When I Was Asked 'Why' I Live With Fibromyalgia

Recently, I accompanied my partner to the chiropractor for her adjustment. Personally, I’ve never had an adjustment. Perhaps I would consider it for myself one day when I can actually afford such things. I find it interesting and learn a lot while I sit in that room. We have casual chit-chat and sometimes the topic turns over to me.

• What is Fibromyalgia?
• What Are Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

A passing comment was made that, “Jess is living with fibromyalgia.” I was quite surprised when the chiropractor responded and said, “Why?” My first reaction was to burst into laughter. “Why do I live with fibromyalgia? Well… that is the question, isn’t it!” I said.

Usually, when other medical professionals have heard about my situation, they say something like, “Oh, that’s a tricky one.” I was left quite surprised and taken aback when I heard, “Why?” I mean, it’s not like I have a choice!

I had so many thoughts running through my mind because it seemed like such an ignorant thing to say. It also got me wondering, am I missing something here? Some miracle cure?

She realized that her comment had left me ultimately confused, and went on to explain that there are treatment options available for things like this.

Although I understood where she was coming from, my fibromyalgia isn’t going to just go away with treatments. No matter what I do, I still have to live with it.

I do have management techniques to help ease my pain, but there’s only so much I can do. When I told her this, she told me about some treatments available at the clinic. My response to this was, “I don’t think I can afford anything like that at this stage.”

Fibromyalgia is expensive. I’m still a student at the moment, so I don’t exactly have room in the budget to pay for such treatments. The most I can do right now is to attend my free sessions of physiotherapy as part of my care plan, where I get five free sessions per year.

When she asked me “why” I live with fibromyalgia, she was actually wondering why I wasn’t doing more to manage it. To put it simply, I just don’t have the money. At this stage, I’m doing everything I can with the time and money I have … and I mean everything.

I went as far as applying for scholarships through my university to help with medical costs. One of the questions that I was required to answer was, “How could you benefit from receiving this scholarship?” To put things simply, I said, “This scholarship would allow me to pay for medical treatments so that I could be more efficient with my studies.”

A few weeks later I received two scholarship offers and accepted them both. I haven’t received the payments just yet, but I know it will help me immensely. Maybe I’ll finally be able to afford new treatments and feel better than ever. I am so grateful for any help I receive, and I’ll take all the help I can get.

There is no miracle cure, and my fibromyalgia is here to stay… but I’ll do everything in my power to manage my pain and keep fighting for my happiness every day.