Since several accidents, falls, and injuries the last 5 years, I just had to resign my job today. I'm only 57, and scared to death. I had no choice, in that my fibro is so debilitating now, that I can no longer work. I agree with you that it does worsen, esp. after injuries. Fibrohyg

Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness. Remission is rare. I think that for all of us, it is an everyday issue. Other than level of intensity that varies from person to person once you're diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, the chances of escaping it's clutches are slim to none. Take care.

I totally agree with reply 1 and 2. This is a debilitating illness. I have found over time it has gotten worse. I have tried the meds and they don't agree with me so I have had to do a complete lifestyle change. I suffer with pain everyday as I know most of you do too. I am out of work on medical leave and I have to retire soon because I cannot go back. It is terrible. But, having said that, there are worse things in life and we have to be strong and deal with this.

I am full agreement with all of the replies so far. Like many I cannot take any medicine to help ease the pain. About the only hope most of us have it is a period of remission.

I have been in daily pain for over 28 straight years now & have experienced some periods of remission over the years but really none since 2007. These days I like to tell people that on my good days I only hurt from head to toe but on my bad days I hurt from toe to head.

Keeping a sense of humor with this chronic illness is very important for me in trying to keep my sanity. I also say that "I'm in my 60's - act like I'm in my 30's - feel like I'm in my 90's."

Honestly, this is a disease that I would not wish on my worst enemy.

Best wishes to all.

Fibro is chronic and there is no cure. Some people have it mild, some moderate, and some severe. My fibro has always been severe and debilitating. I had to stop working at age 38 (I had no choice) and I feel very blessed to receive SSDI - although it took about 3 years to be approved after applying.

Some people respond well to treatments and will get some improvement. I am not one of those people. What helps one person with fibro doesnt always help the next person . And again there is no cure so beware of products and people claiming to have a cure.

I have the feeling that Fibro must be related to arthritis or osteoarthritis.... yes? I have osteoarthritis and osteoporosis and MS and a bunch of other autoimmune things.

Two years ago I retired from my job of 28 years because I was only putting in an hour a day. Everything just kept getting worse and the fatigue was unbelievable! Still is. Thanks for all the good replies. At least I know my doctor is aware of how bad this can be. He didn't give me many answers or suggestions last week and now I guess I know why. No one knows!

From what I read, fibro is distinctly different from arthritis, in that arthritis is caused by INFLAMMATION and is progressive (ie, joint damage is not reversible). Fibro, on the other hand, is not caused by inflammation (to wit, all my blood test markers for inflammation are negative). Fibro is neurological and muscle- and myofascia-related. It is NOT progressive, and it is reversible (muscles don't get permanent damage). So if one has purely fibro, anti-inflammatory medicine does not help.

However, one can have BOTH fibro and arthritis. But these are distinctly different conditions.