Fibromyalgia affects my life in so many tiny ways that people just don't understand.
I can't go to movies because I can't stand to sit that long in one place anymore. I can't even play online games with friends anymore, for the same reason. My thinking is always foggy now, so when I do watch something, I have to rewind and pause frequently, to "register" what I just saw or heard. People can't stand that. Yet, when I turn down their offers to watch together, they get offended.
I can't shower every day anymore, only every other day, because I need a day to rest. Forget shaving my legs- that happens only before doctor appointments now. I can't run to the grocery store when I need something- getting ready hurts and exhausts me. I need time to mentally and physically prepare for outings, even simple grocery store trips. I can't cook every day, and I can no longer host big holiday dinners (because I usually get left in the kitchen, doing everything myself).
I can't clean the entire house in one go, like I used to. I do two or three tasks and have to stop or take a nap. I need help with almost everything that I used to be able to do by myself. Making a bed, stripping a bed, cooking, cleaning, organizing, etc. I'm always exhausted yet at night, I can't sleep, even though my eyes are red, sore, and watery from lack of sleep. I can no longer eat my favorite spicy foods (ulcer) or cheesy foods (lactose intolerant) or lovely bread (gluten allergy). With fibro came a ton of digestive issues.
I'm just feeling really down today because my "friends" just don't understand how difficult my life has become since I got sick. All because I don't LOOK sick. It'd be very different if I was laid up in a hospital bed without hair and with huge black circles under my eyes, or if I was in a wheelchair. Then they'd get it. Then they'd be happy to help.
Maybe I'm a little bitter, but this disease has ruined my life.
