National fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (ME, SEID) awareness day

[JoB]

Every year i post this but i am especially grateful to be able to this year…

These illnesses impact the lives of a startling percentage of Americans… primarily women but an increasing number of men are being diagnosed..

In spite of the growing numbers they are largely overlooked by both the medical profession and the friends and families of those whose lives are profoundly affected.

People with these illnesses are neither crazy or lazy… Yet they are often told to get over themselves. to get out and get a life.. that there is nothing that a little exercise or an affair wouldn’t cure…

Next time you see someone who looks perfectly normal “sauntering” across the street or exiting from a car in a handicapped space.. i would ask that you stop to take a second look and question your assumptions. Instead of faking illness .. that person is likely struggling to fake wellness… and trust me.. your appreciation for that effort is greatly appreciated.

today is a good day to hug anyone you know who lives with these invisible illnesses.. but hug gently.. we are doing our best to be grateful even when it hurts…

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[JoB]

SEID.. systemic exertion intolerance disease,
ME … Myalgic encephalomyelitis

SEID is the name that was recommended by a panel of specialists somewhat recently but it doesn’t seem to have caught on…
ME is the name this illness was given when it was first discussed in the British Aisles

neither of them is as trivializing as chronic fatigue syndrome which is too often misunderstood as just being tired… but whose fatigue is more like you couldn’t sleep for 3 days and then had to run a marathon…and still manage to smile at everyone who wishes you would just get out of bed or out of that chair and get on with things…

the fatigue of fibromyalgia is very similar but generally without the profound payback for physical or mental effort.. malaise lasting only a few days as opposed to weeks or months.

i could write a book on this.. but i won’t today and i have pretty much decided not to..
there is too much life outside my window that calls to me…

have a great day

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[miws]

{{{{HUG}}}}

Mike

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[JanS]

seending hugs, too. I have seen quite a few people with CFS and Fibro in my practice. It affects so many people in different ways. Some I can touch, some just barely, and when we get into it, some not at all. Thanks for posting this :)

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