Arrrrggggg! So, I have an autoimmune disease, as do three of my daughters. [View all]

I have secondary mild fibromyalgia, and one daughter has more severe primary fibromyalgia. I can really understand that she has days where she really hurts, and that her energy is limited. I've seen this kid really work to overcome her obstacles, to get on a workable medical regimen and to build up her strength. Yet I still have to deal with family members, including one with medical training, who seem to believe that she is making all of this up and really needs to be given some tough love so she will stop being lazy.

I've been coming out of a flare the last week or so, and was feeling kind of punk and dragged out. I looked really pale, and considered for a minute whether I should use some blusher. Then it occurred to me; this is about the only time I've looked as washed out as I felt. I left the make-up off, letting my body signal to others that all is not well with me.