Hi gang! I'm a newcomer to this support group and hope that I'll be able to find the support and understanding that I so desperately need. I have a very loving family, but I don't think that they can even begin to understand what how this illness has changed my life. I've struggled with the symptoms of FMS for 6 years now, but this year has been the worst and most challenging. I was laid off from my job last Oct, which was emotionally hard on me, because in the 5 years that I was employed, I loved the work that I did, and the people I worked with. Since then I had been looking for another job, but also during this time, my FMS had worsened. Since Jan of this year, I have been experienced not only worsened symptoms, but some new areas of my body are now affected. I not only will not be able to return to he workforce, but struggle with just accomplising daily things at home. I am so depressed dealing with the pain and the fatigue, and feeling as though I've lost myself. I've been reading and researching FMS, and after being on so many drugs, have decided to go off the drugs and take a more healthy alternative approach to dealing with this debilitating condition. My family doctor is open to however I want to handle my FMS, but the RA doctor that he referred me to doesn't seem top have a clue. I'm also going to counseling for help with dealing with my pain and depression, but most of the time I just don't feel like talking to anybody, becuase I feel my whole life is just so consumed and controlled by this illness. I'm hoping to connect with some folks here who can not just relate with me with dealing with FMS symptoms, but to maybe find out what others are doing to cope with their pain and change of lifestyle.
hey patty, i can't comment on fibro but sure can comment on pain and your like changing....welcome to support groups hun, lots of great people here. i do understand having your life change do to pain, mine is nerve damage and has had me nearly bedridden for a year and meds like i've never seen. just had some surgery last week that is my last hope of coping with chronic pain. you may want to post on the chronic pain link also for added input for your situation.....nice to meet you patty and hope you find the folks here helpful.
You are in my prayers. Everyday I say to myself that I am healing, and with faith and hope we will feel better and better. God bless you.
Thanks for the warm welcome, support and prayers.
Kathy - sorry to hear about your nerve damage. I hope that the surgery will bring you relief, and give you your life back again. Thanks for the recommendation to join the "chronic pain" link - I'll do that, as well.
Marcie - I think that faith, hope and as much positive energy that we can receive from each other is what will get us through this.
Hope you all have a restful and pain free evening.
Lots of hugs to both of you!
I've only have Fibro for 7 years now. I was diagnosed when I was 17 which was devastating to an athletic kid on her way to college and apparently I was/am really young to have it. I am still somewhat in pain but it has dulled down a lot compared to years ago. I don't take meds though some days I wish I stuck with them. I try to stay active but I know to keep the activities to low impact. I wish I could do more like play soccer and what not but I am content with frisbee and swimming at the beach.
I know what you mean when you say you feel as if it controls your life. I still haven't fully accepted it. Try to think of it another way-it doesn't control you..you control it. You can do things to ease the pain so you are not completely helpless though I know it can feel like that on flareups. In the past few years I def. learned that it is ok to ask for help. It is not worth stressing yourself and body over small things others can help with. You are not alone. I thought I was and it turns out I made best friends with someone who has it and so does her mom. It helps to know people with the same issue. Good luck with everything.