Today is #FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay, so join in as I share snippets of this invisible monster. Also, send me your purple selfies to show your support!
#Fibromyalgia is also known as Pain Amplification Syndrome. But, don't go by its name. It's much much more than just pain.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Let's break down the basics of #Fibromyalgia. It's main symptom is wide spread pain. Excruciating, debilitating pain in every part of your body 24*7.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Fibromyalgia has never been easy to diagnose. While currently, there are markers to check, until very recently, it was diagnosed by ruling out other conditions with the same symptoms. There's a lot of false positive and false negative diagnosis.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
As you can see, everyday life with #Fibromialgia can be very difficult. I spent half the day screaming in pain. So much, that two neighbours came to check what's wrong.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Sometimes, the pain can get so bad that even a mere touch can be painful. The fabric of your clothes touching the skin can be painful. The air from the fan touching your skin can be painful.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
The second biggest symptom is the very famous Fibro Fog. You know when your wires get tangled? That happens inside our brains. We forget simple words, can't calculate, speak in a language no one understands, struggle with short term memory.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
This is why I'm struggling to write this thread today. I can't seem to remember anything I had planned. And the pain is at its worst.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Fibromyalgia can also cause cognitive issues, mobility issues, nausea, anxiety, depression and disrupt your everyday life. Once you have Fibro, no two days are ever the same. You can never predict what you're going to wake up feeling.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Fibromyalgia is a very isolating illness. Because we are visual beings, it's very difficult to comprehend something we can't see, much less believe it.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
We lose friends, family gets distanced, relationships break off. It then adds to the depression. Which triggers a fibro flare. It's a never ending cycle.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
How can you help? Read up on the disease. Understand what the person goes through on a daily basis. When someone says they're in pain, believe them.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Fibro makes us cancels almost all plans. Don't stop inviting us. It makes us feel unwanted. Keep us included. Keep our special needs in mind while making plans. Make it inclusive.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Don't mock us. There is no joke on our pain that is funny. Not one. No matter what your intention, it comes across as insensitive.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Do NOT say the following:
- You just have a low pain threshold
- Snap out of it
- Even I have a headache
- You can't be in that much pain, that's not possible
- Have you tried yoga?
- Maybe if you got out more
- Smile more
- Stop complaining
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
- You're so lucky, you get to be in bed all day
- You're just saying this so you can get out of doing chores
- You're just lazy
- Try Homeopathy/Ayurveda/Naturopathy/Faith Healers
- This is karma

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
- You must have done something wrong in your previous life
- Pray. This is because you don't pray
- Stop being so negative

Just DON'T say any of the above!
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Instead, ask them how you can help. Always ask. Just because you want to, doesn't mean they need to accept it. Also, the way you want to help may not be the best they need. It can also have adverse effects. So, ask. Always.
They're not obligated to accept your help. You can't get angry just because they said no.

#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
On good days, let them enjoy. On bad days, let them sleep it through or sulk it through. However close you may be, you do not know what they are feeling. No one except another fibro warrior can understand the level of pain we live with.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
It takes a lot for anyone to come and say "I need help", "I'm spiralling", "I'm lonely" especially when we've spent our whole lives pretending to be strong and fine.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Don't brush it off. Don't ignore it. It's your chance to help. Whether they need an ear, whether they need to vent out the anger they feel, the betrayal they feel by their bodies, whether they need help with work. Give them the help they need.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Remember, a chronic patient is always pretending to be fine. Every day, we wake up, put on a mask, smile and go on with life. At the end of the day, we let our bodies collapse. It's harder than you think.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
So, when someone is complaining about the pain or other symptoms, it's more than they can take. They can no longer pretend to be fine.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Don't give unsolicited advises. We've lived years in pain. We've tried everything possible. I, personally have gone to faith healers as well. That's how desperate we were at one point.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Instead, help them out with physical tasks, those are the most daunting. On bad mental health days, check in on them. Visit them often. Remember, our social lives are non-existent so we need the company. Remind them of their positive qualities.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
This is a life-long battle. So, if you're going to get irritated after a few days, please don't try and form a bond. It hurts.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
Don't mock us when we have a bad fog day. It makes us feel belittled. Unworthy. Useless. Instead, help us with what we're struggling to remember/calculate.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
We do have sex and enjoy it as well. Don't ask us how we can have sex if everything hurts. Sex, in fact, helps with the pain.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
How we have sex is none of your business, unless we're having sex with you. In which case, you should be more sensitive and accomodating.
#FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay
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