Living with fibromyalgia is a game changer.
The body seems to carry an invisible weight, the mind lives tired, and even the simplest gestures — sitting, standing, talking or taking a shower — become a challenge.
Pain is always there, silent, constant, and each movement requires more energy than an outsider could imagine.
Many people look and think that “everything is fine”, but those who live with fibromyalgia learn to adapt, disguise and endure.
These are 30 things that people with fibromyalgia do every day, even without others noticing:
1. To be silent.
Sometimes I keep silent in the middle of a conversation because I’m trying to focus on handling the pain. It’s not disinterest – it’s exhaustion.
2. Avoid noisy places.
Loud sound increases sensitivity and muscle tension. I prefer silence, where the body and mind can breathe a bit.
3. Carrying a huge bag everywhere.
Inside her there is medicine, hot water bag, tissue, painkiller, bottle of water, and everything that can help me if the pain suddenly worsens.
4. Use voice remote on mobile.
My fingers hurt to type, and holding the phone for too long makes my hands tremble.
5. Avoid physical touch.
A tight hug, a pat on the back — can all cause pain. Sometimes I step back unintentionally, and people think it’s frieza.
6. Move your body all the time.
Standing still increases the pain I change positions, I swing my legs, I lean myself — any movement helps to deceive the body.
7. Wearing baggy and comfortable clothes.
The tight fabric irritates the skin, and the touch of certain clothes is almost unbearable. People see comfort; I see need.
8. Avoid bras and tight pants
Elastic band hurts, stitches are uncomfortable, and the pressure on sensitive points is unbearable.
9. Smile even through pain .
Smile becomes a shield. Disguise fatigue, pain and fear of looking “weak”.
10. Planning each outing as a mission.
Before I leave home, I calculate the time, the route, the places where I can sit and what I can carry without making my pains worse.
11. Being afraid of taking a shower
Water hitting the skin hurts like needles. Taking a shower takes energy which I don’t always have.
12. Pretending to be “okay”.
I say “it’s ok” even when my body is breaking down. It’s easier than explaining everytime what I feel.
13. Supports the body on walls, counters and furniture.
Every support is a respite in disguise. Sometimes standing is already a win.
14. Avoid doing makeup or fixing hair.
Putting your arms up and standing for too long can be torturing. I opt for a simple bun and a clean face — out of necessity, not neglect.
15. Forget what she was gonna say.
Fibrofog — that mental fog — makes the mind fail. Words fail, ideas lose. And I smile, pretending it was “just a white guy”.
16. Talk more when the pain kicks in
Sometimes I start talking to much to distract myself from the pain. It’s a way of getting away from myself.
17. Avoid cold places or with strong air conditioning.
Cold weather adds muscle stiffness and pain beats harder.
18. Carry blanket even on hot days
Body temperature changes all the time. One minute I’m cold the next minute I’m sweating. Fibromyalgia feels like: Unstable.
19. Accidentally knocking things down
The pain and tingling in my hands are making me lose strength. Sometimes objects just fall into place.
20. Avoid follow up commitments.
I know if I do something today, I’ll pay the price tomorrow. So I choose carefully what’s worth my energy for.
21. Cancel last minute plans.
It’s not a lack of willpower It’s the body saying “not today”.
22. Taking long to get out of bed
Before I move, I need to take a deep breath, stretch slowly, prepare the body to endure the first step of the day.
23. Use extra pillows and electric blankets.
Body aches in different places every night. It’s an attempt to find a bearable position.
24. Avoid going up the stairs.
Exertion can trigger intense muscle pain or instant exhaustion.
25. Shake hands or pinch fingers.
Sometimes it’s anxiety, sometimes it’s the only way to divert your mind from the fuzzy pain that never goes away.
26. Stop before you start walking
I need seconds for the body to “understand” the movement and not miss it.
27. Using shopping cart even with too few items.
He serves as support—without it, leg and back pain is unbearable.
28. Sleeping at odd times.
Fibromyalgia messes with sleep. I sleep rough, wake up tired and try to rest in small intervals.
29. Asking for help without wanting to sound weak.
It’s hard to admit that something as simple as opening a bottle or carrying a bag has become painful.
30. Planning every detail to survive the day.
Fibromyalgia makes us live in survival mode: saving energy, measuring limits, and trying not to give up.
Living with fibromyalgia is about so much more than feeling pain.It’s dealing with extreme fatigue, excessive sensitivity, forgetfulness, and a body that seems to lock in.
It’s moving forward when the world doesn’t see.
It’s just to smile even when everything hurts.
