A Good Day With Fibromyalgia Doesn't Mean I'm Cured
Many of us with fibromyalgia have “good days,” the idea of which can confuse people who don’t understand chronic illness. Having a good day does not mean I’ve been cured of fibromyalgia. My version of a good day is not the same as a healthy person’s version of a good day. I completely understand how people can get confused and why I often hear statements such as: “You don’t look ill,” “You look the like the picture of health”and “Are you better now?”
- What is Fibromyalgia?
- What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?
Some people find comments like these upsetting, because they feel like an insult. I take it as a compliment. I love the fact that I can post a photo on social media and feel like “old Ness” again. Often that photo is taken at the start of a good day. I get loads of likes, compliments and confidence boosts. It doesn’t matter to me that by lunch time I am back in my pajamas and on the couch or in bed, exhausted. I have had that little boost and it raises my spirits.
A good day doesn’t have to vary much from my usual routine. I can still spend the day crocheting; however, I am in less pain. My chronic fatigue never falters, that is the same every day. But on a good day, I will fall asleep with remnants of red lipstick on. On a bad day there is no red lipstick as I can’t even manage a wash let alone my war paint!
A good day means:
- I feel more balanced.
- I enjoy my food.
- I laugh more.
- I can walk up the stairs a bit faster and with fewer sound effects.
- I smile more with a boost of self confidence.
- I will manage a small job in the house that has been on my list. (This could be folding clothes in the laundry basket or simple jobs.)
- I may have makeup on for the school run in the morning.
- I will be able to post something on social media about it being a good day.
A good day doesn’t mean I am cured. I am still in pain and exhausted by chronic fatigue, but it is at a balanced level that feels better and so I am grateful.
On special occasions I can “Tramadol up,” allowing me to go out, but the fall afterward is harsh. Taking strong pain relief to mask the pain always results in a flare. I usually only do this for events for my children. It is worth the pain, they are my world!
If you have a loved one with Fibromyalgia, please do not spoil their good days by assuming they are cured. Having a chronic illness means we don’t get cured. Some people can go into remission and become symptom-free, but remission doesn’t always last forever.
We try our best to find balance in our day, and some days are a little easier than others. That’s a good day.
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Photo via Thinkstock.
Meet Ness ! Formerly known as the voice behind The Girl With Five Lads, a British chronic illness lifestyle blog, Ness now channels her passion into advocating for crochet as a therapeutic tool to aid in relaxation for those with chronic illnesses. A now non-practising holistic therapist and a proud member of the Professional Federation of Holistic Therapists (MFHT). Vanessa has also contributed her writing talents to various magazines within the tattoo industry. As a mother to five wonderful sons, Vanessa loves red lipstick, tea, and cake, and is known for her radiant smile. She began her blogging journey to share her own experiences with chronic illness, aiming to help others, raise awareness, and connect with fellow sufferers. Although she can no longer practice as a complementary therapist due to her own health challenges, Vanessa remains dedicated to spreading positivity and guiding others toward happiness. She firmly believes that everyone has the potential to shine and enjoys helping people discover their own paths to joy and fulfilment.
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