whats a knight if not a chained dog

Having an "adverse health condition" is so bleak. I've largely lost the ability to make art over the past few months because my current flair is in my hands and wrist, mostly on my left. I sleep long hours without feeling refreshed. Headaches that last for days. My memory always feels untrustworthy and dreamy, like I'm in a fog.

The only thing prescribed for FM besides anticonvulsants is an SNRI. While it may help with neuralgia (in less than 10% of patients) it's basically a blanket prescription from a doctor of "Sorry you're in constant pain, please don't kill yourself".

On top of everything, this diagnosis comes with medical and social stigma. It's hard to get people to take one seriously, as there is no formal blood test or scan. Most often I hide like a sick dog and refuse to tell anyone about my pain because it's sometimes met with such dismissive remarks. A good majority of society and healthcare does not think it is a legitimate illness. It is considered a functional somatic syndrome, as not every person presents the same symptoms. FM patients often feel like a burden. I myself can occasionally do leisurely things, but... during a bad flair I'm not well enough to get out of bed. It's miserable.