Fatigue Discrimination

[Nanna B]

I have to share this with you guys.

Yesterday I went to the bank, I was chit-chatting with one of the clerks. We were talking about tv, which shows we like, etc. I mentioned I like to watch Mystery Diagnosis, plus some others. She started to go off on people and how they "say" they are fatigued. Then she said, "oh I'm tired, I'm always tired." Then she started laughing. My jaw hit the ground. No words would come out of my mouth. I felt like I was slapped in the face. She doesn't get it. I soo wanted to tell her. I just thought and prayed that she will never ever have to experience real fatigue.


I had mono in high school and went to the dr. told him I was tired. He said, "you're tired, Ha I'm tired, do you think my nurse is tired?" Real sarcastic. Sometimes it is a fright to even mention it.


p.s. on a serious note, when you are typing do you misspell the words because you think you are hitting the right key, but really aren't?

Have a good day! :)
nan

[Whisper]

Fatigue is one area where I don't think anyone will understand unless they have experienced it.

Yes, people get tired. But the fatigue that we experience is so much more. People think being tired is the same as having fatigue.

I'm sorry you felt 'dismissed'. I too feel that almost everytime I mention fatigue to my inlaws. Or even say how my legs aren't working...my m-i-l has to 'one up' me.

Unfortunately it's a part of life...don't let a bank teller (a person you see only very occasionally) upset you.

I understand completely where you are coming from!

Edited to add: You are much more forgiving than me! I would have wished all kinds of misery upon her! :D

Lorraine:)

[Tootsie]

One thing I learned very quickly, after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia was to say, when asked how I was, "fine," and change the subject! After a while I sometimes said, "cold," which turned into a neutral and safe discussion about the weather, or "wet" if I was in the pool at the gym.

There were always a few people who knew of my aches and pains, that I could confide in, but for the most part, the general population is to be avoided. Life can be difficult enough without asking for all those negative feedbacks and suggestions about your diet, your exercise, your sleep, your mood, etc. Their ignorance is not our responsibility. Cheerio.

[BrokenBladder]

Ahhhh yes the fatigue issue. I used to let people get to me who just plain didn't understand FMS and the fatigue that goes with it. I would use up all of my energy trying to make them "get" it.
Then I figured out that it just isn't worth it or my energy. I hope these people never has to experience what I do on a daily basis because if they think they're tired now oh my that would be horrible.