Different days, different ways. Sometimes I listen to soft, calm music. It can quiet my spirit or calm me down, and at times make me cry. But afterwards I feel better. Other times I use my Wii to dance or bowl. It takes my mind off things, and I don't feel as limited. (After all, I went bowling or dancing. LOL) And, sometimes I bake (for myself or others), or (don't laugh) I mend my socks. When I want to "get out of the house," I can search a destination online that I've never seen and try to learn something new about it. Or I will call someone who lives far away and get caught up on what's going on in their lives. Best wishes, freelee. I hope you find a way to feel better soon.

I think this illness can be limiting. That can be pretty depressing. If you've felt depressed more than a few days, you should reach out to your doctor and consider an anti-depressant. It isn't unusual for people with chronic illnesses to take anti-depressants. It is a tough road.

Several years ago, I really struggled with my new limits. I got very sad about all the different things I could no longer do. What I decided is to try to find things I can do to replace them. Such as knitting or other crafts. I joined a book club when I could no longer go out with my friends dancing and drinking. I make a point to go out to lunch with my friends once a month. I cook (although now I do it sitting on a chair). I find being creative is uplifting to me. I also try to reach out to help others. It makes me feel good. Be sure you reach out to friends and family over the phone. I also encourage you to keep moving...however you can. There are exercises you can do laying in bed or sitting on a chair. I do believe if we don't keep moving, we will lose it.

Hang in there.

Hi. Lexis has said it all really. I am sorry you are so low. Pain is difficult and brings you down. Why do you still have so much pain. Autumm

Freelee, We can all relate to you. I do things differently than most people. We have choices about how to feel in any circumstance. I try to strengthen my relationship with The Lord who I will one day see. I find there is no greater fulfillment for me than bible study. Whether I am sick or well, The Lord is always there. My church has excellent, FREE books and DVD's taught by my pastor. All books, DVD's and materials are free because the bible should be free, and this is grace. The website is www.rbthieme.org You could listen to the sample DVD's on the site. You can find the catalog listing of books & DVD's on every subject in the bible. My pastor teaches from the original languages of scripture - Hebrew for the old testament, and Greek (9 languages of Greek) in the new testament, including some Aramaic and Latin. My pastor was a theologian and a brilliant man.

It is absolutely important to have good coping skills with DM/PM. I turn to divine solutions.

I will put in some prayers for you. Think creatively about what you can do sitting down. A local community college may be able to offer some ideas too. Your local unemployment commission would also be a place with training for free in different types of work.

Keep us posted.

Thank you all so much for your responses. It is so great to know there is a group of people that understand.

So many helpful suggestions. Thanks.

I have a always been a driven person and need to feel I have a purpose which in the past I have gained from working.

There is also that my children are all no longer needing me, except to do things I cannot manage like look after young grandchildren.

I do go out 4 days each week - 2 to hydrotherapy, 1 to visit an elderly relative and 1 to pick up my grandson from school. I also work in an office for 3 hours on 1 day but it really hurts my hips from sitting. Sitting is the worse thing for me and unfortunately I need to lie down a lot or I get more pain.

My pain, (Autumn asks) comes from doing anything out of the ordinary: driving too long, carrying shopping, sitting too long, walking upstairs too many times, from carpal tunnel and bursitis and osteoarthritis. Do you not have pain? I am not on prednisone as it did not work for me as it took so long to get a diagnosis. I am on immunosuppressants. Maybe I am in a flare this week. Lots of muscles are aching but mostly shoulders, thighs and buttocks.

Thank you all for your kind help and thoughts.

freelee,

Sorry you're feeling so down. I completely understand, I have been struggling with this myself. I have had horrible pain too. At one point, it was all I could do to get out of bed.. I thought if this is how my life's going to be, what's the point. I had to get myself out of that mindset! Everyday, I try to think of at least one thing that I am thankful for. I also tell myself that there is someone else right now that has it much worse than I do. I know that doesn't always help, but it's what I have to do to get through each day. I was a very active person and have not been able to work out for 2months now because my pain was so bad and when I did workout I couldn't move for days. That's been the hardest thing for me. I am starting to feel better with the prednisone, but I am learning that I can no longer push myself like I used to. I worked way to much before I got sick and didn't stop to smell the roses ever! That is one thing I am learning to do now. I also like to bake and I pray. I wish you the best and just know you are not alone...

Prayers & Blessings