comment - mistaken for malingering, when actually ill

[acker]

i notice ny-times copped flak for commenting on cancer survivor - the 'dexter' show actor - he was at the awards night wearing a beanie. the ny-times writer thought it was a fashion choice that he didn't 'get'. it was explained to him and he had to apologise over it.

this is typical of peoples' opinions of others living with cfs/ fibro - invisible debilitating diseases - they can't see the medical condition, so mistakenly think it's something else. e.g. you're lazy, you've just given up, it's in your head, you're whinging, exaggerating, you just don't want to go to the party, etc - other infuriating deductions. and people wonder why we present as self-isolating..!

pissy and... tired!

[concerned621]

I have the MCS too. There are times I am at the pool and the chlorine smell is so bad and my pain gets worse.  How do ever explain that to anyone????? They just look at you like what a princess. I always do my hair, my makeup.  I actually had one guy interupt me when I was telling a trainer the pool was too cold.  This guy said "she doesn't come here to work out, she just comes here to look good." I was so angry if I could have I would have punched him.  I said "not that it's any of your d_____ business but I've had 7 surgeries on my spine and I have fibromyalgia and I ache all the time so if the pool is not warm I will be in pain the next 3 days."  He just looked at me like Wow I had no idea.  
I just wish people would make assumptions all the time.  

I don't watch the show either, I'm sorry to hear that. He is an excellent actor. Enjoyed him on "Six Feet Under"

[acker]

p.s. yes, Michael c. Hall has had treatment for hodgkin's lymphoma. i don't really follow the show.

p.p.s. yup i agree, and on the days i walk so slow i'm almost moving backwards, i just think, 'should've stayed home todayyy...'

take care, cyberfriends!  :)
(i was going to say 'heads high', but it's too much work)

[fibrohurts]

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FurballsMom]

I get all those comments, too.  People don't get it that there are simply physical limitations to what we can do.  I have the added "bonus" of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), and people understand that one even less.

[concerned621]

I saw that. Does the Dexter actor have cancer?

I'm sorry you are tired.  I've been so tired, crabby and in pain. You are not alone. I went to the gym and did my water exercises yesterday, I could hardly walk. People do look at you like "afraid to get your hair wet."  I want to scream and say if you had any idea how bad I felt you wouldn't look at me that way. I went to get out of the pool and this young girl looked at me in shock.  I was walking so slowly.

Oh well I just pray for warmer weather. The cold makes me worse....

Take care.