very well said, bluemist...you've analyzed every little detail of life since it was pretty much thrown at your face...and I think that's what life is about. so you're right...we have to be thankful for every little thing we have. :)

My last pain free day was the 27/10/05.

I can not work as a Nurse, or drive my motorbike, can not do needlework, write properly, can not do things on a whim, everything has to be planned, memory lets me down frequently. Vast change to finances..... for the worse.

Learnt how to use a computer, belly dance, have my hubby with me at home full time, made friends on DS, I have more empathy and patience. Got my dog, Harvey. Have lost weight, got more time to spend with family.

I dont remember the last pain free day I had..
I have learned to give up major control and thats for the best
I have the most wonderful group of women here supporting me!!!!!!!!!

1. I can't
2. I has taken away everything that I loved to do and my freedom.
3. It has been hell, but I think that there is a reason even if I don't know what it is yet, but I'm trying to stay positive.

Hang in there Ava, the more you learn about it and the more you pay attn to ur body, it will get easier. We are all here for you!

1. about 20 years ago,but it got to where i didn't have a minute without pain, around october 2006.
2. it changed my whole life, i had to quit working as a rn, i had panic attacks, couldn't barely leave the house, couldn't sew (hand sew), depression, everything about me changed.
3. i am closer to all family members, able to be here for my 5 year old, but it is hard to see blessings when you are in pain 24/7 and full of depression, and anxiety.

1. When is the last time that you can remember having a pain free day?

While in Florida, I had a few pain-free days! I spent time with my kids and can't recall pain, just being tired!
2. How has your suffering/condition(s) (ex: fibromyalgia) changed your life?

It made me realize my 2nd Husband was a Gigantic A**hole! He was verbally and emotionally abusive, made me feel lower than snail slime. I learned he was the problem, Not me. I got rid of him 3 yrs ago, and have been just fine since!! :)

3. What blessings came about in your life as a result of your suffering/condition(s)?

I have learned that I am not a worthless person. My kids truly do love me, and I met my soul mate after living without one for many years! Shawn is my rock, and is very understanding of my physical limitations. I warned him when I met him, and he is still here today! Since I started my neurontin in Dec. I have been feeling much better, and we have more quality time.

1. It has been years
2. I had gone through office clerk training which included typing - at the beginning the symptoms were really showing and I thought it was the stress that was causing the job. Then I started falling for no reason and they made me go to the doctor before I could return to training. After MRI's, CAT SCANS, etc I was diagnosed with several things one including Fibromyalgia. I stopped job placement to see if I would get better and I didn't and I am now on disability.
3. I started to find others online with chronic illnesses and started sending cards to them, and eventually started to write devotionals - it gave my life purpose, along with being the best Mom I can be.

1) When was my last pain free day?
February 2, 2008, just out of the blue; actually had a yard sale that I put together in two hours and made $82, yea:)

2) How has it changed my life?
I had to stop working, after working since I was 16, at times that makes me feel like I am not contributing, but down deep, I know that I am.

3)What blessings have come my way since then?

Oh, the most wonderful is being here to watch my grandson grow since he was born.

Also, to meet others that have needs that I may be able to assist.

Helping out in the kindergarden class to give them love and confidence in themselves.

Having a more organized schedule, with a home cooked meal, laundry completed, my plants are flourishing as I have more time to spend with them. My family has become closer, as they have helped me through some of the painful days, and I help them in whatever way I am able.

LOVE staying at home, and not working now:)

1. Don't remember a pain free day.
2. I had to stop working as a nurse because physically it was whooping my butt.
3. I wouldn't have had my 4th baby and I wouldn't have lost 3 babies trying to have him. And I wouldn't be considering going back to school to be a grief counselor. I feel these situations have made me a stronger and better person and have sent me on the path I was designed to be on. I wouldn't change a thing except maybe to have less pain. Hugs, Fern P.S. Good thread!!!

1. Been so long that I can't remember.
2. I'm unable to work any longer to take care of myself as an independent single woman.
3. I have been blessed by my family taking care of me for now. And I've been blessed with many great friends here on DS.

last pain free day I know I had some but can't remember when.

This disease has made life hard. I lost my house have a hard time working and I am definatly less social.

My blessings are being able to spend time with my family and do crafts and such. Life has slowed down which is good since I used to go 80 miles an hour all the time.

Good post thanks.
Tam

I dont remember last having a pain free day.
I have lost my career and independence behind this illness.
As well as my so called best friend.
Men have never treated me well BEFORE I was diagnosed, so I am even more protective of myself now, and wont let them even near me. (When you are long legged and big breasted, they dont give two damns about your personality they will use every trick in the book to get your legs open)

I have been blessed by realizing that I am extremely determined when I need something done. I am more adventurous and it is a wonderful natural pain reliever to do exciting things. I have realized through this all who my REAL friends are.

1. I was 35 when the realization hit me that I had no recollection of when the last time was that I felt good. I have been in continual, worsening pain for 20 years.

2. This DD has turned me into a person I often don't like. I am short-tempered, tired all the time, absolutely no fun to be around, and can no longer enjoy so many of the things that other people take for granted all their lives.

3. In an odd sort of a way, having these various chronic pain conditions has helped make me more tolerant of other people who are disabled. I don't think I'd really call it a blessing, though. It is very hard to find anything good about having chronic pain.

I am writing a book about living with FM/CFS/Chronic pain, so please e-mail me at fibrobook@yahoo.com if you'd like to share your story with me.