Interview with the Author
DK: What is meant by concealed chronic illness and pain?
Author: Let me explain it in this way. Has someone ever said to you, You look great! while inside you felt sick, fatigued, or were in a great deal of pain? People who live with particular chronic illnesses and conditions face that dilemma of appearing perfectly fine while feeling anything but fine, nearly every day.
Millions of Americans live with these concealed disorders, and just about everyone knows someone who lives with one of these chronic, but easily concealed illnesses or conditions. They look perfectly healthy and just fine to others. Even though the symptoms are not visually apparent, however, their illnesses and symptoms are most certainly real. These people often have a credibility problem with friends, family, and coworkers because they appear perfectly healthy and able-bodied.
The terms “concealed illness” and “concealed condition” refer to a wide array of ongoing disorders that do not necessarily influence how a person appears to the outside world. These sorts of health challenges offer no visible evidence of suffering or pain. In short, individuals who live with concealed chronic illness or pain look like everyone else. However, the unpredictability and invisibility of symptoms often lead to some rather complex challenges.
DK: What are some examples of these sorts of disorders?
Author: There is a huge family of concealed illnesses and conditions including, but not limited to, diabetes, lupus, endometriosis, Crohn’s disease, fibromyalgia, post-polio syndrome, epilepsy, narcolepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis, thyroid disorders, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, chronic migraines, polymyalgia, hearing and vocal disorders, asthma, interstitial cystitis, hypertension, alcoholism, polycystic ovary syndrome, Meniere's disease, certain forms of cancer, chronic pain, chemical sensitivities, and environmental illness. Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, depression, and learning disabilities can also fall into this category.
Interestingly enough, no matter what type of chronic illness, condition, or pain a person is dealing with, the same issues and concerns present themselves. There were many parallels that ran through the over 150 interviews I recently conducted with people who lived with a wide array of disorders. Even though one person was dealing with diabetes and another was dealing with Crohn’s disease or fibromyalgia, or even hepatitis, epilepsy, lupus or painful forms of arthritis, they all experienced similar frustrations, fears, challenges, and dilemmas.
DK: How does an illness like this affect everyday life?
Author: For one thing, routines, once taken for granted, soon become disrupted. Personal and professional goals remain just out of reach. Since the symptoms of these disabilities often flare up and then calm down, planning activities days or weeks ahead of time is very difficult. Activities sometimes have to be canceled or postponed. Attending a job or school can become especially challenging and can cause persistent anxiety or depression.