ignoranceisnotinnocence

Prime example this week. I called in sick on monday because I was awake for 34ish hours (due to insomnia). Not sleeping also triggers my other conditions like migraines and RA flare ups.
Anyway, this is a prime example of why I always regret telling my coworkers (or anyone) about my insomnia at work. Its so damn frustraing to get responses like these from people when the know i have chronic illnesses

Me: sorry i didnt come in. I was awake for about 34 hours and didnt think it was safe to work.
Coworker: have you tried warm milk with garlic? Works for me every time.
Coworker 2: Lush has this lotion that helps me sleep. It smells so good

NO KAREN. IVE HAD INSOMNIA MY WHOLE LIFE AND NEVER THOUGHT TO TRY WARM MILK BEFORE. AND I CANT TRY THAT LOTION BECAUSE SCENTS TRIGGER MY MIGRAINES BUT COOL, THANKS FOR YOUR MAGICAL MILK AND LOTION CURES THAT'LL CHANGE MY BRAIN CHEMISTRY FOR SURE

#Insomnia #RheumatoidArthritis #frustrations #Migraines #Anxiety #ignorance #ignoranceisnotinnocence #CheckInWithMe #ButYouDontLookSick #Cantgetoutofbed #Cantalwaysplayalong #fakesmile #fakeittillyoumakeit #healthcareworker

It seems to happen everytime I post anything on any of my personal social media pages about chronic pain or chronic illness and it really rubs me the wrong way.

People (and this one woman in particular is very persistent) seem to think that all I need is the one thing they're selling or promoting to get better.

I feel like they dont understand the meaning of the word chronic. I also feel its very ignorant of them to presume that I am not trying to do everything I can to cope.

I really dont know how to respond. My immediate reaction is frustration--however Im a big believer that we all need to be a little kinder and more compassionate even when people dont deserve it.

This one person though keeps implying that this product she sells is a cure all and sends me messages every time I post anything. Her messages basically say that I must not want to get better and that Im just creating or dramatizing my pain without wanting help. Ive tried responding to her politely but she just ignores what I say and repeats that 'when im ready to get better' the solution is there. Its so discouraging.

#ChronicFatigue #selfadvocate #ignoranceisnotinnocence #everyonethinkstheyhavetheanswer #stereotyped #stigmatized #nooneunderstands #Fibro #BrainFog #BrainInjury