I'm so sorry. I know it's hard to process this illness, let alone adapt, especially when you're so young.

This is a tough one and something that I struggle with too. I think that most of us have lost a lot of friends because we can no longer get out there to socialize and be active. This illness can be so isolating.

And, like you it takes me forever to recover from one night of making the effort to do something fun. I belong to a Scottish benevolent society and can not attend the meeting because they run too long/late. At this time of year, they have fish fries every Friday as a fund raiser. I go with my family and then spend the majority of the rest of the weekend in bed off and on to make up for it. This week I'm still dragging from last Friday's excursion which was precisely 2 1/2 hours.

However, I would rather do that than nothing at all. It is the memories of these outings that keeps me going on really tough days. As for other people, I'm over it. I have become my own reality engineer in that I'm able to entertain myself and enjoy my own company. If someone really cares, they know where to find me and they do.

I guess my message is that you do need to make the effort to get out once in awhile even though the backlash is a nuisance. Plan on downtime afterwards rather than trying to fight it. Its part of the "perks" that we have to deal with. Enjoy being out rather than focusing on relationship dynamics. Things have a way of working out like they are supposed to no matter how hard we try to change it. Be grateful that you got to do something fun and let the rest of it go. Keep your chin up and take care.

Hey, sweetie. I'm so very sorry you have to deal with this at your young age. I'm 62 and was hit with this big time about 8 years ago. So I can only imagine how you must be feeling. Btw, I also have a new RA diagnosis added to the fibro one.

But I wanted to let you know that one of my main struggles is with what you're talking about.....the loss of our fun way of life, having friends sort of leave us on the curb, and the resulting loneliness and isolation. It is something I'm still trying to work through.

I agree with Fantod that it would be really good for you to at least try to make the effort periodically. I know when I push myself and go out for lunch with a friend, it does so much to lift my depression. Maybe you could choose other ways of socializing. You could do lunches, or a movie, or if you do go out to a club or something, try to make it an earlier evening. And of course, clear your schedule to allow for resting up afterwards. I pray that you will find ways to make this work. I know you can!

Trying to stay in touch with your friends is hard, but important. I'm bad about waiting for others to call me, but I'm learning that I may have to be the one to reach out to them first. It's so important to hang on to those friendships. I have some dear friends that I've had since elementary school, even though we don't talk as often as I'd like.

I'll pray for you, dear. I know this is so hard, but you have our support and friendship.

Hugs,
Elizabeth

Hi-I really feel for you while reading your post-I too have had many struggles in my life,young and now older.What Ive learned through a long process is -acceptance,thats it, just surrender to what ever it is.I believe everything happens for a reason I try to live in today and find gratitude in the smallest thing.Eg;do i have a roof over my head?Food in my fridge?A car?A family who loves me?A beautiful sunset.Hang in there sweetie

I'm also 26 years old with fibro and have similar experiences... I usually pick one day a week to go out for dinner with a friend or see a movie. It definitely takes a lot of time to recover for me too. It's so rare nowadays to have good friends that will be there for you. It's even more rare to have a friend that understands what we are going through - Especially at our young age. I've found that I usually have to be persistent to get any friend to hang out with me. Especially since my friends live 40 miles from my house. Maybe try calling a friend just to catch up? A phone call is a big effort in today's world of texting and email. I hope you feel better and your friends can be supportive of you. I'm always available to chat too... One of my goals in signing up for this support group was to find someone my age to chat with. This disease is very defeating and a good support group is key. If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you.

Feel better,
Lindsey

I was diagnosed with fibro at 23 and I'm 29 now. It's not easy feeling like you're 90! Bouncing back is so hard and feeling like an outsider amongst your peers is just awful. At least we all have this support group though!

(((Gentle hugs)))

~Stephanie~

I always needed a lot of rest, Raising children wasn't easy. But now that they've grown, I feel so badly for young women who should be in the most active time of their lives, down and in bed. Not fair. It's hard enough for an old woman, but we have reasons to be tired and achy.

I feel for you too. Im 30 and was dxd at 23. I often struggle with the isolation of this condition. I lost most of my friends and social life along the way. I wasn't able to commit to or participate in important events or be the reliable person I used to be. I couldn't keep plans and when I did go out, I'd need days to recover. I have a hard time relating to ppl that I used to, as my life has changed so much and that put a strain on those relationships. I have a small support system now including my fianc, who's been with me through it all, and I just try to appreciate the few ppl that i do have in my life, rather than focus on those who've come and gone. You have to put yourself first, regardless of the social consequences, and be able to say no when you need to. I know It can be stressful and lonely and that's why I find support here where I don't feel like I'm the only one going through this.