What are the best fibromyalgia doctor comments you’ve heard? What about the worst? Has anyone ever made comments you wish they’d kept to themselves? The fibromyalgia and chronic illness life is tough enough as it is. It’s extra tough to filter information we receive from someone we perceive as an authority. How do you handle it?
This Rebuilding Wellness community is a forum for support. This includes the good, bad, and ugly remarks we may hear on a regular basis.
The intention here isn’t limited to comments made only by your doctor or health care professionals. What about your family, friends, and co-workers? Also, it’s in no way intended as a bash-fest on the medical system. We know that most health care workers are trying to do the best they can.
And, so are you.
This is about helping you to feel validated and get the support you need.
Let’s start with the negative. What unhelpful comments have you heard? Here are a few to get the wheels greased. I’ve heard these myself or have had friends and clients share them with me.
Negative Doctor Comments Regarding Chronic Illness
It’s all in your head (this one is so old it’s passé)
You know that so and so got “over it,” right? Why don’t you?
It’s not something you’ll die from, but you’ll wish you would.
Look on the bright side, you’ll get a parking placard.
Look on the bright side, you can get a scooter chair.
Look on the bright side, you can get disability.
Stop doing that natural stuff! You’re messing up the dosages of medications I’ve prescribed.
Your symptoms would go away if you’d just lose weight.
Those comments are so unhelpful it’s surprising to think that anyone hearing them could get well. Let’s move on.
Now, it’s time for the positive. The following are comments I’ve heard from doctors, colleagues, professionals, or have made myself in my own books and workshops. I’m using creative license to call them “doctor comments.”
Positive Doctor Comments Regarding Chronic Illness
You have what it takes to find solutions
You’re in charge when it comes to your health care.
You know more about what your body needs than anyone else.
Keep drilling down and you’ll find solutions.
Your body knows exactly what it needs to heal.
Let me know how I can support the plans that you have for your health care.
This relationships is a two-way street.
Additional Help
Do you have anyone in your life who is less than supportive of your health challenges or choices? Perhaps they need a bit of reinforcement when it comes to their knowledge of your circumstances? There’s good news! Print out this downloadable Letter for People Who Ask You about Fibromyalgia (and Chronic Illness) to help you. It’s a very comprehensive letter explaining what it’s like to live with chronic illness. I wrote it with you in mind. It answers all the tough questions so you don’t have to.
Your Turn
I can’t wait to hear what you have to say. Have you heard negative comments from your doctor, family, co-workers or friends? Have you heard positive comments? Please share in the comments below.
We’re here to support each other.
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I have had a doctor in the past say that I am a bit anxiety ridden.
Maureen – thanks for sharing! How did you feel about his comment? Sometimes it’s not what they say, but how they say it. Did you feel supported or dismissed? I can’t imagine anyone with a chronic illness who doesn’t feel anxiety now and then. I guess the real question is, do you feel you were an anxious person before you developed fibromyalgia or a chronic illness? That’s where you can use some support. Whether it’s part of your nature or related to your current challenge, there are actions you can take. Let me know how I can help here.