First, let me clairfy that my dear friend wasn't not meaning anything toward me, I am sure of that because she would never intentionally hurt my feelings. But her words made me feel guilty, like I wasn't trying hard enough, like I would have a life if I just tried harder.
My illness is different, every case is different! While some can "push through it," others push just to get out of bed. While some can live a relatively normal appearing life, others are house or even bed bound.
However, I wish you would not compare us, because we are different, no two chronic illnesses are the same.
I have it worse than most and better than others! I also have (as many Spoonies do) multiple other conditions! So comparing me to "them," is unfair to both of us.
One more thing, we are told by many uneducated doctors that fibro is not progressive! There are many doctors and patients that would tell you differently! I was first diagnosed 20 years ago, for a few years I had no symptoms then bam, it hits with way more debilitating symptoms. I used to be the fibro Spoonie who could hold down and job and party like a rock star! It can and usually does get worse.
Please se don't compare, because it is not comparable. Apples to oranges.