brightlotusmoon | National Invisible Chronic Illness Week

http://www.restministries.org/invisibleillness/invisibleillnesshome.htm

Apparently, it is.
So...

To everyone who has ever given someone who looks healthy a dirty look for taking a handicapped seat on a train or bus, to anyone who doesn't know what it means to have a chronic disorder that can't be seen: A public service announcement, of sorts.

*stands up*
"Hi, I'm Joanna, and I have invisible chronic illnesses. I'll give the whole list, if need be:
Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Asthma, Migraines, Raynaud's Disease, Sciatica, Lordosis, Arthralgia, Anxiety disorders, and Anorexia Recovery.
You can look those up if you need to. Suffice to say, my body and brain are pretty messed up, but it's not all my fault, it's just how life is.
If you looked at me, you wouldn't know I had anything wrong with me. I don't use a wheelchair or a cane. I do have a limp, but it's pronounced mostly when I'm tired or not concentrating on walking straight. Sometimes my left arm does funny things. But no more than anyone else, really.
I can't drive, so I take public transportation. I can work a day job and I'm pretty good at it, but I come home exhausted and in agony most days, more than anyone normally should be. But still I live a totally normal life. I have an extremely positive outlook and an upbeat attitude. I deal with my symptoms through both traditional prescription medications and holistic natural supplements. I do yoga and Pilates, I meditate, I perform acupressure on myself. I haven't slept well in a long time, but I try to have as much energy as possible during the day. I do as much as I can before I collapse, because I believe in not being defeated. I try not to make excuses or make a big deal. I save my complaining for this journal and for my husband, who complains with me so it's okay. I love to smile and make people smile. If a friend is in pain I will try and push away all my own pain to help. I do my best to be as good as I can be, even if it doesn't always work.
You wouldn't know it to look at me. But this is what an epileptic looks like. This is what someone with fibromyalgia looks like. This is what someone with invisible chronic illness looks like.
I am in pain every single day. I live with the risk of electrical storms in my brain. I live with the risk of muscle problems, circulation problems, nerve issues, debilitating headaches, panic attacks, and lung problems. I will be this way for the rest of my life.
But I have a life, just like you.
And I look just like you. Except I look like me. Normal. Ordinary. Nothing wrong, right?
That's why it's all invisible."

Your turn.

Be seen.

Thanks to

shadesong for posting about this. As she says, "Let's not be invisible. Got an invisible chronic illness? Post about it. Show the world you're here."

Note to LJ friends:
I know that you all understand me, you get me, you know me. I'm talking about the people who don't. Pretend I'm on a soapbox, speaking to a large public audience, many of whom honestly don't get it.