Living in Constant Pain: My Health Anxiety Story

I hear you, it’s so frustrating to not have a solid answer for our pain; it can feel so isolating to deal with all of this just to be brushed off by doctors. Your feelings are valid, and it’s understandable to have a fear of invalidation. Growing up, I always thought doctors (and other adults) were supposed to fix everything; that they knew so much, they had to know everything! But now I realize that there is so much doctors just don’t know and can’t keep up with as we learn more about certain conditions. I wish that the medical field was more set up for long-term chronic care that’s individualized. Unfortunately, it’s often only a handful of doctors with way too many patients in their plate to give their full attention to any one. It’s not fair that we should have to suffer, but I have found more help from community members who are similar to me. Asking groups of people what they have tried or found to manage pain and mental health often brings about ideas I hadn’t thought of. Or things I didn’t remember worked for me in the past. We’re told a lot by everyone around us how “normal” should look, but you’re going to find your own normal in practice. Being different and having different needs doesn’t make your life any less worth living. You deserve to have a life that is reflective of your goals and values. It just may not look how you expected, and it’s normal to grieve the loss of what you thought you would experience.

I feel you 1000%!!! Unfortunately the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is in fact a butt load of normal tests. I hate doctors appts! From not having insurance, to being on the "drug begger" list because nobody believed me about my pain, every aspect of it made me so anxious. But I finally got my diagnosis and now I only have to do 1 appt a year for my refills. I hope you know you are not alone, you can message me anytime and I will listen 🤗

Just try to stay calm and breathe. I was told something one time when I was going to check into a psych ward one time. Remember no matter how bad you feel, there's someone worse than you. Count your blessings for what you have. I know it's hard as I have trouble with it.