Short answer. NO.

I had something I call "remission" for about 8 years, which began five-six years after my dx and ended.. Well, we don't know why it started or began! Believe me, the docs and I tried e very blood test, scan, etc., you can imagine, and I think made up a few.

And when my triggers are not present (hot humid weather is number one, followed by stress), I can function at about a pain level of 5-6.

That said... You are not being USELESS by HEALING for a day! That's your day, you earned it, the end, okay?

And I thinka nice sanctuary for a few months would be great, too, but maybe we have to build the place, b/c darned if I can find one.

I did a search and found a list of 70 listings for sanitariums in the U.S.:
http://adventistdirectory.org/SearchResults.aspx?CtryCode=US&EntityType=MH

huh, who knew?

I am so tired right now that I openly admit that I didn't click on any of them to see what they offer, cost, work or how successful they are.......but apparently they do still exist. Many years ago I was advised to take a sabbatical from my former career but I never seriously considered it. I thought I had to hold on really really tightly to the world I knew. Looking back with what I know now, I wish I had found a way to take the time to take that serious rest. I don't know the outcome, how that would have turned out, but I do know what did happen......because I pushed so hard to stay too long I did serious damage to other systems in my body. I didn't have the health to sustain against other serious diseases waiting to catch me at the end of those seriously tired dark alley ways........they jumped me and kept taking me down, stealing my energy and my health is so many ways. I'll never really know, but I have to say this to others, it might help you turn the corner by finding a different way to deal with your illess........fibromyalgia is a serious illness. You can't fight it like someone who is healthy.......you can't out run it by pushing through the same way......I say this because it didn't work for me.......I worked another 12.5 years after being diagnosed and it wasn't the smartest decision for me. So I think it bears the question if you could find another way to live......take a rest, find a way to take a break from what you are doing now to allow your body to rest for a long time......for example, while I am not healthy my ability to function gradually increased after a serious time of quiet rest at home........took two years to get to a place of better. I only got out of my home those first two, to two and a half years once every six to eight weeks. I wore myself down that it was a hard slow steady climb to get degrees of better. Did it help? Yes it did. I hope you find a way to find your better/best way to do what works best for you. It's not easy......I am wiped out and need to go to bed......but I felt like I should try to be of help, if to do nothing else but say I hear you......you are worth it, it's not easy.......but you can have some better days, more quality of life at times.........and every day of better is a blessing, a real gift, the kind you don't get back! Thinking of you......good night!

Hi
I can relate so much to what you are saying. I continue to work even though I don't think it is helping me in any way. I have developed so many health problems on top of the fibro and things seem to be heading down hill. Still I am so unsure of applying for SSD. The uncertainty, waiting period with no income is foreboding. I, too, feel like every weekend is spent recuperating. My immune system is failing and I am sick all of the time. I did have a period of time (maybe 8 years where I felt better). Nobody seems to understand, and I feel like a failure. I have no answers.

Have you talked to your doctor? Not everything can be attributed to Fibromyalgia. Take care.

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your caring input.

I've just had a physical exam from my doctor, and the tests are normal.

My job isn't what's stressing me out. It's the living environment--the population explosion in the SF bay area within the last ten years--the crowds, the air pollution, the demand overload of the infrastructure system.

You can't go anywhere without getting stuck whether it is traffic jams or waiting in long lines at the stores. The air is filled with particulates from construction activity or from cars or BBQ smoke (not the food smell, but the charcoal). Violent crimes have increased unbelievably also.

Maybe I should not go out at all, if possible!

You may say I could move. But it is hard to leave your support system (of friends, doctors, etc.) especially if you're not well.

It is good to know that remission is possible (Leo, you give me hope). Leo, do you remember what led to your remission? Did you have any change in life circumstances at that time?

Achybones and jannytheresa - I could have written the same posts. I share all the issues as you. I work- get a little done - overdo it - then takes me time to recuperate before back to work. Most of my family and friends do not understand and it's so frustrating. and makes me feel lesser than as a person.
My heart and prayers go out to all of us who are suffering - trying to hide it and live a decent life. Blessings and a warm hug to you all. xo PJ
PS I actually was the person who posted the "Help...." post today so I think we're in the same mood boat. :)

This really explains how I am feeling! Over had Fibro for over 20 years now and it seems to get worse. My doctor wanted to take me out of work years ago but as a single mom of 4, a fixed income wouldn't work for me. How I am regretting that decision! Every day is a struggle and I feel like I'm losing my mind in unimaginable pain! You've described my day perfectly. Just enough energy to work and then sleep. Cooking, chores, etc are only for"good" days. Hopefully the medical community will figure this thing out but until then, gentle hugs and best wishes to you.