“Invisible” health conditions

Wasn’t sure whether to put this in Health, but it’s more of a “chat” than health questions.

Following a very traumatic birth and then subsequent infection, which had me re-admitted to hospital for 7 days, and on very strong intravenous antibiotics, after final baby, at 44, I was never quite the same again healthwise.

After 10 long years and various and ongoing tests of many kinds, seeing specialists and GPs, it was finally decided I had fibromyalgia and subsequently, a neurologist diagnosed ME.

Thank goodness I worked for the Civil Service by this time as they did recognise my conditions and put in place “reasonable adjustments”, which allowed me to have a slightly more relaxed “sickness policy regime” but not some of the things I truly needed.

The biggest issue I had was that when I felt at my worst, I could barely function but I always looked ok.

I’ve always had rosy cheeks and slightly overweight (now more than slightly) and people often thought I was a bit of a hypochondriac.

I rarely missed a day of work, though it was a struggle.

I just wondered if any others here have “invisible” conditions, looking fine, feeling dire?

I’ve accepted my limitations now, having also developed wide-spread osteoarthritis and do what I can when I can, and have two horrible bowel conditions.

I’m old enough to really not care too much about what people think anymore.