coming out of denial

Hi Liz,

It's nice to meet you! Fibro can be scary and confusing at first, but it's not life-threatening and you can learn to live a happy and fulfilling life with it. You've come to the right place to learn how to deal with this condition; everyone here is so positive and helpful. If you have any questions on how to deal with something or whether something is part of fibro, first of all use the "search" feature of the website to see if there is already a thread about it and then, if you can't find the answers you need by doing that, start a new thread and feel free to ask any question you like - no concern is unwarranted and no experience you have with this condition is likely to be any wackier than what the rest of us go through!

If you're having a rough day, you can also come here to post your problems and people who truly understand what you're going through will rally around you, encourage and comfort you, and give you advice if you need it.

Telling people is something that can be a bit frightening; not everyone acknowledges that this condition is a real, physical illness. Do be careful who you tell, but don't keep it all to yourself either; find at least one trustworthy, not-going-to-think-you're-crazy-or-lazy-or-depressed* person to confide in and it will help you feel a lot better to have someone supporting you through the rough times. If you live with anyone else, it will probably be necessary to tell them - they will need to adjust the way they do things and the expectations they have of you will need to change in light of fibromyalgia.

*These are the most common reactions to fibromyalgia: "you're a hypochondriac" (you think every little symptom is lot worse than it really is), "you're lazy and lying" (you pretend to be sick to get out of work) or "you have a psychosomatic illness" (you're depressed and this is manifesting itself in physical symptoms). None of these are true! Some people with fibromyalgia may also happen to be hypochondriac, lazy or depressed - but many aren't, because these are separate conditions to fibromyalgia. If your doctor doesn't think you have a certain condition, don't pay attention to the people who say that you do.

Also, go onto google and specifically look up good doctors in your area who are supposed to be good with fibromyalgia patients (whether they are a GP or a rheumatologist). It can be hard to find a sympathetic doctor (hopefully you've already found one in the doctor who diagnosed you!), but it's really important.

Welcome to the forum!

Jasmine

Hi, Liz, and welcome!  Yes, you have come to the right place.  We have wonderful members who love to help one another and, as a bonus, we really do care about each other, too.  I do think you will like it here.

 

Ahhh....you have taken the first step....accepting your diagnosis.  It's a tough one.  Many go through the grieving process, too, so if that happens with you, you are quite normal.  It's difficult to have chronic pain but I've had fibro for decades and have had a full and enjoyable life in spite of it.  You will learn how to manage with fibro and find the combination of things that help you control your pain.  We are all so different and it would be great if one medication helped everyone with fibro but it's not that way.  It's a trial and error thing.

 

But what does help nearly everyone is gentle exercise...like walking, swimming, and yoga.  We do have to keep moving because if we sit or lay too long we will be stiff as a board and have more pain.  Gentle stretches, too, help keep those muscles more flexible.  Pacing yourself is good, too.

 

There are some supplements that have helped others, also.  I do that these and have posted about them and how they work in the body in Fibro 101.  They are malic acid/magnesium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements.  They have helped quite a few.

 

You are just getting started on your fibro journey.  You become the master of your body...not fibro.  Live and enjoy your life.  You can find ways to work around fibro to do the things you want to do.  Try things, too.  We surprise ourselves all of the time when we try things we think we can't do and discover that we can!  You never know unless you try. 

 

Also, try to keep a positive outlook.  I know that can be difficult when you hurt all over but a positive attitude helps so much.  There have been studies about this, too, and prove that positive thinking helps with healing.  There is a link in Fibro 101 about maintaining a positive attitude when you have chronic pain.  It's good and I have read it several times....especially when I'm having one of those days.

 

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.  Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you.  Hope to hear more from you soon.

 

Sherrine

Hi Liz,

Welcome. Our personal illness is no one's business. Unless you want to share with other's you do not have to disclose that you're suffering from X,Y and Z. The society today is very quick to judge, if you can function "normally", there is no need to tell people of your condition. Usually it make matters worst. People will start blaming your condition for your mistakes, etc and it can become very hurtful.

This is a good forum, people here are open and shares their experience. I learned a lot since I joined.

Welcome Liz

Lots of support & information here.

Many a sleepless nite I have searched this forum's archives & found so many common 'symptoms' that no where else were attributed to having fibro.. my dr just kinda gives me a blank stare & shakes his head when I ask him for his opinion - & he is a fibro specialist !!

Really helps reinforce my sanity - to myself! Have found that others - even those who know me longest & best - do not believe in what is invisible and not recognized... they know I have changed but deep down inside they do not believe I am sick. It took me years to begin to accept the fact myself so I try not to stay angry at them.

Whenever you need a friend, come here & read or write & know we believe.

Seems no one type/ course of treatment works for everyone - we each try diff things until we find what works .. restorative sleep & exercise along with pain management are important for me.

Again, welcome

Wow.. Its is so great to hear so many responses. Each and every one of you has said something that totally relates. I most defiantly learn more reading what others posts here and from reading my books. I too got the "blank stare" from my Dr. yesterday! Lol. Also, most people that I have told don't even know what fibro is. I even had my pharmacist say I have "I don't want to work disease"!!

I'm on my 3rd bad day in a row so there has to be hope that a GOOD day should come soon?!!!

Thanks again for your support!!
:0)

Denial comes and goes, really. Almost ten years, and still have times I look in the other direction. -sigh-

Welcome to a place with gentle reminders!