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Real members of MyFibroTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Lack Of Understanding Regarding Diagnosis

A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
Devon U.K

How do people cope when a family member does not understand about the effects that fibromyalgia has on you, to the extent that you are being accused of faking it just to get out of work! When you try to sit down and discuss things you get told to 'shut up' or 'I have pain to and have to get on with it'! (Especially as this family member has been told options to treat pain but refuses treatment!)

July 4, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members opened up about the profound isolation and hurt that comes from family and friends who dismiss or mock their fibromyalgia, with... Read more

Members opened up about the profound isolation and hurt that comes from family and friends who dismiss or mock their fibromyalgia, with recurring stories of spouses who compare their pain to the member's chronic condition, siblings who accuse them of faking it for attention or disability checks, and loved ones who refuse to read educational materials or attend doctor appointments to learn about the illness. Several members found relief by distancing themselves from toxic relationships, educating through articles like the Spoon Theory or fibromyalgia books, bringing family to medical appointments, or simply no longer discussing their condition with people who refuse to understand. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy, setting boundaries with unsupportive people, and finding comfort in faith, online communities like this one, and the few family members who truly listen and believe.

A MyFibroTeam Member

My strength comes from my Lord and savior Jesus Christ 🦋

January 18, 2020
A MyFibroTeam Member

I would normally download a list of symptoms and then a page that explains just what Fibro is and how it effects me print it and hand it to them saying if you want to understand what Fibro is then read this if you dont then stop with your comments and judgements.

April 29, 2020
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have a partner of 22 years..and we both have our own place.It works out great for me...I can rest in between visits..I don't have to cook everyday..or laundry..by nature I am a caretaker..so when I lived with him..I could not stop myself from over doing it....and when we do visit..we have more quality time because I am rested..

July 7, 2017
A MyFibroTeam Member

i have dealing with fibro for 9 years now and i do take opioid pain medication and everyone just keeps telling me that the medication is not good for me they think im just addicted to pain meds my sister tells me i should go to rehab 😰
So my question is if i go to rehab is my fibromyalgia going to go away??? They have no idea what I am going thru everyday the pain and the sadness and anxiety Sometimes I wish God would just take me. It’s so hard and really frustrating why they are judging me I don’t drink or smoke or do any drugs. But my pain meds are the only thing that helps me function some what normal
I wonder if there’s anyone that’s going thru what i’am going thru I just want to tell all my fellow friends that I understand what you are going thru and God bless 🙏

June 21, 2023
A MyFibroTeam Member

I don't ask for people's opinions on fibromyalgia, except if they have fibromyalgia. I've only had one person tell me that my doctor was trying to make $$ off telling me I had fibromyalgia. I told her that her doctor lied to her when he said the plastic surgery he did made her look better. We haven't spoken since then...🤣🤣

April 13, 2021

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