Many MyFibroTeam members keep their fibromyalgia symptoms a secret. Members talk about hiding fatigue, body aches, brain fog, and other symptoms of this largely misunderstood disorder. “I don’t go into detail because most [people] wouldn't understand 😳🙄,” lamented one woman. “I just stay quiet, there’s no use getting into arguments anymore!” said another in response to hurtful comments by her spouse. One woman tells people: “I have chronic pain. That gets a better reaction.”

The physical, mental, and emotional impact of fibro has challenged many members’ marriages, friendships, and even employment relationships. One woman went on disability after working 38 years as a nurse because "I was too ashamed to admit fibro was the reason for my condition.” Another, who lost her job because of fibro symptoms, wrote: “I don’t mention it to any [potential new] employer, that’s for sure.”

MyFibroTeam members share advice for the times you do want to discuss how fibromyalgia impacts your life. One member shared her comeback to insensitive questions: “No, I don’t have the flu, what part of chronic and debilitating don’t you get after 10 years? I’m in too much pain to educate people who don’t want to know.” Another member offered the following advice for helping famiy understand: “Do the best you can, maybe provide reading on fibro to help family members understand. And when all else fails, a dirty Bloody Mary with olives is pretty good! Keep your head up!”

On MyFibroTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with fibromyalgia, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Hiding fibro symptoms is one of the top 10 topics most discussed.

Here are a few question-and-answer threads about hiding symptoms:

• How do you cope when a family member does not understand and accuses you of faking it?

• Do you get sudden pains like someone is sticking a pin in you?

• Do you hide your pain or hide the fact that they have fibromyalgia?

Here are some conversations about hiding symptoms:

• I’m tired of pretending I’m okay when I’m not...

• I have to pretend to be alright at work when all I want to do is curl up in front of the TV, munch on some popcorn, and relax.

• I'm mad that I am unable to function as I used to. I try desperately to put on a smile and pretend that all is well.

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MyFibroTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.