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.
Hey everyone-
Happy Valentine's Day! One thing I like a lot about valentines day is that it has expanded beyond just the whole "Hey baby, I love you, let's get it on!" thing. Not that that's not still a great part of Valentines Day, of course... ;)
But, probably thanks to Hallmark, the day has turned into a day where people send cards and other wishes to family and friends, and its important to let those people know you appreciate them. So, in that spirit, I'd like to thank all the ladies (and handful of men) on this board for being so kind and supportive. It is so nice to have a place to come and talk to people who "get it", and are going through the same sort of thing.
I have a suggestion for us on Valentine's Day. Fibromyalgia makes even the littlest things so much harder for us than for others, and I know we can all point to a long list of things we used to be able to do with ease, and now either cannot do or can only do with a lot of effort. That is so frustrating, and its easy to get discouraged. But today, on Valentine's Day, I think we should take a moment to reflect on all the things we do IN SPITE OF OUR FIBROMYALGIA, and give ourselves a big (gentle) hug for fighting through the pain, fatigue and fibro-fog.
As a part of that "love ourselves" moment, it would be nice if we all compiled a list of things that we have done either a) to manage our symptoms or b) things we have accomplished in spite of our condition that we are proud of. Big or small, it doesn't matter...the point is we all have things to be proud of!
My list is as follows:
1.) I'm happy that since being diagnosed in the summer of 2010, my symptoms have improve noticeably. In addition to my medication, I have altered my diet, made lifestyle changes, and began exercising regularly...which wasn't easy, but I'm proud I did it!
2.) When I got diagnosed, I was on the verge of dropping out of grad school since I was too sick to keep up. But I did not drop out, and now I am on the track to finish up my degree in 1 year. :)
3.) In less than 2 years, I went from not being able to go for a very short walk w/o getting extremely tired and dizzy, to being well enough that on my good days I can run a 5k (3.1 miles). I used to run a lot when I was in high school, and when I got my diagnosis I didn't think I'd be able to do that again. So I was really proud when I when I got the ability to run back from the fibro-monster.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you will share your list as well. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, and remember to give yourself a gentle hug for living well despite fibromyalgia...and for just being you!
-YB
Happy Valentine's Day! One thing I like a lot about valentines day is that it has expanded beyond just the whole "Hey baby, I love you, let's get it on!" thing. Not that that's not still a great part of Valentines Day, of course... ;)
But, probably thanks to Hallmark, the day has turned into a day where people send cards and other wishes to family and friends, and its important to let those people know you appreciate them. So, in that spirit, I'd like to thank all the ladies (and handful of men) on this board for being so kind and supportive. It is so nice to have a place to come and talk to people who "get it", and are going through the same sort of thing.
I have a suggestion for us on Valentine's Day. Fibromyalgia makes even the littlest things so much harder for us than for others, and I know we can all point to a long list of things we used to be able to do with ease, and now either cannot do or can only do with a lot of effort. That is so frustrating, and its easy to get discouraged. But today, on Valentine's Day, I think we should take a moment to reflect on all the things we do IN SPITE OF OUR FIBROMYALGIA, and give ourselves a big (gentle) hug for fighting through the pain, fatigue and fibro-fog.
As a part of that "love ourselves" moment, it would be nice if we all compiled a list of things that we have done either a) to manage our symptoms or b) things we have accomplished in spite of our condition that we are proud of. Big or small, it doesn't matter...the point is we all have things to be proud of!
My list is as follows:
1.) I'm happy that since being diagnosed in the summer of 2010, my symptoms have improve noticeably. In addition to my medication, I have altered my diet, made lifestyle changes, and began exercising regularly...which wasn't easy, but I'm proud I did it!
2.) When I got diagnosed, I was on the verge of dropping out of grad school since I was too sick to keep up. But I did not drop out, and now I am on the track to finish up my degree in 1 year. :)
3.) In less than 2 years, I went from not being able to go for a very short walk w/o getting extremely tired and dizzy, to being well enough that on my good days I can run a 5k (3.1 miles). I used to run a lot when I was in high school, and when I got my diagnosis I didn't think I'd be able to do that again. So I was really proud when I when I got the ability to run back from the fibro-monster.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you will share your list as well. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, and remember to give yourself a gentle hug for living well despite fibromyalgia...and for just being you!
-YB
1) I crawl out of bed everyday.
2) I DIDNT call Dr. Kavorkian
3) Im good to my Mom, who has Alzheimers, even though I would LOVE to use Duck tape now and then.
4)Im thankful for my DS friends.
I cant think of anything else at the moment. I lost my train of thought.
We come here in a desperate, lonely state, I believe, and we are gathered into the fold with welcoming arms. The value of that can't even be measured.
To add to your list, Yellowbunny, I would say that I had visions of "big plans" when I retired, only to be dx with fibro and have it get worse. I wanted to do "big things" for God with my spare time.
Little did I know that His plans were entirely different from my plans. Since I have been slowed down to a snail's pace, I've found more time to listen and respond to others who are suffering. My prayer life has developed as a result.
I don't do any great things that are seen and recognized by the rest of the world, due to my fibro. But I feel like a lot of important things are transpiring "behind the scenes." For that, I'm grateful.
Blessings to All, and I pray you all feel loved! Elizabeth
I have wondered how to make it through each day. I have learned that I cannot worry about the future, just to take each day as it comes and to do what I can. No guilt. (I am still working on that one, lol)
1. I have a wonderful husband who loves me very much. He is very sweet and supportive. He does so much for me. He even brings me dinner in the living room when I need to spend quality time with my heating pad.
2. I have beautiful daughters who gave me two beautiful grandchildren. Even though there are days I cannot watch the babies, my daughters are understanding.
3. I am blessed that I can still work. There are days I wonder if I am going to make it through the day, but I have a good work environment that I am able to sit when I need to.
4. I am going to try to exercise more. I am not a big exercise fanatic, but know that I need to do more so I can keep moving. So I guess that should go on the good things I plan on doing for myself list. :)
Thanks for suggesting this list. It is good to see it in writing the good things we do for ourselves. When we are feeling down, we can still know that we matter.
Hugs
1. I get up every day even when I don't feel like it - and then congratulate myself for doing so.
2. I finished college at the age of 55 with fibro - even though I had to do it one class at a time I DID it - and I damn well hung that thing on my wall so I can see it EVERY day to remind myself what I'm capable of.
3. I've started exercising again because I know I feel better even though it's really hard sometimes. I do it for my health - both mental and physical.
4. I take time for me - reading - resting - recharging - and the housework and all else can wait. It's not going anywhere.
5. I remember to appreciate my biggest supporter - my husband - as he is a blessing in my life and I need to let him know that every day!
That's it for now - thanks for making me think about it - sometimes I don't think we realize what we do and are too focused on what we don't or can't do.
Happy Valentine's Day everybody!
@Rapunzel: I'm sure #3 is really hard, but its great that you are such a loving daughter. (And I saw your post about what you are making your mom for Valentine's dinner...sounds YUMMY!!!)
@Lizzy: What you wrote wrt the "big plans" reminded me of something my mom has always told me. She says that people try to do big accomplishments, and then feel badly if they are unable to. But people can make a difference in a lot of people's lives with the small things. She always uses the fictional example of George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life". :)
@Crochet: Hugs back to you! And good for you that you are still working, and planning on starting an exercise routine!
@Peace: Finished college at 55 w/Fibro...hell yeah that's something to be proud of! Congrats!! What did you major in?
The down side is paying off student loans at my age LOL
1. So far I am not in a wheelchair like the DR's predicted
2. I am married to a wonderful man who is my rock
3. I have a beautiful daughter that makes me try to be my best
4. Started riding horses again even though the Dr said I wouldn't be able to
5. I push through all the pain, fatigue, memory issues to do what needs done at home everyday
@Country: That is awesome, esp. the horseback riding. I wish people who think we with firbo are lazy, just depressed, or whatever other nonsense could see these sorts of things. We all work so hard to live normal lives and achieve our goals...just the opposite of lazy and depressed!