It's not easy dealing with illness/exhaustion.......low spirits. Some days feel so hard...........when I am struggling.....which is often there are a few things I try........I lean into the day. Permit myself to feel how I feel as I feel it......but I also permit myself to see or feel or touch or try or taste or hear something that gives me comfort or a tiny hint of a smile to occur in my being.......sometimes that feeling doesn't make it all the way to my lips and become on full on SMILE......but feeling it on the inside gives me a little bit of calm.......a butterfly wing's worth of happy. I try to remind myself everyday that I am a person, I am enough, I am precious and doing the best I can.........give yourself the gift of grace on the tough days, as you figure out what fibro and crohn's means for you.........it's a time of adjustment for sure. I keep a piece of art on my wall that says, "She believed she could, so she did." It helps me.........I've had trials and I've been ill for a very long time.......some days I can't muster any perky patty party attitude........and that is perfectly ok. What I try to practice is taking it easy on me..........because I deserve and need every glimmer of hope and happy and joy..........peace & contentment I can find/claim/beg/steal or borrrow. Thinking of you.....wishing you well. Sometimes I think, "OK, I'll be mad/upset/angry/ticked.....rail at the universe for 15 minutes but then I think I also deserve to take in any and all blessings that are in my life. Sort of the idea to give equal time for the tough and the good stuff. It can be a bird dropping by for a visit.....looking at the buds on the trees....it can be having running hot and cold water......water I don't have to walk miles to get.......I try to break it down and find gratitude for the simple things I can so easily take for granted. It's late and I should go to bed shortly.........I'll be thinking of you and hoping you can have a night that gives you some rest........and pleasant dreams. Take good care of you!

Welcome! :-)

Welcome Anna! I've probably had Fibromyalgia since age 12. Diagnosed in my 50's when my personal life turned into a sh*tstorm of epic proportions. I'm 70 now. It's not easy but over time you do learn how to better manage this diagnosis. We recommend the book "Fibromyalgia for Dummies." It provides a comprehensive overview of this complex illness. And, ways to try and manage it.

Our fearless leader, Leo, does a daily check in every day. It is full of interesting facts and keen observations. Feel free to jump right in. A lot of us have been here for a while. It's a godsend to have online friends who understand the situation.

Aloha, Anna! Welc9me to the group. I don't know the science behind ptsd and its connection to fibromyalgia, but apparently there is something. And most of us fibro patients also have GI problems. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia upon being discharged from the military in 2005. But the symptoms began about a month after my platoon responded to 9/11 at the Pentagon. I was under extreme stress at that time, and also developed a stomach ulcer.

To answer your question, no, I do not ever feel like giving up. Every day is a new day, a chance to start over, and you never know what new opportunities or blessings could come your way.

Just take it one day at a time and listen to your body. I hope to see you in the daily check in. You can post how you are doing each day and what is going on in your day to day life. Ask any questions, vent, or just get support. We understand what you are going through and we are here for you. Hugs