What is an Invisible Disease?
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also called M.E. (Myalgic Encephaloyelitis), along with Fibromyalgia, are often not referred to as actual ‘diseases.” They are often listed as syndromes. But to the people who live with CFS / ME, Fibro and Lyme, they experience the impact of serious disease everyday. The reason that they are ‘invisible’ is because the suffering that is caused goes unseen; the suffering is completely internal, and varies dramatically from day to day. Just because a person is able to get dressed and leave the house one day, does not mean that everyday is that way. People who do not live with those suffering with Invisible Diseases only ‘see’ the best days. Also, there are no consistent medical tests and treatment for these illnesses. Therefore, they are referred to as “invisible”. Though, in actuality, these diseases are very real and serious. People who live with them need loving validation and support.
