Most of the time, I would consider myself a private person. I don’t tend to put my personal business out for the entire world to see. However, since my chronic illness has taken my life hostage, I have found the courage to seek support in those around me. Except I’m not quite brave enough to share this with all my co-workers and really, I shouldn’t. Instead, for therapeutic reasons I wrote a list for me and I am sharing it with you.
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What I wish my coworkers knew about me:
- The truth is- I have Fibromyalgia, which is a condition that involves the brain and nervous system. It is very complex and effects many parts of my body.
- I’m in pain almost constantly. The pain is widespread all over my body, like someone has been punching me; even a slight touch or bump can be felt as if it were a punch! This is why sometimes when you pat me or hug me too hard, I wince.
- The constant pain leads to exhaustion and not being able to sleep. Most days I wake up already exhausted, like I ran a marathon. This means that by the time I get to work, I feel like you might feel after days of no sleep.
- My brain is overloaded by pain and sometimes-loud noises or too much stimulus can overwhelm me and make me feel confused.
- Fibromyalgia can cause my cognitive functions to slow, meaning sometimes I just can’t find the word I’m looking for. Or it takes me longer to get to the answer than it used to.
- The medicine I’m on makes me dizzy and sleepy and many other side effects in addition to my illness.
- I have good days and bad days. If I’m having a good day, it doesn’t mean I’m cured or “faking it on the bad days”.
- Relationships can be a challenge. Sometimes all this makes it hard for me to even have a conversation and if I’m rude, I’m sorry it is not intentional.
- Please, No Drama! Stress brings on my symptoms and makes them worse. I care about you all, but I’m just here to do my work. I don’t want to be a part of any conflict.
- I’m still me! I’m still that ambitious, competitive, over-achiever you have always known. I just need to take it in smaller doses now. I need to take time to take care of me.
There are so many people out there that have a chronic pain condition that have to go to work. I know how hard it can be and how much energy it takes you to get through it! You are NOT alone! I hope this list serves as a reminder that although we don’t want everyone we work with to know our personal business, we need everyone to know how much their kindness means. You never know what someone else is going through on the inside.
I want to hear your thoughts on the subject!