It's horrible living with fibromyalgia but I don't want it to beat me. I am involved in church which is very supportive. I have really bad days and better days but I really don't know how to manage the chronic pain. I was recently diagnosed in September but have been unwell/ not right for 5 years. It was a pain consultant who knew what it was but his advice was try to avoid hospital and taking pills instead do some gentle exercise. I tried swimming the other day and felt terrible afterwards however a day later my pain is less intense and I feel slightly more normal. I know we have to listen to our bodies and learn to take time out, but I am still trying to work and keep going. I have pain everywhere but recently seem to be getting more stiff . Without my Church friends and God I don't think I would be able to cope as well. I am glad I know it's fibromyalgia now but also sad that it's a chronic life long condition that will mean I have to learn to adjust to the new me. I suppose even before a diagnosis people are working their lives around the pain but having a name for the pain and the other symptoms I think can help.