Still trying to understand and come to terms with Fibro.

The simple answer is, I don't know.

The complex answer, some pain most very likely will always be present. Where and of what level it will be, we simply cannot predict. Fibro is pretty consistent in its inconsistency. However, another condition of some sort may eventually present itself. For instance, I started having way more pain, in areas not explained easily by fibro. The answer, on my next visit to the rheummie, was something called enteropathic arthritis, found in some people with bowel diseases (which I have). So, you might develop arthritis or a bad back, not DUE to the fibro but alongside the fibro.

As far as the abdominal pain and nausea, is there a stomach virus in your area? Or did you eat something suspicious? If it continues, see the doctor. If it runs its course, just a bug. Fibro may cause IBS in some people. I usually wait a few weeks for a new issue to start to concern me. Otherwise, I would go crazy with it, if you know what I mean.

Light/Noise-- It might get worse, or better, or change. No predicting. Sounds have always been my issue, but when I am pushing things physically, or having trouble with another condition, light and smell and sound bother me.

It takes about a year to understand and be comfortable in how you are dealing with the condition. If something isn't working over a few weeks, then address it. I discovered early on, a decade ago, that sleep was my number one concern. I have been on some type of sleep medication since.

It is scary when your body betrays you. But you will get it, and even understand it, and then be able to manage it. It just takes your being proactive in finding accomodations.

Fibro symptoms can change throughout the day along will the level of pain. I always experience the allover achiness but there are times when certain body parts are really picked on. There are days where my legs feel like I'm trudging uphill in mud or my forearms have large weights attached to them. Shoulders and back can feel like I've been lugging around an over sized backpack too long. Flare pain can make me feel like I've been beat with a bat and end up with bone crushing pain.

You do learn to live with it...it all takes time. Initially, you grieve the loss of your good health. You learn to accept the condition and become proactive... doing what you can to make your life easier. Exercise, relaxation therapy, deep breathing, visualization, gentle stretching, cognitive behavior therapy, eating healthy, a positve attitude and whatever meds help work for you are just part of it.

You can still live a good life. Do the things you love and spend time with the people you love...it is a wonderful way of distracting the pain.

hugs, Robin

im still trying to work it out also - i seem to have some sort of pain or general malaise everyday...i never know what triggers it apart from sleep / or lack of it for me anyway so i know this is important to work on
Im hoping to have CBT to help with the pyschological side of this illness as i worry about everything too and how it will progress etc!

Practicing trying to live each day as it comes and working on my sleep / anxiety is key for me - you will soon find out what things you need to work on at least

mine has been about a year now

Hi, I know how you feel. Everyone has given great responses,but I figured I'd give one too as I find myself struggling with the same things. The fact of the matter is fibro can change, it can get better, it can get worse. The only certain thing about it which you have to remember above all else is that you can't really predict what it will do. When we focus too much on what if's we lose the what's nows. I am trying very hard lately to be apathetic towards my fibro. It can potentially ruin my day, but if I worry to much it will certainly ruin my day.

Fibro is a day to day battle. We can't let ourselves look towards the hardships it causes, we just have to know that we're going to do our best to fight back against it. When you find yourself worrying about what fibro can do start to think instead of what you can do with fibro. Yeah my hands hurt and I can't use them sometimes so I meditate about ideas of the things I will do when they stop hurting and they always eventually do. Little victories remembered can help diminish the fear which is by far the worst thing fibro can do to us, but it is the one thing we have the most control over.

This forum has helped me maintain my sense of normality & reality .. I'm thankful every day.