unlike some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid, fibromyalgia can’t be tested for, and that is the reason for its controversial connotations.

Could a person perhaps fake joint pain and chronic fatigue? Of course they could. It’s because of the people that fake the illness that takes away the true awareness and support for those with it.

A lot of people with fibromyalgia are unable to work, socialise or enjoy life at all.

The treatments for this disease are simply anti-inflammatories and counselling. Or in other words, there isn’t much anyone can do for you.

It’s not just pain either. ‘Fibro-fog’ is a common symptom of fibromyalgia, which causes cognitive problems for those with it. This could mean having a poor memory function, concentration issues or muddling your words up. All things which seem small but can be extremely frustrating when dealing with it every single day.

I often see people on Twitter sharing their experiences with this illness in the workplace. One woman told her boss she was unable to lift heavy equipment on that one day due to her chronic pain being worse than usual. Her boss angrily claimed she was mentally ill and had to do her job.

‘Man up’ is another phrase often used.

Fibromyalgia Action UK is a charity which helps raise money to support those with the illness and raise awareness. You can follow them on Twitter @fmauk.

Remember, not all illnesses are visible.