My sister was diagnosed with FMS in 2000 or so. About when my symptoms started.
When I moved close to her I thought, this is great. We can finally compare notes and support eachother. I wont have to be totally alone. I have mentioned different things to her and she doesn’t relate to me. I don’t know why. I relate to all that FMS is about and have found comfort in knowing that you all are going through things that I do. My sister was on lyrica for a while and wound up almost loosing her life so she started on cymbalta. I tried cymbalta and sevilla and I can’t take eithet one and the only one left is lyrica. I refuse to wind up in the hospital like her so I can’t take anything. Last night she said how do you know you have fibro , we’re you ever really diagnosed? I couldnt believe my ears. I said yes ! Why !!! She said I just think something else is wrong. I asked her what she meant . She hesitated . I said what? What are you thinking? She said “MS” or something like that. I told her I was already checked out for that a while back and I don’t have it. When I told her about the bad experience with fibro fog This last week, she said well that’s not from FMS , that’s just because you must have a lot on your mind or something… I’m pissed (sorry for the word) . She just doesn’t I’m hurt and frustrated. Am I wrong to feel this way?
Hi I can relate to this and it is frustrating. I have a friend who has Fibro and she is always doing the same thing to me. I finally came right out and told her that it pissed me off. No two people are a like and what one experiences another may not. I told her the other day if she doesn’t want to know how I feel, then don’t ask.
I have a brother and a sister who also have it but I don’t talk to them about it for that reason. Maybe you should keep your distance for a few days and then when she asks why, I would explain to her that you don’t appreciate her belittling or diagnosing your symptoms. May I ask who was diagnosed first?
Hugs, Leanne
Hi there fibroerror,
Wow. Well that's certainly different. But just as we all are different, our experiences with fibro can be too. So, in other words, the way she perceives HER fibro may differ than how you perceive yours. BUT that doesn't mean that you don't have it! I think that maybe her mind is being impacted by the pain. Or maybe she resents having to share the attention with you because she's afraid that people might not listen to her anymore or consider her pain. I'm not sure. Life sure can get complicated.
Hi Leanna ,
She was diagnosed first. I didn’t even know about her diagnosis until She found out about mine. She is 9 years older than me. She isn’t severe like I am. Which i am greatful for, I really do love her but what she said and wS thinking hurt pretty bad. She doesn’t have a lot of things that I have apparently . She takes cymbalta and works full time. I can’t take those meds but I take gabapentan . I have worked hard my whole life. Was a morher at 18. Married almost 27 years. I am not able to work and I’m not on disability. There’s no way I would be able to even do part time. My sister and I have something in common with FMS (WHICH Is) lumps under our skin. That’s about all I know at this time… thanks for responding . I hope you are doing well. : ) talk soon , Lisa
Hi petunia, thanks for responding also. Yes things can get complicated I guess. I asked her, are you ever in pain ? She said well sometimes but it’s not that bad. I always believed that people have FM on a different level, and knew that mine was worse but never expected not to be able to share our experiences together. I think with certain people, even family, I’m better off not talking about things. Yes it was incredibly lonely when I didn’t talk about it with anyone in my family but now I have others to talk to in this group. I am so greatful. Thanks for listening . : ) Lisa
My sister and I both have different autoimmune disorders. We don't discuss them. Ever. It's just easier that way.
Sorry your sister was so petty towards you, but I don't think it's uncommon among siblings, and yes, it does hurt.
Hi the reason why I asked who was diagnosed first is that, I suspect it is “attention related” and maybe a little fear, she may feel like she won’t get the same attention with you having it to. And being the oldest, and the first born plays into it as we’ll. I would just forgive her and move on and in the future don’t bring up your illness unless she does. Good Luck! Leanne