Be curious to know where you're at yourself in that spectrum.

I've been in bad bad shape, at first dx, in mid-twenties. By 30, was able to exercise daily, do medium chores without exceissive fatigue, and was off the one med I'd been on (a pain med NSAID now off the market). Two bihg factors for me were
1. Could afford to exclude all processed foods from diet (Let's face it, processed has usually been cheaper, and we were reallllly broke.)
2. Med switch for another condition. New med has its issues, but the old cocktail was *awful*.

I've dropped back to low functioning since my 2011 injury. I'm now in my mid-forties.

I miss my high-function days, but I'm hoping that being there once means I'll get there again.

Yes, is the short answer to your question.

In 2002, I took early retirement because I had no brain anymore. I was a High School teacher and being forgetful as I was was not good for my students.

By 2003, I got weaker and weaker, until I wound up walking with a cane in 2004. Then in 2005, I decided to take control of my medical care and get moving.

I started cutting out all medications for Fibromyalgia pain, because for me, the side effects were worse than the illness itself. I began to do daily online puzzles, games, problem solving, crosswords, anything to exercise my mind; I no longer have Fibro-Fog. I began walking. In the beginning I could walk, with a cane, 10 feet across my backyard and walked a few feet further each day. As my distance got further, I became stronger. I did a lot of research on fatigue and asked my doctor to start testing me for different illnesses. He discovered that I have Hypothroydism: I take a synthetic thyroid med for it and I improved greatly. I did more research and began experimenting with different supplements, like Vitamin D3 and B6, which helped greatly.

Now 12 years later, I have no cane, I exercise everyday and am stronger each day as far as Fibromyalga.

I have other medical issues now that have nothing to do with Fibro and am still in the process of figuring it all out.

But, as far as Fibro goes, in my opinion, each person can find whatever works for them. Each person with Fibro is different and each with have a different road to walk.

But I think that although we will not ever be "normal" or do what we used to do, most may be able to find their variation of "normal" for them.

Thank you, Leo and D, for sharing your stories. I find them encouraging and can always use a good dose of inspiration to keep me on the right path. And Leo, I hope you find your way back to your high-functioning self, too.

Yes, I am a good example. I went on Disability and then decided to take a class through ROP on becoming a Vet Tech. After I completed the course, I was offered a job at the San Diego Humane Society. I wanted the job so bad that I went off of my disability. That was not a wise decision. During my 2 years at the Society, I ran a 1/2 marathon and that did me in. Then I tried to suffer through and my Fibro just got worse and worse to where I could no longer function as a good employee. So I called Medicare and they put me back on due to my symptoms getting worse. If you are young, then I think you have a very good chance of your Fibro going into remission and continuing the life you had, up to a point of course. One thing I strongly believe, is to never give up hope. Hugs GB

I know with out a doubt, you are going to find something in this long list of great advice from everyone. So I'll share my story.

Like others, I too was at a point where I struggled to cope each day with the pain, dizziness, fibro fog, fatigue. I honestly thought I was dying a slow death. I often thought "how could someone be so sick and not dead yet"?

And I came here. I listened to everyone's advice. I tried many things, some which worked, some that didn't. And it was right about there I just had enough. I was done being who I was with that pain. The doctors had given up on me, because I was simply just too young to be in that kind of pain w/out having a major disease. And with little (extended) family support as they were fed up with me not participating when I wasn't *truly sick*.

So I got pissed off and like others, took control of my health. I became my own guinea pig and started experimenting on myself. I discovered that along with pushing myself through my flares to do at least 1 chore while in a flare, I was able to cut the duration in half. Then, I started experimenting with dietary intake. I discovered sugars = fatigue and pain. Reds meats = pain, processed foods = pain and fatigue. Caffeine = pain x 2! And I was amazed how well I felt when I ate real foods/ veggies and fruits. I went kicking and screaming into this mock vegetarian lifestyle. But I'm better for it.

And having my kiddos and animals to chase after along with anything resembling a life, helped me to keep moving. I owe a lot of it to them. Plus, I have an amazing husband who has been nothing but wonderful through my journey. He make it easier to be in pain everyday.

I still have pain, I still get flares, but I'm so much more educated since my first dx 7+yrs ago. I now feel equipped to face the challenges fibro tosses my way. And I do this w/out the meds. I failed miserably on them all.

Behind every success story is someone who is determined to accept the ups and downs together of this illness. Someone who seeks and finds the tools they need to survive this thing called life that renews their faith in themselves. And that means a different level of success for each and every one of us. Your journey may have similarities, but it will be very personal tailored just for you.

I wish you well on this journey. Keep us updated in what you discover.