Is that supposed to be a compliment? I guess it depends upon who you’re talking to.
It’s hard for me to express my true feelings when the inevitable response is, “But you look so good!” Ummm, thanks? I sometimes wonder why people bother asking how I am. Apparently I look fantastic! That being said, I guess I can’t fault them. After all, the people in my life must care about me; otherwise they wouldn’t keep asking how I’m doing.
I appreciate their concern, I really do. It’s just sometimes I wish my condition showed; like a broken arm in a cast.
Get The Balance Right
Having a chronic condition that no one can see presents a very unique challenge. It’s a situation many people face; not only those with heart disease, but also those who suffer from other chronic conditions, such as fibromyalgia.
Like anything, there must be a positive side to having an invisible illness. After all, it’s completely up to you how much you divulge as to how you are feeling. That’s a definite plus. Some days I just don’t feel like dealing, you know? Other days, when my closest friends surround me, I feel more at ease to talk at length about this stupid disease.
Of course, as mentioned at the outset, there is a flip side. I guess what’s important is striking a balance unique to your situation.
Is Seeing Believing?
Not when it comes to heart disease; but that’s ok. Perhaps at this point I should quit worrying about what other people think and focus more on helping them understand. Perhaps this will work:
Dear Friends and Family;
Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Love, Rebecca
Rebecca Fortunato
http://rebeccasheart.wordpress.com
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Hi Rebecca
Thanks for sharing. Have you heard of the site Butyoudontlooksick.com? It is a great source of support and humor for those of us who have invisible illnesses. It helped me a lot when I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and then with fibromyalgia. It has education tools for explaining fatigue to family members that I found invaluable.
Thanks again for sharing, and I wish you much luck in your journey.
October 9, 2010 - 7:12amThis Comment