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!

Vicky

I'm a 28 year old art graduate and animal lover. When I was 15 I became chronically ill with ME and paralytic migraines after receiving a polio vaccine. Nowadays I'm lucky enough to have improved to a point where I can live a relatively normal life. I work part-time running a small sewing business from home, and can even have a bit of a social life if I'm careful.

I tend to keep quiet about my conditions because of the stigma attached to invisible illness. When I go through a bad patch, I cut myself off from the outside world so I don't have to explain anything. I'd love to be better at asking for help when I need it, and to not have to rely on my partner so much.

My proudest achievements are my Art and Design degree and my business. I enjoy knitting, crocheting, reading, watching too much CSI, and drinking too much tea.

Shelley

This picture shows two of my greatest achievements at once.  My son and I, taken on the day I graduated with a Masters in Health Psychology in November 2009.

I have achieved these things, despite having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, ME, Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroidism and Keratoglobus.

I am now a single parent, work part time and enjoy being creative, knitting and trying to raise awareness and do charitable work in my spare time.