You are so right, Lianne. Just getting up in the morning is often a chore but we are survivors and strong people. Keep on with this great attitude, Best wishes, Barbara

There is nothing week about dealing with fibromyalgia, in fact I would have to say the complete opposite. It takes a strong person to deal with that amount of pain and still have some what of a life and not get depressed. I suffer from this for only a few years now, after having many injuries in a car accedent. I was told that that was what caused it. It does take alot away from your life. So we need to do what we can when we can. I have found the Lyrica does help with some of the discomfort but not really the pain it self. But has made me gain weight. But some releif is better than none. I think that anyone suffering from this is a very stong porson and any one who thinks that people with fibromyalgia are just sensative are saddly mistaken, and need to think about what it would belike to live in large amounts of pain for every day of their lives. I have always been a strong person and still am . and I still find it hard to move some days due to pain. But we all need to keep trying and not give up. Good luck to all!

Dear Marco:
I am honored that you have chosen to write about your guilt with this condition. I suspect there are many very sensitive, thoughtful and empathetic men out there who are ashamed to admit that they live with this invisible condition. The way in which our society is set up is that men are supposed to be always in control, yet all of us with fibromyalgia experience the same thing: how do we continue day-to-day when we don’t have the strengh to do it without help from others? Then the guilt sets in. After all, we look perfectly healthy!
‘Controlling’ an easily aroused nervous system, our hyper vigilance and intense feelings of family responsibility is not easy. Only by speaking about it openly do we find some degree of relief. You are very brave as few men will do so, as noted from this web site of mine. A few have sent me e mails but chosen not to leave a comment.
The fact that you even remember when you were 13 and had the first experiences is intriguing. Men and children with fibromyalgia present us with many questions to explore which have been badly neglected. Hopefully more men will begin to speak out.
Like everyone I want more answers to this great puzzle and you are one of thousands who can help fill in some of the pieces. Thank you.
Best wishes,
Barbara

I am a male and the bread winner for my family suffering with this condition. I am 30yrs old and I can trace my symptoms as far back since I was 13 years old. I also often times feel ashamed to share the fact that I suffer from this condition with others. I feel somewhat guilty when I have to tell my wife that I just cannot handle some chores around the house. I do feel ‘weak’ and incompetent at times which leads to depression. I do feel emasculated at times. Thank you for your thoughts on the subject.

It’s great to see the social and gender dimensions of fibromyalgia being highlighted. We don’t live our lives in a social or political vacuum and this is particularly true for women who perform so much of the emotional work in our culture as they care for and about others. The implications for health are significant.