Sufferer.
Every sufferer of chronic illness understands what the other person goes through. Sadly, due to the invisible nature of some illnesses, it is hard for those who aren’t affected, to understand it in the same way.
Apart from physical symptoms, chronic illnesses like endometriosis and fibromyalgia are far more complex than just pain.
The emotional dimensions of these conditions are often overlooked by medical professionals, who put a mental label on the sufferer.
After years of experiencing pelvic pain, eventually becoming widespread, my wife was diagnosed with endometriosis and fibromyalgia.
She has lost her full of vigor and energy old self and had to withdraw from the life she much loved being a full-time dancer. All because of two chronic illnesses she’s never heard of before…
Endometriosis is a multi-factorial disease. Women are at increased risk for a host of other diseases and symptoms.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are common.
Among them are hormonal imbalance, iron deficiency, IBS, acid reflux and heartburn, dietary restriction, even infertility.
Such a burden, along with disabling chronic pain, strongly impacts relationships! To those who don’t sufferer, endometriosis is an alien word.
They can barely spell it, let alone understand what their partner is going through. How do I know that? I was at the same point where you are right now.
Every year people are filled with New Year’s resolutions and promises they can never even keep themselves. It feels like they fail on silly, simple things.
For chronically ill people surviving one day is a full-time job! They can’t afford excuses and put things away for the next week or month. Their battle never ends keeping them constantly on their toes.
They have no choice like you and me, they have to push on no matter what.
Unlike acute illness such as bronchitis or flu, chronic illness doesn’t have an end-point.
Common, invisible symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and even their effects on mood disorders become a more frequent part of your day.
But there is hope in all that madness. The hope is you – the caregiver…
The life of supporter and sufferer of chronic illness is completely different and so this part of the blog; the sufferer is mostly written by my wife.
She focuses on endometriosis, fibromyalgia, pain, and their impact on her mental health.
Chronic illness is a curse. People with chronic pain want their loved ones to empathize with them rather than feel sorry and be sympathetic.
They want to be understood. Sufferers do not want pity, but sadly, understanding is extremely rare.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis can affect women of any age. It’s most common in women in their 30’s and 40’s.
It is a long-term condition that has a significant impact on your life. There are many treatments that can help to ease it. Endometriosis affects 1 out of 10 women… [read more]
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. The main symptoms are pain and tenderness in muscles & joints throughout your body.
This pain shifts from place to place. To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, you will need to experience your pain for at least three to six months… [read more]
Emotional toll
Being diagnosed with a chronic illness leaves you with a long-lasting emotional toll…
Living with chronic pain is debilitating physically and mentally. The toll it takes on your partner’s body affects the ability to cope psychologically and emotionally... [read more]