I put on a brave face and fake smile even when I am in a serious amount of pain because I don't want to be a burden to the people I love. But they always seem to forget that I have this disease and I am constantly feeling the need to push myself beyond limit because I don't want to disappoint anyone. How do I let people know I hurt all the time without feeling so guilty about it?
Very helpful thank you @A MyFibroTeam Member. You're right my family and friends can usually tell, but I do try hard to keep a poker face because I want to be apart of things they want to do. It's something I need to work on, I gotta stop people pleasing so much and take care of me.
People who love you know you're in pain. I mean if they really do love you their heart is open to your struggles and how challenging it is to live with chronic pain.
Most people don't want to be reminded or made aware of health issues. Or worse, they don't want to acknowledge any health issue except in a trivial way. Example, you go to the dentist and people will talk about their experience with a root canal cuz it's rather common.
BUT! If you talk about the problems surrounding fibro! Or any painful disease really, they suddenly change the subject! Or get this look, like, "oh my, this person is sharing their pain with me, and I don't want it". My theory is that most people are nervous with human frailties ... why? Because it could happen to them!
I've found if you feel uncomfortable in a situation with others regarding your health, your limitations, your pain experience the best thing to do is to limit your exposure to that particular situation. Find places and situations that help YOU feel better. And? Hey, it's okay sometimes to be scared. Being braves all the time is a lot of work. Be good to yourself, cry if you need to, do what you can when you're able and learn that it's okay to say NO! ..... hugs 🤗
Definitely a difficult situation, especially around holidays. I tend to find a place away from everyone, where I can sit with my GrandBabies; Tellie Bean and Brewster Lee (2 small dogs). Evenually, family migrate over towards me but it does help to have a place to sit. I know this isn't much help, just what I do. I really hope you find something that helps you. Happy Holidays to you all
I think this is one of our most difficult problems We dont want to be constantly reminding people but you will find the ones that care the most can tell you are not good just by looking at you Good idea to find your happy place and dont feel guilty about having ME time
Thank you all for your answers very helpful and makes me feel like I'm not so alone