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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.
A MyFibroTeam Member asked a question 💭
West Jordan, UT

I know fibromyalgia is different for everyone, but I just got yelled at by a good “friend” that I’m faking my symptoms and how much pain I’m in. She’s also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but insists that I’m milking my symptoms for attention because, and I quote, “I have fibromyalgia and it’s not that bad if you take your meds.”

I’m glad she’s able to manage her fibromyalgia, but my flare-ups take me out for days, if not weeks; I am literally confined to my bed because I can’t move from the… read more

July 3, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around someone whose friend dismissed their severe fibromyalgia symptoms, sharing the painful reality that the condition... Read more

Members rallied around someone whose friend dismissed their severe fibromyalgia symptoms, sharing the painful reality that the condition affects each person differently and can range from manageable discomfort to debilitating pain that confines them to bed for days or weeks. Several members described their own struggles with constant pain levels, mobility issues requiring canes or wheelchairs, numbness, brain fog, chronic fatigue, and the frustrating cycle of medication trials that either don't work or cause serious side effects, with many emphasizing that even those currently managing well should not judge others since symptoms often worsen over time. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of being dismissed or misunderstood, the importance of releasing toxic relationships that add stress to an already exhausting condition, and the power of community support from people who truly understand what it means to live as a fibro warrior.

A MyFibroTeam Member

@A MyFibroTeam Member, I am very sorry you had to endure a dressing down by someone you thought was a friend. Of course, fibromyalgia is experienced to certain levels of severity. When I don't have a flare, I am in some level of pain every day, and I have been very fortunare not to have chronic fatigue syndrome. However, when I do have a flare, which can happen at any time, it will lay me out and I much prefer being in bed.
I also have many other health problems in addition to fibromyalgia. So I take about 15 prescription drugs every day and lots of supplements. I live in a high stress situation and life is challenging. My feeling is that people need to support each other rather than drag them down. I hope your friend apologizes. If she is unwilling to do that, you needn't waste energy on a toxic relationship. God bless you.

July 4, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

Baby girl try D3 50,000 Rite Aid and Magnesium every day, it eases the muscle pain.

July 5, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

First off I’d like to say I’m so sorry you have to deal with such an asshole of a friend! Sorry for swearing but I’m having a really bad day emotionally! It makes me so mad when people judge us but someone with fibro to say something like that???? Please have her read all these answers next time you are together!!! When I first had fibro, it was only bad in the winter and only would put me in bed a few times! Then it started spring, fall and winter and it got worse. Then, omg all year long and sometimes puts me in bed for days yet I’m still thankful I’m not as bad as some! Like someone said, she should be very thankful she doesn’t have it bad YET and she better keep her fingers crossed she doesn’t get it as bad as you! From someone that has fibro, she owes you a HUGE apology and if you don’t get one, bye bye!!!

July 4, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

It is true unfortunately, but toxic relationships can make us feel all that much sicker because of the stress. In some cases, if that relationship is family it makes it so much harder. It's not so easy then to walk away.

July 6, 2018
A MyFibroTeam Member

I have had a similar friend but she was never diagnosed. She makes suggestions like you need to get out more and do things, why don't you go off all of your meds etc. If she is not understanding where you are coming from then release her from your life.
(((hugs)))
Kat

July 6, 2018

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