Monique - "I try to stay home as much as possible so that I don't have to deal with peoples judgement"

My name is Monique and I have Fibromyalgia, migraines and Chronic depression. I am a 27 yr old SAHM homeschooling my autistic son. I try to stay home as much as possible so that I don't have to deal with peoples judgement and assumptions when I walk out of the car in a disability parking spot or use a stores electric carts to prevent causing more pain than I need to. My husband is always getting mad at me because I let people get to me and try to go without assistance or pain meds and end up worse off and with a terrible flare the next few days. I started having symptoms of chronic depression when I started puberty, and my Fibromyalgia symptoms started after the birth of my son nearly 6 years ago, we are still trying to find a good medicine combo to help my pain levels.

I worry I am not giving my son the mom he deserves, and I fear for him because he lives with an invisible disability of his own (PDD_NOS).

Sally

Sally wrote:

"Hiya

I have ME, migraines, asthma, depression and actually going for a Hospital appointment this morning as my OT thinks I may be bi-polar.

I've attached 2 photos of me on my wedding day, one before make-up and the other after. I don't mind which you use but I do look healthier in the after photo, make-up artist worked a miracle!

Cheers and hope you're as well as possible

Sally xxxx"


While I've only used one picture in previous posts, Sally makes a brilliant point - that often those of us with chronic illness only show our very best side.  So for that reason, I felt this was an excellent opportunity to show both sides, and how much effort many of us take to conceal our conditions.

And I think you're a beautiful bride with or without make-up, Sally!