September 8, 2008
Marlene Gundlach - September 8, 2008
Invisible Illness Awareness Week 
This is invisible illness awareness week, and I think it is an amazing opportunity to get the word out about all of the people suffering from a chronic illness that are often struggling for a diagnosis and treatment. There is a great blog sharing stories and blogs from people suffering from invisible illnesses, and trying to get the word out to others. Visit the Invisible Illness Awareness Blog and get informed.
My Story
I first started suffering from my invisible illness in the Spring of 1991 when I was a senior in college. The pain was in my feet, and really started as a tingling sensation. It was 5 years and many doctors later before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It was such the mystery illness then, and although it is receiving much more attention now, I still see it as an invisible illness.
There is no concrete test for fibromyalgia, and that is why I suffered with chronic pain for so long without a diagnosis. Besides the tender points test, doctors are left looking at symptoms and ruling out other conditions. Now, with FDA approved medications and support groups, it is gaining some momentum and I am beginning to see hope in many that suffer from this condition.
I went through more doctors than I care to count. In the beginning when the pain was just in my feet, I wore orthotics in my shoes. I was tested three times for arthritis, received painful shots at a pain clinic, and was turned away from one doctor when I even brought an article in about fibromyalgia. He shrugged it off and said he didn’t have any answers for me. I was so frustrated that no one could help me, and I am grateful that today more people are being given the chance to receive treatment and get on their way to leading a pain free life. I was finally diagnosed in the spring of 1996, although there were no real treatments for fibromyalgia at that time, it was good to know that I wasn’t losing my mind. I felt validated that my pain was real.
Seventeen years after first feeling the pain, I am living a relatively pain-free life. Nights are when the chronic pain hits me the most. I recently started seeing a NUCCA doctor and am getting a lot of relief only after a few visits. I have kept plugging along, making the best of my situation, and constantly tried to stay up on the latest research and treatments. My husband is always sending me articles related to fibro, forcing the issue and keeping us on our road to less pain. Without family support, many would be lost. So to all family members, keep it up.
So, to everyone who suffers from an invisible illness…fight the fight and stay informed. The day will come when research finds the answers you need. Until then, places like this are around for support and may you find peace!
