Fibro and emotional coping

No doubt, I think we all have learned a lot about ourselves since getting our diagnosis. What have you learned about yourself?

I've learned at times I will feel overwhelmed and feel sorry for myself and accept that as part of chronic pain, but I do have power to do what I can to help myself feel better on most days.

Doing what I can to reduce stress is very important to how I feel...taking time to exercise isn't an option for me, it's a must or I feel worse...the same goes for relaxation therapy...deep breathing, meditation and all my hobbies to distract pain.

There are days I can't accomplish everything I'd like to do...it's OK, I can be happy for what I did accomplish.

I've learned living with fibro and other health issues is an ongoing process and if I deal with it in a positive way, I feel l less like a victim...and feel I have some control how I deal with it.

I've mourned the loss of my good health and I felt the grief...and been proving to myself that you can be happy in spite of pain.

What have you learned about yourself since your diagnosis?

Hugs, Robin

PS ..I have to add that I have found the best forum ever. This fibro family has helped me cope and taught me to live with crazy fibro. I thank you all    

Post Edited (crazykitty) : 2/22/2011 10:30:02 PM (GMT-7)

I have learned to laugh at myself, and not to take myself too seriously. I have learned the importance of taking pain meds on schedule if I want to function. I have learned I have to take care of myself.....this was a tough one for me.....so that I can take care of others. I'm still working on this one! LOL

I have learned that some people can be cruel and that some adults are like children. They have some insecurity that compels them to make fun of people. I have learned I don't care what these people think.

Short story: I went out to my car on break to listen to a radio progarm I enjoy. I turned on my car to "alternate" so it wasn't running. I just wanted to listen to the radio. When I was ready to go back to work, I turned the key to off and opened my car door. I heard this annoying ding, ding, ding. Finally realized I had turned on my lights to listen to my radio. Geez Louise! The fog gets pretty thick sometimes. :)

My fibro changes all seem to be gradual ones. I didnt just wake up with fibro one day and wham! had to make changes.

It came on gradually with a few symptoms here and a few there. So, the changes to accomodate came gradually too.

1) I learned that I cannot move the furniture around everytime I want to give the house a good cleaning. Much to the delight of my hubby who has missed the bed, or stubbed a toe on more than one occasion.

2) I cannot carry anything up or down the stairs, because falling down them and breaking a foot is the one and only lesson I need to not do it again.

3) I cannot carry my purse on my shoulder for any length of time or that muscle will hurt for days. Same with holding a baby w/o support under my arm.

4) I am more understanding of others downfalls, limitations, illnesses, because I now have several of my own.

5) I am learning to pace myself and not let others push me: I do enough pushing without the additional help of others.

6) I am learning to relax and take a day to just "unwind" if I feel I need it. If I don't get that occasional down day, I am no good to myself or anyone else.

7) I am learning that even though we sometimes feel like we are suffering alone, we are not. Even though we feel our loved ones don't understand, they do. They just don't need to be constantly reminded.

8)I feel that inspite of 'fibro', I am still living a good life. I have a wonderful husband, 11 grandchildren, and a full time job (with a wonderful, understanding, accomodating boss).

I really love this forum and all the people I have met on here. I have received, and hopefully given some great advice, ideas and coping mechanisms. I have vented, had pity parties, laughed at others bumbles, and felt others pains. I am forever grateful that we have each other.

I have 0learned that I am not superwoman.  I was (and still am for the most part) one of those that never accepts help.  I always felt that if something needed done if the offer of help was genuine it (whatever) would get done.

We have a lot of big gatherings and anybody with eyes can see the empty dishes on the counter and on the serving table and all the half full cans of soda and empty used plates.  I don't know, maybe it was all those years of waitressing where we would just pitch in and do whatever needed done.

Now if someone says "do you want me to start cleaning up"  I say yes, or substitute whatever word for clean up.  I absolutely hate it when my step dau says "do you want me to do something?"  she knows that I will say "no".......hahahha not this summer LOL, she is going to be shocked LOL. 

Hubby finally takes the laundry basket upstairs with out me asking.  Usually just stupid small stuff helps.

Oh boy, that was a rant......sorry

I've learned that you can live with a house that has dust and dog hair tumble weeds and the world doesn't come to an end

I've learned to be easier on myself when I can't get everything done.

I've learned to appreciate the little things in life.

I am trying to learn to let go and let god, and let go of being a control freak!

Nice sharing with you all,
Susan

Hi Robin, this is interesting because I am new to Fibro. I read all the post and think (this is not me) but I think it is. Right now, I cannot except this.
This can't be real.
I know this does not help, but I do understand what you are feeling.
I ask myself, why can't this be something I can understand. Fibro is just so so weird.
I am with ya!!!