I have fibromyalgia, a condition that causes chronic pain and fatigue, along with a laundry list of associated conditions. Once, I went to a rheumatologist — a specialist in autoimmune and systemic musculoskeletal diseases — to try to better manage my condition.
He suggested I try water exercises, as low-impact exercise has been shown to improve fibromyalgia symptoms. I tried to explain the many reasons why I can’t go to the pool: It’s too expensive, it takes too much energy just getting in and out of a bathing suit, I react badly to the chlorine.
He brushed each objection aside and didn't listen when I tried to describe access barriers to water exercise. My lived experience in my body was seen as less valuable than his medical degree. I left the office crying in frustration. Moreover, he didn’t actually offer any useful advice to improve my situation.
