Tuesday, October 24, 2006

^^^Letter to "normals"^^^

The Letter To Normals

Hello Family, Friends, and Anyone Wishing to Know Me,

Allow me to begin by thanking you for taking the time out of your day to spend some time with me and get to know me better. A person’s time is their most valuable asset and yours is appreciated.

I want to talk to you about Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome (MPS). Many have never heard of these conditions and for those who have, many are misinformed. And because of this judgments are made that may not be correct… So I ask you to keep an open mind as I try to explain who I am and how FM/MPS has assaulted not only my life but those whom I love as well.

You see, I suffer from a disease that you cannot see; a disease that there is no cure for and that keeps the medical community baffled at how to treat and battle this demon, who’s attacks are relentless. My pain works silently, stealing my joy and replacing it with tears. On the outside we look alike you and I; you wont see my scars as you would a person who, say, had suffered a car accident. You wont see my pain in the way you would a person undergoing chemo for cancer; however, my pain is just as real and just as debilitating. And in many ways my pain may be more destructive because people can’t see it and do not understand....

Please don’t get angry at my seemingly lack of interest in doing things; I punish myself enough I assure you. My tears are shed many times when no one is around. My embarrassment is covered by a joke or laughter, but inside I want to die....

Most of my "friends" are gone; even members of my own family have abandoned me. I have been accused of "playing games" for another’s sympathy. I have been called unreliable because I am forced to cancel plans I made at the last minute because the burning and pain in my legs or arms is so intense I cannot put my clothes on and I am left in my tears as I miss out on yet another activity I used to love and once participated in with enthusiasm.

I feel like a child at times... Just the other day I put the sour cream I bought at the store in the pantry, onthe shelf, instead of in the refrigerator; by the time I noticed it, it had spoiled. When I talk to people, many times I lose my train of thought in mid sentence or forget the simplest word needed to explain or describe something. Please try to understand how it feels to have another go behind me in my home to make sure the stove is off after I cook an occasional meal. Please try to understand how it feels to “lose” the laundry, only to find it in the stove instead of the dryer. As I try to maintain my dignity the Demon assaults me at every turn. Please try to understand….

Sleep, when I do get some, is restless and I wake often because of the pain the sheets have on my legs or because I twitch uncontrollably. I walk through many of my days in a daze with the Fibro-fog laughing at me as I stumble and grasp for clarity.

And just because I can do a thing one day, that doesn’t mean I will be able to do the same thing the next day or next week. I may be able to take that walk after dinner on a warm July evening; the next day or even the in the next hour I may not be able to walk to the fridge to get a cold drink because my muscles have begun to cramp and lock up or spasm uncontrollably. And there are those who say “but you did that yesterday!” “What is your problem today?” The hurt I experience at those words scars me so deeply that I have let my family down again; and still they don’t understand….

On a brighter side I want you to know that I still have my sense of humor. If you take the time to spend with me you will see that. I love to tell that joke to make another’s face light up and smile at my wit. I love my kids and grandbabies and shine when they give me my hugs or ask me to fix their favorite toy. I am fun to be with if you will spend the time with me on my own playing field; is this too much to ask? I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your life. And I have found that I can be a strong friend in many ways. Do you have a dream? I am your friend, your supporter and many times I will be the one to do the research for your latest project; many times I will be your biggest fan and the world will know how proud I am at your accomplishments and how honored I am to have you in my life.

So you see, you and I are not that much different. I too have hopes, dreams, goals… and this demon…. Do you have an unseen demon that assaults you and no one else can see? Have you had to fight a fight that crushes you and brings you to your knees? I will be by your side, win or lose, I promise you that; I will be there in ways that I can. I will give all I can as I can, I promise you that. But I have to do this thing my way. Please understand that I am in such a fight myself and I know that I have little hope of a cure or effective treatments, at least right now. Please understand….

Thank you for spending your time with me today. I hope we can work through this thing, you and I. Please understand that I am just like you… Please understand….

Copyright of www.fibrohugs.com Written by Ronald J. Waller

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

oh lisa i am so sorry that things are this way.  i do not understand your pain or how ou feel.  i usually do not comment on these entries because i do not understand but i want to assure you that anyone that makes fun of you, calls you names or says you are unreliable should know better and keep their comments to themselves.  it is not your fault and you can not help it.  i wish there was something that could be done to help you, it must be so hard on you to live like this everyday.  you are in my prayers
hugs
noelle

Anonymous said...

((((((((((( Lisa )))))))))))))))))) When I was pregnant with my last, I was on bedrest for almost 5 mths, I was in a LOT of pain, surgeries and hospital stays. One nurse said something sad, powerful & true, she said........"your very lucky to have so much help around you with family and friends, I have found in my job that people are so kind, loving & helpful when it is SHORT TERM, but sadly when it's a LONG TERM diseace, or cancer or anything that is long term, people drop like flies around you".  And I never forgot what she said.  And I think that really sucks. My dad has fibermyalgia, but that's it.  I am sorry you battle so much, but know I am an unconditional friend, if you ever need anything or to go somewhwere, you know I'm here, do you have my phone #?? I would hope and pray you would never once hesitate to pick up the phone and ask me for something, I'm there for you, now and always.  Oh, I've put sour cream int he pantry before, I think that is normal. lmao
Much Love
Ang

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Thanks for opening that window on your world, Lisa. It's best viewed without specs, as you say without prejudice. It requires one to step into your shoes - and yours PINCH. Go well

Guido

Anonymous said...

I think both letters are insighful

Anonymous said...

just keep laughing and you will be fine.
Kelli
http://journals.aol.com/kamdghwmw/noonmom

Anonymous said...

People do tend to not look at the person inside. I'm so sorry that you're misunderstood by those who were close to you and understand your frustrations at not being able to do things that others take for granted. Jeannette xx  

Anonymous said...

Wow, another awesome letter that gave me chills.  
xoxo, Heather

Anonymous said...

Hey Lisa,
I leave stuff out all the time.
That's just me!
Good entry.
I'm sorry you go thru so much stuff, it's not fair.
XO
Donna

Anonymous said...

I've seen this before and I think it's wonderful.

Thanks for sharing.

Deb

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

Dear Lisa;  This is so wonderfully stated.  It's so hard to hear people speak to me as if this is all just neurotic behavior instead of real pain.  Mine is not that extreme yet, but there are times....  
I hope you have no pain today.
NELISHIA
http://journals.aol.com/nelishianatl/WISHINGANDHOPING/
http://journals.aol.com/tsalagiprincess1/JumpingOffTheDeepEnd/

Anonymous said...

lisa i'm so sorry that you are sick and i wish i was closer to help you
just stay positive and know who your true friends and family are
emily