fibromyalgia

I was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in the Spring/Summer of 2007, even though I know I've had it for atleast a couple of years. It's soooo hard to explain to people how you feel. Even if you try to or give people literature to read, they still don't understand. I'm only 29 and unemployed because I can't stand in one place for longer than 5 minutes or sit in an office chair or a straight back chair for very long without being in immense pain. A couple months before I was diagnosed, I filled in for a couple of secretarys at my dad's work for 4 days. By the end of the week I could hardly move. When driving, I couldn't bend down to change the radio station because I was soooo tight in my back. The last day I ended up riding with my dad because the pain was so bad I didn't want to drive myself. The work definitely wasn't strenuous. Answering phones, computer work, and filing was pretty much all I did. I'm sorry, I'm sure this post is not making you feel any better but I wanted you to know that there are other people just like you out there. I go to physical therapy and they are able to work the knots out of my back and neck which seem to be a big help. They come back within a few days but it feels good for awhile. My physical therapist and his wife who is also a PT have a 2 year old daughter who I watch when I can. I've had to stop for a couple of months because of my severe back pain but it's some nice extra money. The real good thing is that they understand why I can't always watch her because of the pain and they are terribly sweet and understanding. He actually is the one that suggested I have Fibromyalgia. Anyway, always feel free to talk. I'm here for you.

Hi there, I am so sorry you feel this way, i have cfs & fms and have had it for ten years. Sometimes i am in a wheelchair and other times i guess i look normal, though i have some kind of pain every single day of my life. Some friends and family get the illness others you know that they think "oh just get up off your butt and pull yourself together". They don't say it but you know thats what they think. I wouldn't wish this illness on anyone, but sometimes i wish they could live in my shoes for just one day. One of the things that people even my family really don't get is that you don't know from day to day how you will be the next day, so of course you have to let people down or cancel things ect. So many times i have upset people because i have had to cancel at the last minute. This xmas was a prime example i left the house once over the holiday period and it took it out of me so much that i have been in bed for the past two weeks. I really hate this illness and just recently has been the hardest time of all, so even after living with this for so long you never get used to it as there are so many faces to it, so many syptoms that rear their ugly head when you least expect it or want them... So sorry i am supposed to be boosting your moral not making it worse. I am hear if you ever want to chat i think it may help.. Up to now i havn't really talked to anyone else with this illness i thought it may make me worse especially if it was all negative. The only thing that keeps me going is that i know there are people out there worse than me and with worse conditions, so i do try to think positively, its just been a bad month. Hey next month may be better. Keep your chin up and try to think of good things.... Channelle

It is disheartening that any disabled person should be neglected in some fashion, its just not right. Your pain is very real, sometimes very strong and I feel for your situation only I don't want you to believe it is hopeless and you will be this way forever. Come into my site at the enlightenment-psych.net, featured on my homepage "my website" and go into Womens Health. There is aromatherapy, meditation, channeling positive healing, and I am available for therapies consultation for the Spirit, Mind 7 Body connections needs evaluation, or something. sharing the light, Miss Erica Hidvegi, the Enlightenment Advisor,B.A. Psych (spclztn in Child Dvlpt & Abnrml), M.A. Transpersonal Psych Studies- Cnslng/ Author, Artist, Photographer, Entrepreneur & Freelance extraordinaire

I never had this, but I'd like to make a suggestion.... There are many support chatrooms out there. Have you tried to find one for fibromyalgia? You would be able to chat with others who have/have had or have a loved one with this affliction. Then you wouldn't feel so alone. It's just a thought. I hope this helps. :)

Hi! I know what you're going through, I have osteoarthritis and neuropathy due to diabetes,and i look fine, but like you i am disabled, but people look at me and think i should be working and not on disability. I'm in continual pain too with my back, neck and shoulders, but no one believes me, but like with what you have i think it's due to a lack of understanding the disease. I have several friends with the disease you have. Don't worry about other people, you'll always have me for a friend, you can talk to me anytime. cody71