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Has fibro had any positive impact on your life?

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Posted 7/28/2011 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
I believe fibro along with my other health issues has made me more appreciative and thankful for my family and friends. No longer do I take things for granted. I realize how lucky I am to be able to enjoy simple pleasures. Life takes on new meaning...learning what is truly important... my relationships.

Realizing an attitude of grattitude does make you focus on what you do have rather than what you no longer have, has been a big thing for me.

Fibro has also let me get rid of the notion that everything should be a certain way...things are what they are...I've learned to be stronger and deal with it.

There is something good in everything...we must be willing to look for it.

Has fibro had any positive impact on your life?

Have a beautiful day! :-)

Hugs, Robin smilewinkgrin

Posted 7/28/2011 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
I love your threads Robin! Just this morning I had a moment... I was on the bus on the way to work and saw someone with what I think was Tourettes, people were looking at this man strangely not able to realize that he had no control over it. When I got off at my stop, so did another man from my bus who had some kind of an issue with his foot causing him to walk strangely. I don't know if it was a big or small problem, but it made me think like I often do - well all have our issues. No matter how big or small everyone has challenges. Everyone has been dealt a different hand and we all have to deal with it. For a long time I never made it to the acceptance of my Fibro. I would go through the "why me" and then one day I realized "why not me".

I have learned what it is to be thankful for one's health. I have overcome many challenges and I believe that has contributed to my strength. I have been complimented that I am knowledgeable and wise beyond my 29 years. I try to live my life without holding back due to fear of pain or other symptoms. While many people assume living life in chronic pain is the most awful thing I try to help them see otherwise. I do my best to enjoy life.

When my sister was pregnant with my niece she learned she could not have an epidural due to a blood disorder we have. There is too great of a risk of bleeding. So I had to teach my sister relaxation and deep breathing. While she was in labor I was in the room with her listening to where the pain was and trying to think of different ways to make her comfortable. I think this is something that I have learned as a result of the Fibro. Since I don't take any meds I rely solely on other techniques. For the first time I felt like there was all a purpose to my pain. Needless to say my techniques will come in handy when I have children since I too will not be able to have an epidural, but for the first time I felt at ease and that it has not all been for nothing.

When I first came on this site I was not where I am now. I feel much more at peace with my current situation and future and I appreciate everyone on here for helping me get to where I needed to be and live and enjoy my life, despite having Fibro. I know there will be rough patches ahead and I am so glad that I have this forum to come to for understanding, compassion and support.
Posted 7/28/2011 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
Wow! You two have already brightened my day. Such positive vibes!

I'd just second that emotion - yes, fibro does teach us patience, strength of spirit and to appreciate what we do have, no doubt about it.

Debbie
Posted 7/28/2011 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
I'd have to say the one great positive is it has brought me closer in my walk with God. I'm learning that the fibro isn't going anywhere so, I have to learn to embrace this new normal..still working on that one...

Fibro has brought many new people into my life..and I'm learning from them...that's always a good thing!
Posted 7/28/2011 6:09 PM (GMT 0)
Robin,

You are always keeping this forum so upbeat, and I am happy for that. I am glad that you have such a positive outlook on life. I think we all need that. If not always at least from time to time.

I do remember this topic from before and I am glad because it reminds me of the positive things in my life. Now I am so fortunate, I have a husband who understands what I am going through and supports me. I often feel that I could do a little more than he lets me, but maybe his watching over me is keeping my life at an even pace. Which is so important for all of us. Pacing ourselves.

But fibromyalgia has taught me to take life one day at a time. This has made my life so much better. And it has taught me that others can be suffering even if we can't see it. And for these two things I am thankful. I have slowed my thinking process down so much. Not always worrying about the "what ifs" in life. I realize that other people could be having a bad day be it physical or mental pain. You know when you see somebody grumpy, I always give people the benefit of a doubt. Thinking that underneath it all they could be hurting, just like myself. I sure hope that this makes sense.

I wish for everybody a wonderful day. Thank you all for sharing.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 7/28/2011 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
I think my fibromyalgia has made me more aware of others that have a disability, and know kinda of what they are going through. I think having something that is invisible is harder though, because people can't see your disability and I feel like I have to defend myself. BUT, I stopped that, I tell people if you don't understand that's ok, it would be hard for me to understand too. It has made me closer and depend on God more. I thank him so much for the good days he gives me, and he is close when I have a bad day. I look around and see people that are in worse shape than me, and I thank him also for the blessings that he provides. It almost makes me ashamed of complaining. He has given me a wonderful family, who is supportive, a home, and meets all of my needs. Fibro or any disability can really open your eyes to the world around you.
Posted 7/28/2011 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
I think my fibromyalgia has made me more aware of others that have a disability, and know kinda of what they are going through. I think having something that is invisible is harder though, because people can't see your disability and I feel like I have to defend myself. BUT, I stopped that, I tell people if you don't understand that's ok, it would be hard for me to understand too. It has made me closer and depend on God more. I thank him so much for the good days he gives me, and he is close when I have a bad day. I look around and see people that are in worse shape than me, and I thank him also for the blessings that he provides. It almost makes me ashamed of complaining. He has given me a wonderful family, who is supportive, a home, and meets all of my needs. Fibro or any disability can really open your eyes to the world around you.


Karen
Posted 7/28/2011 11:45 PM (GMT 0)
I loved reading everyone's post.

Positive thinking has helped me through some difficult times. I'm am not a naturally positive person...it took alot of practice. I was always was a negative Nellie, expecting the worst when I was a kid into early adulthood. Difficult circumstances made me grow up in a hurry and I needed all the help I could get. When I turned my thinking around I began believing that things were possible.

Years later when I was hit with health problems, the positive thinkiing really helped me. When I joined this forum, Sherrine was always talking about positive attitude. I knew she had lived with fibro for years and I figured if it has helped her, it can help me.
So I thank her and Karen for reinforcing the message of positive attitude... It has made a differance in my life.

Thank You all for sharing your stories....I believe we are all her for a reason, we all have an important purpose.

Hugs, Robin

I thank you all for sharing
Posted 7/29/2011 4:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your positive posts! I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in February and then two weeks ago, fibro. I believe my duel diagnosis's have been harder on my family than they have been on me. I have been living with symptoms for a decade now and I am relieved to now have a great team of doctors! Last week was a brain MRI, tomorrow is my EMG test. My family is so supportive. The kids are grown and live hours away, since my diagnosis they have realized it's only hours. :-)
I've lost my train of thought...so I will just say again. Thank you for the positive posts. This site has been so helpful!
~Toni
Posted 7/29/2011 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the fibro family Toni !!!

I encourage you to start a thread to introduce yourself so others will welcome you aboard. I'm so glad you have joined us :)
Posted 7/30/2011 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
Prior to being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I never stopped to take care of myself.  I was always working, always in a hurry, and always a stressed-out mess. I never exercised or paid attention to nutrition.  My diagnosis was a wake-up-call for me.  I started exercising regularly and eating better.  I have cut down drastically on the hours that I work, and began using that time toward exercise and relaxation.  I realized that if I don't take care of myself, then I won't be able to care for my family or the kids that I have in my day care.  Of course, I still have the Fibromyalgia, and the pain that goes with it.  However, I am a much healthier person than I was prior to the diagnosis. 
Posted 7/30/2011 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all of your posts. I needed an extra boost today. I have to go off some of my medications due to not being able to afford them. I hope I can do it. I am also going to see a new doctor and see what he has to say for himself and me.

HARA turn
Posted 7/30/2011 4:28 AM (GMT 0)
Robin you start the best posts, when I first read it I thought no I hate fibro it's done nothing good for me but no I'm wrong..

It has made me more tolerant of other people, it makes me slow down and smell the roses, it makes me grateful that I have fibro and not something much worse like some people have to suffer.

It makes me appreciate my family and friends more, and of course I would never have found all my new fibro friends if I didnt have it...it has also brought me closer to my lord, I find strength in all these things....especially all you wonderful people.....hugs to everyone your friend in Aussie shannon :-)
Posted 8/10/2011 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
Hey guys (Please don't laugh),

I feel that my as much as I hate my Fibro, whether I like it or not, it's become apart of me and apart of who I am. It's taught me to slow down, especially because I'm such a clutz turn. I also think it's apart of this life, for me, for a reason... ..and for any of you who also believe in the 'Higher Power' sort of thing, I think it's an illness I have to go through to teach me what patience is.

Who knows, in a past life maybe I was a millionaire like Ebenezer Scroog, and I needed this lesson to be taught in the next life *aka this one*. Perhaps this was the best way for 'Him' to teach me smilewinkgrin, but regardless of having Fibro, I lead a wonderful life and I share this life with my even more wonderful hubby :-) :-) :-). I think he's an angel who's looking after me, but shhhh....don't let the secret get out or everyone will want a piece of him tongue tongue tongue LOL!!
Posted 8/10/2011 9:54 AM (GMT 0)
It has made me not take for granted having children. Its why I'm researching so much to make this special and be a good mom to the future baby of my husband.
Posted 8/10/2011 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Yes.

I have become stronger. I have started living life for myself first and other's second. As selfish as that sounds it has made me a much better parent.

I have begun doing things I would never have tried before - because I refuse to allow something to tell me I can't do it.

I have made so many incredible friends through swimming classes, websites, chat lines, and support groups.

I have found out who my true friends are.. those who will make you rest when you should and know that you won't.

 

Posted 8/10/2011 3:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hara,

I hate to hear, that someone can't take their meds, because they can't afford them.I think that's terrible,but everything is so expensive ,so I can understand.

Working in the medical field and having many patients that could not afford their medications.Many people don't realize,if you call the manufacturer, they will give you free medication.They will ask income ,but willing to help people that are truly having financial difficulties.
I would Google the pharmaceutical company and call the number online.

These pharmaceutical companies make so much money,some free medication is nothing to them.Don't be afraid to call,it can't hurt.Most have programs for patients that have no money for Meds ,and don't have insurance coverage for Meds.Sometimes they just take the information over the phone and fax you the paper to sign that you have low income.Of course you must have a script from your Dr ,for the med.

Good luck,
Sage
Posted 8/10/2011 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
Hara-

I have BEEN THERE, girl!! My seroquel was running me 300/mo, my bipolar hubby went off effexor at 200/mo. But there is help!!

Go to pparx.com and fill out form. They will hook you up with the company's free meds program. It was a lifesaver. Also, see if doc has samples of yr meds.

Finally, we have this volunteer pharmacy here where I live (boonies in MIssissippi) thru the Catholic church. The companies doanate meds and pharmacists volunteer-they do 7 scripts a month for me, so there might be a similar program where you live.

Good luck
Maggie
Posted 8/10/2011 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Oh I forgot!! Fibro has helped me discard all the extraneous garbage in my life- the what ifs, the toxic people in my life, strengthened my faith and empathy. I see a mean person and I tell my daughter that the person must be hurting and unhappy, not mean...boy, I've had my mean moments-lol.

I have learned that I have to put myself first sometimes and that is hard for moms and women in general, but it has made me slow waaay down and it is amazing the beauty that is around us when we are not going 100 mph.

Maggie
Posted 8/13/2011 9:27 AM (GMT 0)
I am trying to get some of the more toxic people out of my life also. One called me the other day complaining about how the world was coming to an end and so on. I told him to stop his whining and shut up. I also told him I have my own world to worry about I can not worry about the rest of the world at the moment. He doesn't understand why I hurt all the time nor does he understand why I snap at him most of the time. He drives me crazy.....

HARA - Thank for the info guys and gals. mad
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