Isolated

Sometimes I feel so isolated with this condition. I've been carrying on managing symptoms, taking some advice from people on this forum . Not letting IT consume me.

But there are times when it shows its ugly face so strong, I can't ignore it. I feel like I live in "survival mode" almost all the time.

When I flare up I compare it to being electrocuted because its my whole body it shock . My mind can only focus on what is directly in front of me.

I can't think through processes. Only one step at a time. So if my goal is a +b+ c , I can work it out if I only work on a. However if I have pressure from a outside sources ( deadlines, social ) forget about it. The whole goal can't be worked on.

These are cognitive issues that I didn't have befor fibro. But I'm a little sad that I can't have a social life at this time. People don't understand, friends don't understand and I get so exhausted trying to explain it.

And I am not upset with them because , this fibro is hard for me to understand and I have IT!

Does anyone else deal with this? Any suggestions? I am also looking at get some reading material from the Christian bookstore for chronic pain suffers? Can anyone recommend a good devotional book? Thanks for letting me vent.

Purple, this will probably sound crazy but keep a positive attitude. That is so important. It gives you hope. When the pain hits you can't dwell on it because it will never help you and only cause you misery. You know this pain comes from Fibro and you also know it will subside. Now THAT's pretty wonderful! Sometimes, when I'm starting to move in the negative territory, I think of those beautiful children in the Shriner's commercial and the children in the St. Jude's Hospital commercials. That makes me realize that I'm so blessed in spite of the pain I'm going through.

I know Fibro is a part of my life along with other things. I have accepted that fact so when it raises its ugly head I take whatever medication and supplements I use to control the pain, do some stretches and then take a hot shower. All of this helps take the edge off the pain. Then I sometimes come to the forum and see others having a difficult time and just thinking about them and helping them takes my mind off of my pain. Sometimes I will pop up a mini bag of popcorn and watch a really good movie. I'm fortunate to have the Hallmark Channel and I record most of their movies because they are uplifting. I also have on my DVR ministries that I enjoy. One of my favorites is Joyce Meyer. I also will curl up with a good book, too. These suggestions all help me.

What I'm basically doing is focusing on other things while waiting for the flare to leave. I know it will leave because I've had Fibro nearly 29 years and it's always left. This is the nature of the beast.

Do go into Fibro 101 and read the link about how to maintain a positive attitude when you have chronic pain. It's very helpful.

Feel free to email me, too. I can talk more freely that way and maybe can get you over this hump. Do know there are better days ahead! So, put a smile on you face and take only one day at a time. Do not project yourself in the future since no one knows the future. I do know we all can handle one day so try to make this one day the best that you can.

I hope you start to feel better soon.

Sherrine

Great advice above!

I think it's a daily process. Start each day fresh, with your schedule, whatever it may be, in mind. One step at a time. Try not to focus on the future and deal with one thing at a time, if possible.

Write things down. I keep a daily list of 'to do' and 'hope to get done.' Don't beat yourself up for not getting as much as you had hoped accomplished; just do what you can. Cross off what you do accomplish (that feels good!).
As a priest friend of our family once said, "God doesn't expect more of even the angels!" We can only do so much.

Take time for something you love (hobbies, funny movies, good books or music, etc.). Send a card to cheer someone up or a sympathy card to someone who lost a loved one. Those things really do make you feel better. It helps me to give a little donation to a worthy charity (check out first how much $$ actually gets to the charity itself, since this varies greatly).

You mentioned a Christian book on chronic pain. I've not yet read this, but hear it's good: Peace In The Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain and Illness by Maureen Pratt.

Prayer is immensely helpful to me, as well as Christian spiritual reading. Every morning I meditate on the Rosary, which is a very peaceful way to start my day.

Yes, fibro isn't easy for anyone. Baby steps and pulling the other things mentioned together will help, I think.

God bless and prayers. Wish you the best!!

...just adding that, relating to what Sherrine said, it helps me to remember those who have much more difficult lives than myself, yet somehow flourish.

For example, I enjoy reading about people like Tony Melendez (born with no arms, but plays the guitar with his feet!), and those who are paralyzed, but still inspiring others, such as Joni Eareckson Tada and Renee Bondi.

It's well worth doing a search on all 3.

I look at what they've overcome and am in awe. Such people are a true inspiration!

I go to a therapist who specializes in chronic pain patients. She helps me deal with the stress. As you know stress triggers flares for us.

Isolation is the black hole of this disease. I think we all go through it. I have those feelings on and off on a weekly basis.

Friendships are difficult to maintain because I have to cancel plans so often due to flare ups. It's embarrassing for me.

I can't work full time anymore so I do a contract job from home. I'm grateful for that buy it also contributes to the isolation.

I started painting about a year ago and find it is the absolute best therapy for me! I love it so much. When I paint I am so 'in the zone' that everything else disappears. No more fibro, no more illness, no loneliness, just colours and swooshy brushes.

If you have something you like to do, a hobby, that may help a lot. If you don't have that perhaps you should give it a try. Doing something you enjoy, even if you are doing it alone, can be very soothing.

Another major help for me are my pets. Animals are tremendously good company. If you are an animal lover you could adopt a pet from a local shelter. You would save their life and gain an instant best friend. It really does help ease the feeling of isolation.

I hope this helps!