I'm definitely with you. ATM I'm doing a webinar series called Journey to the heart which focuses on physical well being after trauma. I have no doubt my fibro is related to stress from the past. People who don't understand what it is to have my life tell me I just need to embrace mycp current life and let things be and I'm really trying to do that. I've joineda gym, doing physio, seeing a dietician tonight and will be starting back full time at uni in a few weeks. However, my anxiety is through the roof my pain is up and down like a roller coaster and don't even ask about my sleeping patterns. Please know youre not aline

Every day of my life to date, and that's way before FM. Though the FM just adds to the potential for "I suck" factor, freely admitted.

I did a free stress management course not long after my FM dx 20 years ago, and that did help me manage anxiety really well till fairly recently, so if you have a free program of stuff in your area? Highly recommend it. Some of it seems *duh* obvious but implementing isn't as easily done as said.

As Tyzz said, someone will tell you to embrace this new life and its opportunities and lessons. Feel free to mentally swat them upside th ehead. I always imagine doing that. (My sister-in-law, OMG, she'd drive Mother Teresa to madness)

And, sorry to sound clich, but if youc an find a counselor or therapist? Also useful. For you and for family all together. Chronic pain isn't just ours to endure. My hubby has to cope with my pain, too, y'know?

Purrs,
Leo

Wow! You just totally echoed everything I am feeling this morning. I feel to horrible to go to work today. I have the ability to telecommute now, but I still feel loads of guilt about not physically going into the office. Plus, my husband gets worried that even though I have been given the ok to work from home, it could still affect my job security when I do. I fear that as well. Yet, fibro is winning in every way today.

So when we feel even halfway capable of doing regular stuff like working, cooking, cleaning or just going out with friends, then we push ourselves and feel worse later. Then when we feel worse and can't do those things, the guilt sets in. It's a vicious cycle sometimes. But at least we know there ARE others who feel the same way and understand.

Gentle Hugs!!!
Kimber

Embrace the pain, fatigue, flu like symptoms, huh? Sorry, but that's like embracing a porcupine. Only someone who's never experienced this life would say that to you. I am in the exact same place as you are right now. Struggling with flare after flare and wondering if things will ever get better.

I really don't have anyone in my life who understands what I live with everyday. Oh, they try to be sympathetic, sometimes, but they can't possibly get it. That's why I draw so much comfort from groups like this one, where I can talk to people who suffer right along with me.

Just know you're not alone in this emotional struggle. I'm right there with you!

Hugs!

I went back and read your post. You asked if there was a place of peace to be found in this roller coaster life. I would be remiss if I didn't say to you that yes, I find complete peace in The Lord. He is my peace, my only peace in this crazy life. Sometimes I'm not very good at running to Him, but when I do, I curl up in His lap and find that peace.

Wow, I also feel exactly like you guys... I feel my responsibilities are never ending, physical ability is ever dwindling and the empathy to pacify it is ever lost
Lately I feel on the trapped on the outside looking in, through eyes that have such horrible, isolating thoughts, I don't even recognize all this nasty negativity ,because inside I fight so much since all I want is to be my naturally happy self !
But logging on to this site (even reading your post)makes me feel I am not alone , insane and just need to be understood (and some painkillers!) To feel human again :-) sending kindness and complete empathy your way..

Rats. If it were only the pain. That seems like a walk in the part to me now that the exhaustion has taken over. The only way to embrace that is to live in bed. Hmmmm.....sounds pretty good right now.

I think I'm going to start getting my groceries delivered. Then I really can live in the bedroom...

Right there with ya! Having been newly diagnosed with fibromyalgia I'm thinking I'm still in denial. When it's cold I curse mother nature..my joints kill me but I have a couple of things that give me perspective. ..I have a friend 4 yrs older than myself who has been diagnosed with ALS...I will say that yes there are days I can't get out of bed...but I can. I know...shut up no one wants to hear this but this perspective kinda keeps me going...besides my older kids and now a 2 yr old granddaughter who relies on me...yes we have bad days...THIS SUCKS....but every single morning I must say it's going to be a good day...I have no choice but to think like that. I'm so sorry you as well as myself and many others feel like this. .prayers for strength

marsharebel, oh Lord,if only it was the pain is right. I will take the pain over the severe fatigue and other multitude of symptons any day.

Thank you all for your love and support. I can smile for a moment, feeling loved and understood.

Blessings and love to you all.

Hello I'm new here. And yes I definitely understand what you are going through. Those feelings are most of my days. I do the best I can to explain things but like you I really don't think they get it. Keep praying hun that's all that keeps me sane.