body aches and so tired

Lisa, I think it is hurts to be in pain and not to have a diagnosis and difficult when you
finally do get one. The important thing is getting your symptoms treated and learning
to live with whatever you have. It does take time to fully accept an illness, but in time
you do. Learning to do what you can do to limit your pain is a must. I'm big on delegating.
Ask others for help when you need it. Take time for yourself whenever you can.

I know this is a difficult time for you. We all have been there waiting and wondering.
Hope you can get some rest and pain relief.

Hugs, Robin

Hi Lisa,

Sherrine is right, you pretty much have to accept fibromyalgia, it will be with you for the rest of your life. Unless they find some cure or something in the meantime.

But I want to tell you that I have mine managable now. It can be done. With the right protocol for you. And you will find it. It might take a while, but it will happen.

Some people take medications, some exercise, some take supplements. Different things work for different people. So be expected to feel like a guinie pig. It is all trial and error, but it can be done.

Have you checked out the thread fibro101? You will find that we all know how you feel. We really do understand. Reading that brings a lot to light. There is a wealth of information in that thread. So if you haven't already checked it out, I recommend it.

I hope that you feel better soon. Keep posting, it is good to get things out.

Hugs, Karen

hi Lisa,

I'm sorry you're in the place where it looks like a diagnosis has been made...it sorta feels like a point of no return, doesn't it? If Fibro is what your doctor(s) think you have, then yes...you are basically facing a lifelong condition. Like anything else, Fibro symptoms can come and go, or you could experience one set of symptoms today and then feel something completely different the next day.

The best thing you can do in my opinion is accept that life is likely going to be different than you previously imagined. That doesn't necessarily mean worse...just different. As you try out different treatments, such as pain medication, massage, heat, exercise, physio, etc. you will find the things that help you and start coming up with ways to make your life easier.

Start tracking the things that cause your pain to flair up. Once you have a better idea of those triggers, you can start to develop ways of managing. Maybe it means pacing yourself during the day, so you can go to a school play, or play outside with your kids. Maybe you get them to help you with laundry by putting items in the washing machine or dryer under your supervision. There are lots of ways to get your family to help out...the goal is to NOT feel guility about what you can't do anymore. In fact, i think the overall goal in any chronic condition is to not feel guilty period. You didn't ask for this, and it's unfair, etc. but it is what it is and you have to find ways to cope.

Talk to your doctor about medications that might help. Get some of the magic bags you can microwave for instant heat backs. Plan out breaks in your day. Ask for help when you need it Things will hopefully get easier over time, but it does take time.

We're always here to listen to rants and venting....and we all have shoulders to lean on. We're all there and we "get" it. Hang in there and someday, this will be you typing a message to someone newly diagnosed.

hugs,
Pam