Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.
I love my brother and the guy he's marrying, but my pain has been really inconsistent these past few weeks. I find myself worrying about tomorrow. I've always had a problem with anxiety about 'events' or really any kind of crowd. And of course the stress of the worrying only makes my symptoms worse. I don't even know what I'm stressed about. Wait, of course I do. I've never been able to keep my pain off my face. Some people can do that, I can't. And I don't want to have people worrying about me at this very important event for my brother and his boyfriend. I guess I'm writing this so I can deal with it here and not make myself sick(er). Writing always clears things up for me.
What do you do when you have something that you can't and/or don't want to miss? But you can't relax and trust that you can handle whatever comes your way. That's how I pray, by the way -- 'Just please give me the strength to deal with this.' God has never let me down, not once. Of course, the trick is to remember to ask. I guess that's why I'm writing this. It just reminded me to ask for help (not that I'm a religious person at all, but Alcoholics Anonymous brought God into my life in a very spiritual, and practical, way.)
Whew! I feel like I've just had a therapy session.
What do you do when you have something that you can't and/or don't want to miss? But you can't relax and trust that you can handle whatever comes your way. That's how I pray, by the way -- 'Just please give me the strength to deal with this.' God has never let me down, not once. Of course, the trick is to remember to ask. I guess that's why I'm writing this. It just reminded me to ask for help (not that I'm a religious person at all, but Alcoholics Anonymous brought God into my life in a very spiritual, and practical, way.)
Whew! I feel like I've just had a therapy session.
Hope it goes better than you think. Finally, I was glad I came, even if it was an ordeal.
I would say, try and not have any expectations as to what your pain/fatigue may or may not be. Try to keep a positive outlook and tell yourself that you can do all the things you can ahead of time to make sure you are comfortable. Take whatever medications you take for pain BEFORE the event so you have them on board when the stress comes up. Make sure you eat a little something before you go. Dress comfortable as is possible (shoes, etc. or bring pair to change to even). make sure you sit next to an exit, LOL! I do this for my anxiety in case I start having a major pain attack or anxiety. At least I know I can get up from sitting to stretch if needed or what not.
Finally, just try and have fun. I'm sure it will be a festive occasion. People might be under the influence of alcohol and not paying attention to "the pain on your face". Just smile and fake it,....then you can leave and bitch all about it LOL!!! I hope you are able to enjoy some of it.
I think that all you can do is what you can do. Take it a moment at a time. If you can go then that is great. If you cannot then you cannot go and I am sure your Bother will understand. We can only do what we can do. I know you want to be able to be there. Play it by ear.
Maybe you can go and sit and watch the whole time. Be sure to take your Meds with you if you take them and have water with you and do whatever you need to do to help you to be as comfortable as possible. Wear comfortable shoes!! Take a pillow if you have to for when you are sitting to either sit on or put behind your back.
I think just the fact that you are trying to go and really want to be there is just amazing and shows how brave you are. I will say a prayer for you and whatever you decide to do just know that it is okay. Gentle hugs to you. Let me know what happens and be gentle with yourself. Congratulations to your Brother and your Family.
You are doing it for them because you know they would love you to be there.
It's like when my grandson comes over. Holy cow I'm in pain and it's hard going some times but I think life is short and I'm not going to miss out on things and I get through it and I sleep and rest after everyone leaves.
Maybe make the wedding and skip the reception if they have one.
I have anxiety too especially going to big social things. Sometimes we have to put a brave face on and fake it. Smile and fake it like Jp said.
Remember to breathe. It helps with pain to breathe through it rather than holding breath and tensing up.
I remember you saying that you do chair yoga. There's some good ones on YT. One is called "mindful chair yoga"
It's very relaxing and calming. Focus on breath.
Maybe do some yoga before going to the wedding. I am sure it will set the "tone" for the day for you and help you get through the day.
I hope you Have a wonderful time on such a special occasion.
Oh I forgot to say if you go to your Brother's wedding have a fabulous time and enjoy! I hope you feel well enough to go and enjoy yourself too! Let me know what happens.
I will take all your suggestions and I'm sure I'll be okay. I'll let you know tomorrow.