Dating with chronic pain sucks…it seems like no men are interested in me because of it.

In the past, before my last relationship (which just ended as it was unfortunately abusive), I was rejected from so many first dates after I discussed in more detail my chronic pain/fatigue problems. I mentioned it on my dating profile, but when I discussed it again during dates (for the sake of transparency), it seemed to be a huge turnoff and the grand majority of my dates seemed to lose interest quickly or ghosted me afterwards.

I had no problem getting lots of first dates and having men be interested in me/wanting to use me for my body, but when it came to a serious commitment, they were not interested. I have pretty bad chronic pain and fatigue, but I still try to keep as active as I can (I walk or hike 3-5 miles/day, swim whenever I have time, and generally take care of myself). I can also camp and go backpacking, as long as I’m not carrying too much weight and it’s 5-10 miles/day max (I did 15 miles once but that was pushing it). However, there are things I cannot do, like run, carry heavy loads, lift weights, or do any kind of impact sports. Before my health got worse in my early 20s, I was extremely physically active (exercising 3hrs/day and doing multiple extreme sports) and had an extremely toned body, and it breaks my heart that I can’t do this anymore.

My chronic fatigue also means I have to rest more than the typical person, and I can’t just keep going endlessly because it flares up my condition and if I push myself too hard then I can become bedridden for a few days. I have very low blood pressure, low appetite, joint instability/hyper-mobility, and fibromyalgia. Self-care is really important to me, so I take my diet, medication, and therapy seriously. Sometimes I struggle with depression due to my pain (I can get sad and frustrated) but I’ve come a long ways mentally and have found ways to cope so my mental health doesn’t harm others around me.

So - is this a dealbreaker for most men? All men? Dating is so discouraging with these health conditions. I am decently attractive and my body looks in good shape, but I feel like I’m still undesirable and worthless due to health issues that are out of my control and that sucks.