I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU JUST SAID THAT!

In these times of not wanting to offend.

In these times of political correctness.

I thought I'd add a few things

that you shouldn't say to chronic patients.

1. You don't look sick.

No, I don't look sick. If I looked like I felt I'd scare dogs and little children but thanks for telling me that I should look sick if I want to be taken seriously.

2. You should exercise more - you'd feel better.

I guess it would be o.k. if I fell asleep on the treadmill. I especially like it the next day when I can't move any part of my body due to the pain of the glorious exercise I did the day before. I understand that you have to move but you can't overdo it.

3. Everybody gets tired.

Yes, everyone does get tired but not to the point where you fall asleep after being awake for an hour.

4. You just need to have a better attitude.

Gee, I thought I did have a good attitude. If my attitude reflected the pain it might kill you.

5. It can't be that bad.

In the same vein no, it can't be that bad. I'll just take a baseball bat and beat the crap out of you and see how you feel the next day. Live like that for years and then tell me it can't be that bad.

6. I wish I had time to take a nap too.

Yep, I'm just a whining little princess who naps and eats bon-bon's all day and pretends to be sick. Hmmmm.....great idea!!!

7. If you'd just get out more.

I love being locked in my ivory tower. I definitely should get out more. That makes me feel SO much better now. So, what happens? I get out and it takes me a few days to recover.

8. You're just depressed.

Well, what tipped you off to that one? If you live with chronic pain and fatigue don't you think you might get a tad depressed? It's not where I want to live, trust me.

9. Oh come on, just get tough.

If you only knew how tough we really are to function and deal with this illness. Fibromyalgia isn't for sissies.

and my favorite...................

10. It's all in your head.

You're absolutely right. It is all in our heads. It's called a problem with the central nervous system.

Thanks for listening and feel free to add more in the comments!!