What does a sick person look like? The reason I ask is because I had a conversation with a total stranger yesterday and I told them about my Lyme disease. They were very nice and understanding, but said to me "but you look good, you don't look sick". I asked her what sick looked like (I probably sounded like a nut, but oh well).
She replied with anxiety, "well your eyes are not sunken in, and your color is good". What? That is what a sick person looks like? I said that many Lyme patients do not look sick therefore are misdiagnosed often as having mental health issues.
I realize that all around me are sick people that I may not notice because they look well. I know a few people with Diabetes that look perfectly fine, but alas they are very ill.
So maybe that person who just cut you off in traffic is chronically ill? Maybe the rude cashier has a pain disorder and that is why she is so grumpy? Maybe the guy at Dunkin Donuts has neurological Lyme disease and that is why he forgot my cream cheese?
I usually get really mad and impatient (maybe Lyme rage) at these people, but maybe I need to slow down and think about others for a minute. Perhaps I am not the only one who is sick? Sick people do not wear name tags that say, Hi! my name is Melissa and I am sick with Lyme disease.
I think we get so focused on ourselves we forget about the people around us
Melissa
Posted by adamm (Member # 11910) on :
Some researchers (e.g the late Lida Mattman, a Nobel nominee) have stated suspicions that more or less everyone has Lyme.
Would make sense if it's being put in the chemtrails...
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I have found that over the past 4+ years working with that awesome mangosteen product that there are MANY people who look fine but are quite ill.
It's not just us. People everywhere are suffering...some more than others.
and many of them look "fine" too! And yes... we need to cut them some slack!! Posted by BOOB00 (Member # 17526) on :
Many doctors have disnissed me as, "wanting attention," or "after drugs" because the sicker I got the healthier I looked. Fever gives you a very pretty flush!
My hubby can tell by looking at me exactly how I'm doing any given day. He says the healthier I look the sicker I am. He's very right.
It took my current doc 3 years of getting to know me before he believed me without a doubt I was as sick as I said I was because of my "healthy look." Posted by liesandmorelies (Member # 15323) on :
Yes, just yesterday a casual friend that sees me periodically invited me to a womens luncheon and asked how I was and I said I had had a rough couple days and was bumbed because I had been doing better recently.
She kind of laughed and said "well evertime I see you, you look so good".
What do you say??? I answered yes, I know but....
Sometimes, I just don't want to go there and have to explain.
I used to sit and wonder if they even believe me.
I have gotten to the point that I don't care who believes me or not. My family knows, my wonderful LLMD knows and my closest friends know.
Everyone else really does not matter.
Sigh!!!!
I try to see everyone else out there this way. I try to understand that you can't always see pain by looking at someone.
I always try to remember that I am not walking in someone else's shoes and to not be judgemental.(that's not always easy)
Hope everyone has the best day possible!
Posted by ThatColorGreen (Member # 16016) on :
so interesting..
whenever i feel my worst, no one notices, but when i feel kind of okay people tell me I look awful..
...go figure...
~Greenery~
Posted by lymeladyinNY (Member # 10235) on :
Hmm, I actually LOOK sick when I FEEL sick. Guess I'm in the minority on this one.
Hubby says I look terrible just before a collapse. He always tells me, usually just in time, that I'd better get to bed.
I have raccoon eyes that get all bloodshot when I'm having a really bad day. My face is gray, too. Sweeeeet.
- Lymelady
Posted by lymielauren28 (Member # 13742) on :
Yeah, I look like crap on my bad days too. Bloodshot eyes, dark circles, no color in my face...but I know what you're saying melissa.
Generally, overall I look healthy.
Lauren
Posted by MysteryGirl44 (Member # 10201) on :
Aww. I understand exactly what you mean. That is definately something to think about. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Posted by Parisa (Member # 10526) on :
My husband looks sick no question about it. I guess it's the silver lining to this horrible illness.
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