Family, Friends and Fibro
Some days, it feels like I am walking in the fog. (c) 2011 LMRNeas In this post, I will be discussing the pros and cons of a silent illness as it appears with family and friends. Since I cannot speak for every person with a silent illness, I am inviting those who also suffer to add their voices to this post by sharing their stories. When we tell our stories, we help ourselves as well as others. ~~~~ I began having arthritis symptoms as a child, after several bouts of what was then called, "scarletina." My knees would become hot, swollen, and enflamed. My hands would ache. However, blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis always came back negative. I remember being told by family members to "stop pretending" that I was sick. As a child, when the adults around you don't believe you, it leaves scars that take years to heal. As I grew older, I would get strep throats so bad that my throat would close. I would be rushed to the hospital for massiv...