FYI to anyone intrested...I recently saw a post about a letter for people that DONT suffer from chronic pain. So, my advice is-when you have time...google it! I found a HANDFUL of printing worthy letters to share with family & friends in hopes it will better help them understand our painfu life.
Good Luck to you!

There are so many things reported here that I agree with, like having FMS is like a living death. Well said 'lozzy'. How has it effected me? I have no children. My marriage ended and many of my friends are gone. They were not real friends anyway, but it still leaves a big hole in my life. Even though I can't do much, I still think of living my old life and it can be really depressing, so I try not to even think of my past life anymore. I am a different person now. I do not really identify with this person and am and this life I lead. I have stopped feeling lonely and try to fill my need for intimacy through my cats. That is sad, indeed. There are so few human beings who have any sympathy for what I live with. So sad to hear these stories, but so good to know that I am not alone in how this effects me. Not that I would wish this illness on...well Hitler even. No one should have to live this way. Half alive. It is a sadness that will apparently never be cured in my lifetime anyway.

I recently saw Dr. Oz discussing the SMRV retro-virus and it, oddly, made me feel better. Finally, there is something they can put their finger on that causes the odd symptoms we suffer. If you're interested, here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WEUC7hRXzM

I see both positives and negatives on how it affects my family.

Negatives:
~Some intimacy limits
~No bear hugs and some limits on physical play
~Some limits on outings

Positives:
~Teaches responsibility since kids help with most chores
~Teaches empathy and concern for others
~Used comparison of my fibro to show ADHD child that just because you have something that makes you a little different, it doesn't mean you're not valuable; also used it to show him that just because that thing makes it harder for you to do some things doesn't mean that you give up, but that you find creative ways to accomplish them
~Forced my fiance to help in household responsibilities instead of holding on to his chauvinist upbringing (both work fulltime)

you are all so brave in sharing these things - it is good to know we can connect - thanx

as with maryca= my family & even friends with fibro have left me! they think i look to goodyes again even the ones w/fibro so i'm perplexed also feel all alone & really don't know what im going to do! need surgery & i'm so scared by myself=don't know who will take care of my dog & cat or my house & then me when i come home! I& so scared about surgery in general exspecailly by myself! and then will this surgery make my fibro worse & will i heal from the surgery or just make everything/ PAIN WORSE!
healing prayers & angels for all
oxo
paula