As with many chronic illnesses, Fibromyalgia can hit anyone at any time. And the cause is not one easily pointed out beyond theories. Just as it is a difficult condition to diagnose as it does not appear in blood samples or other physical examples.

Why it in many cases can be very difficult to get properly diagnosed or even taken seriously.

I fought tooth and nail with my GP for two years before I could get taken serious enough to see the specialists I needed to finally get diagnosed. And even after that, MY GP continued to refuse to take me serious.

To a point I broke down crying in their office and then literally saying “I know it doesn’t work that way, but when you feel sad like this, just think happy thoughts,” and made it clear they wanted me out of their office.

Luckily I have a new doctor now who actually cares and listen, who takes it serious and openly admit when something is out of their expertise, but understands they don’t need to understand my condition when all I need is my GP’s stamp to be send on to those who knows everything I need.

I’m blessed to live in a place with free healthcare and social support system paid by my taxes. Without the support system I would have been so much worse off today than I am. I get the help I need, the treatments possible, the time without having to worry about job and/or rent. I am blessed and I know it.

Fibromyalgia, or any chronic illness, is a different yet similar story for many people. We each have our struggles and experiences unique to us, while still facing many a things from it that we can all nodding agreeingly to,

This is just my personal experienced condensed down heavily to as few sentences as possible, A life long struggle I will have with me to the end. The hardest part being to just find recognition what was wrong.

Others have struggled less, many many many more struggled much worse and still are.

Be kind and empathetic. Just because it is an illness you can’t see on an x-ray doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. You can never feel another’s physical pain, nor the toll it has on their mind. It is real and many still suffers from not getting the diagnoses they need, to get the help required to make things just a little easier.

I’m just rambling to share my thoughts on this day for awareness on the condition I share with many, yet feels like I suffer with on my own far too often when it’s at its worst.

So send a happy thought to those who needs the support and learn about the illnesses around you, that you cannot see or feel yourself. Understanding and support is the best help to offer.

Happy International Fibromyalgia Day