Fibromyalgia Community

Jeff Sessions’ ‘Tough It Out’ Remark: A Disregard for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Understanding the Controversy In 2018, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions made a statement suggesting that individuals dealing with chronic pain should “take some aspirin and tough it out.” This remark was intended to address concerns over opioid prescriptions but was met with significant backlash from the chronic pain community. The Reality of Chronic Pain Chronic pain is a complex medical condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It encompasses a range of disorders, including fibromyalgia, arthritis,…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/18/202508/22/2025•0

Please Don’t Roll Your Eyes: Confronting the Judgment Behind Saying “I Have Fibromyalgia”

It happens more often than it should. You build the courage to share your truth—that you live with fibromyalgia—and in response, you get a sigh, a smirk, or worst of all, a subtle eye roll. That single gesture can cut deeper than most realize. It is not just a show of disbelief. It is a denial of your pain, your reality, and your humanity. If you live with fibromyalgia, you know the hesitation that often…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/18/202508/22/2025•0

Living Behind the Mask: Fibromyalgia and the Reality of Pretending to Be Healthy

Every day, people with fibromyalgia put on a brave face. They smile when their bodies are screaming. They get dressed when every joint protests. They show up—at work, at home, in relationships—while fighting a battle that most will never see. And yet, the common misunderstanding still lingers: that they’re pretending to be sick. The truth is far from it. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. “I do not pretend to be sick, I pretend to…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/18/202508/22/2025•0

When Memory Slips Away: Understanding the Fog of Fibromyalgia Through Everyday Forgetfulness

Fibromyalgia is often associated with widespread pain and fatigue, but for many living with it, the cognitive symptoms can be just as distressing—if not more so. One of the most commonly shared and deeply personal experiences is summed up by a series of thoughts many with fibromyalgia have voiced: “I forgot the words I was going to say, I forgot what I was going to do, I forgot where I was going …” This sentence…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/18/202508/22/2025•0

Lady Gaga’s Unseen Battle: The Physical Manifestations of PTSD

The Physical Toll of Trauma Lady Gaga has been candid about her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that has profoundly impacted her life. In various interviews, she has detailed the intense physical symptoms she experiences, stating, “My whole body goes into a spasm.” This vivid description highlights how PTSD can manifest not just emotionally but physically, affecting every aspect of a person’s well-being. The singer’s openness about her condition has brought attention…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/18/202508/22/2025•0

Shattering Misconceptions: Rising Above Doubt When Living with Fibromyalgia

When people doubt your abilities because you have fibromyalgia, the pain goes deeper than the muscles and joints. It cuts into your sense of identity, value, and capability. Fibromyalgia is often referred to as an invisible illness—one that doesn’t show obvious physical signs, yet profoundly impacts those who live with it. That invisibility, however, becomes a double-edged sword. What others can’t see, they often fail to understand. And what they fail to understand, they doubt.…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/18/202508/22/2025•0

Fibromyalgia vs Genetics: Understanding the Hereditary Link

Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. While its exact cause remains unknown, researchers have explored various factors, including genetics, environmental triggers, and neurological dysfunction. One of the most debated questions in fibromyalgia research is: Is fibromyalgia genetic? Many patients report a family history of the condition, suggesting a hereditary component. However, genetics alone may not…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/18/202508/22/2025•0

Breaking the Silence: How to Talk to Someone Who Doubts Your Fibromyalgia Pain

Living with fibromyalgia is a daily challenge in itself. The constant pain, fatigue, and fog are hard enough. But when someone close to you doesn’t believe your pain is real, it adds a whole new layer of emotional weight. Whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or coworker, being doubted can feel like a betrayal. It makes you question your own voice, your own body, even your worth. Still, avoiding the conversation often leads to…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/17/202508/22/2025•0

Embracing What Is: Uncovering the Strength of Radical Acceptance in Fibromyalgia Management

Fibromyalgia can feel like a thief in the night. It sneaks in and steals energy, clarity, comfort, and the ability to live life the way it used to be lived. For many, this chronic condition brings not only widespread pain but also fatigue, mental fog, and an unpredictable body that no longer behaves like it once did. As the symptoms continue to shape everyday reality, many people find themselves locked in a mental battle—fighting the…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/17/202508/22/2025•0

Living the Question: What Fibromyalgia Symptom Are You Managing Today and How Can You Respond with Compassion?

“What fibromyalgia symptom are you working on managing right now?” It’s a question many who live with fibromyalgia quietly ask themselves every morning. This isn’t just a matter of checking in—it’s a survival tool, a strategy, a grounding moment. Because fibromyalgia isn’t predictable. It doesn’t follow a routine or respect a schedule. Some days it’s the deep, aching muscle pain. Other days it’s the crushing fatigue. And sometimes, it’s the fog, the forgetfulness, the feeling…

by Dr Alex Robber•05/17/202508/22/2025•0