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What has having fibro taught you about yourself?

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Posted 2/7/2011 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
Having fibro has taught me a lot. I found out on somedays how strong I am and found on other days I'm not that strong. I learned to appreciate my better days...try not to spend my time focusing on those real crummy days. I found that all my wishing won't make fibro go away, so I'll learn to live with it.

I've learned that chronic pain is just that...it doesn't go away, so I have to ignore it or distract it . I've learned the choice is mine to do what I can to help myself...nobody knows my body like I do...it's my responsibility to take care of it. The big thing I've learned is I do have some choices and I hope I can take each day one at a time focussing on my blessings rather than this darn pain. I've learned there are no benefits at all to negative thinking, it only robs me of joy!  Life is never hopeless!!!

What has fibro taught you?

Hugs, Robin smilewinkgrin

Posted 2/8/2011 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry you had such a bad night, Robin (from another post.) You amaze me with the POSITIVE energy you're able to create in spite of it all.

Fibro has taught me not to judge people too harshly, because so much of what we are going through is hidden.

It's taught me that very often, there is no rhyme or reason why bad things happen. Life ain't fair!

It's taught me that I need to be kind to myself and not push too hard (kind of like the old adage that you should drive an old car as if there was an egg between your foot and the steering wheel.)

As you said, it's taught me to try to focus on the good and ignore the bad...sometimes that's really a hard one for me. And, if possible - - laugh at it!

Debbie
Posted 2/8/2011 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Robin, Fibro has taught me to look around at others and realize that there are others out there that are way worse off than I am. It has also taught me to be able to sympathize with others in pain.

Life is what it is and I will live each day knowing that at the end of the day I have made it through another one. I refuse to feel sorry for myself. I am stronger for having fibro.

Love you Robin
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 2/8/2011 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
I have learned to not take anything for granted. Also to take life one day at a time. I have learnd that I have a high pain tolerance and I am glad for that. And to realize that there are others that are hurting too just like I am.

Learning to live with fibromyalgia took some time. As we all know that there is a grieving process and also depression to deal with. I feel that I have been very lucky to get the means to cope with this disorder.

I also learned through my friends on this forum that I am not alone in this. There are others going through the same thing that I am. I thank you all for that.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 2/8/2011 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
I don't take anything for granted any longer either. I am still grieving my "old" self. I spent so many years looking at my husband's faults and being miserable when I was young and very healthy. I wish I could have those years back and know what I know now. I am a much more compassionate person now. I have learned to live in the now and appreciate the good days or hours when I have them. I am so grateful to have found this forum. I have learned alot from all of you. Thank you.
Posted 2/8/2011 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
This is a great question!

I'm a teacher by profession and sometimes a stubborn learner...lol...when it comes to pain. I still want and sometimes try to do it all but I'm learning that I have to choose where I'm going to use my 'Spoons'.

I'm learning that the ones you thought you could count on aren't always the same as the ones who really come through for you. (Thanks and loves, Dori)

I trying to learn that people show love in many different ways. Some people aren't comfortable being close to you even if they say they are.

And I've learned well that family are the people you love and who love you back. Matching blood types not necessary.

Warm hugs,
Chutz smilewinkgrin
Posted 2/8/2011 6:59 AM (GMT 0)
Robin, Fms has been the biggest test I have had to take so it has taught me alot about myself. How strong I can be when I have to be and also to when it is time to give my body a break. I had not learned my limits until the fibro set in. That was an eye opener. It has also been a dose learning how to tuck in my pride and ask for help. I was always the help giver not the receiver. It has also a very good lesson in not judgeing others because you don't really know what some one has been through until you have been in their shoes. It also taught me how to slow down and take it one day at a time. So I guess you could say it has been a tough teacher but I have learn about myself from fms some bad some good. I know one thing is each day is a new day of learning. Here is to a new day Bonnie wink
Posted 2/8/2011 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
I loved your replies...your strength, wisdom and compassion shine through. All of us benefit from the understanding we get from eachother.

My family and friends may be encouraging and supportive, but it is here that I get the understanding of others actually living with fibro.
This forum is truly a blessing! Thank You, my friends :)

Hugs, Robin

PS. Welcome to the forum Bonnie!!!! Feel free to start a introductory post, so others can welcome you, I'm so glad you have joined us!!!!
Posted 2/8/2011 4:17 PM (GMT 0)
Robin,


What a great question.  I've been thinking about it since yesterday.  I've learned the following...

To be more patient with myself.  I had to lower my own expectations for myself and begin to hold myself accountable in a different way.

I learned to love more deeply.  My onset was very fast and scary.  The Drs. had no idea what was wrong with me at the age of 24.  I learned to appreciate life more and to live and love life.  I was on the more serious side of fun loving before I got Fibro.  Now I'm on the more fun loving side of serious :-)   If I didn't get Fibro I don't know that my husband and I would have hit it off the way we did and still do.  He is a kid at heart and is a daily reminder to me the importance of loving deeply, every aspect of life.

I have learned that depsite my pain and grief the world still goes on around me.  Despite everything I'm going through there are other people out there fighting their own battles as well.  In addition, to not expect life to slow down just because I can't keep up anymore.

It has taught me to be even more empathetic than I was.  My friends are constantly in amazement that despite everything I go through I am the first there for them if needed, the first to remember an important event/date and a constant source of support.  I just know how meaningful it is and so I am there to offer it for others.

 

Posted 2/8/2011 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
This question is a terrific way to look inward. I too have taken much for granted over the years and now find myself often grieving what I once had and treated with such flippancy.

However, becoming a Fibromite has caused me to pause and re-evaluate my priorities, values and perceptions. I find I am much more tolerant and empathetic towards others and that I have had to learn to treat myself with the same tolerance and a good measure of forgiveness. I can now allow myself (not entirely without a mental battle) to stay in bed longer, not dress all day long, take an afternoon nap, cry on a shoulder when I need to, leave the dishes dirty...

More than that, I have also learned what it's like to live with seriously debilitating yet invisible health issues and how difficult a time one can have in simply making another believe in your pain.

I've also found out how strong I can be - and how weak. But I know my weakness is not in my character or personality, I am not a hypochondriac or fakir - I am a strong person trying to live with health problems that weaken my body.

I also know that no matter how hard I try, others in my life may never really understand what I go through everyday - and that's OK.

Brian
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