Fibro is a part of who we are now

Fibro is a part of who we are now and learning to live with it is the tricky part. When

we accept the fact that Fibro isn't going anywhere we eventually learn to live with it.

We can have a good life but we have to believe we can. Psyching ourselves up takes

practice. There are days I find myself in tears wondering why me. I'm sure you all can

relate. If I interrupt my negative thoughts and replace it with something positive like,

I am going to make the best of my life as I can because it's the only one I got, it is

easier for me to stop obsessing on how awful it is. Somedays I really obsess.

There is also a need to grieve the loss of your good health. I went through a mourning

process and I still grieve sometimes and I believe it is good not to keep all the emotions

all bottled up. Finding the positives through the negative is difficult when we are feeling

pain emotionally and physically. It does take practice and the support of others, that

is why this forum is so valuable.

You all have been a source of inspiration for me and have helped me become a stronger

individual. My hopes for the coming year is that my fibro family has the best life possible.

Happy New Year and gentle hugs to all

Robin

Thank you Robin. I go through a lot of the same emotions as you. I am glad to know I am not alone. Usually I accept it and some days I still mourn. I like your silver lining, Sassy. That is so true.

soft hugs,
Sue

Thank you for posting this... It is always good to have a reminder that it is ok to grieve the loss of our health. One needs to acknowledge these feelings to move to the next step.

I'll always remember when I first accepted having fibro, and then moving on.
I had been in denial for a long time. I pushed myself, then was always surprised when I went into a flare. Or I thought I was imagining symptoms, that I was just lazy. When I felt bad, I cried a lot. I thought it was the end of my life. After months of seesawing back and forth, I finally got angry. I would be darned if this stupid decease was goign to get the best of me! I stopped denying, and started taking care of myself. When I didn't feel great, I pushed a bit, which in the long run made me stronger. When I felt awful, I knew it wasn't the end of the world, and I would eventually get better. My outluck, and my health drastically improved. I still falter, but we are only human. I think it is normal to still go through the grieving stages over and over when you have a chronic illness.

And yes, there are far worse things to have than fibro, even if it doesn't seem like it sometimes.
I have a web friend, also with 4 kids (one of whom is autistic). She has a chronic, progressive illness that makes her muscles weak. She needs a brace on both legs just to be able to walk. She lost her license b/c of seizures, and she will eventually be in a wheelchair. But she is so strong and has a great outlook. She is my inspiration.

Grieving is absolutely normal, we all need to remember that. Even those that have been dealing with fibro or other long term illnesses can relapse from time to time. Goodness knows there are times I am in tears from the pain or get upset because I can't stay awake for more than an hour but I find some way to make it to tomorrow. You never know with fibro, tomorrow I might feel better, or at least hurt less or in a different area its a suprise!! :) And yes, there are always people out there worse off.