Fibromyalgia: How do you cope?

YUP me too.Mine came on within 5 hrs of having my 4th/final baby.We lived in Hong Kong at the time as my husband was British Royal navy at the time. I was 29 at the time I am going to be 66 this yr so I have had it a long time. I saw a Rheumatologist many yrs ago at a private clinic as most of my pain was in my right shoulder /neck area only. I nearly lost it at the time as he said " I don't believe in Fibro in my opinion fibro is caused by something physical". Roll on yrs later and I was diagnosed after coming to live in Canada with a slightly torn rotator cuff that was missed in Hong Kong and England. I think with many yrs of not being able to lift my arm that and being careful of EVERY movement that the Dr might have been right .The surgeon here said it was too small to fix but just cleaned out my shoulder which gave me better ROM. I do have every sign/symptom of Fibro and about 8 yrs ago started with Osteoarthritis everywhere. So I have had chronic pain for more of my 66yrs on this planet than I haven't had pain.It makes me angry,I am not a jealous person of anything but I am jealous of pain free people. All my pain free friends have no idea that I have to subconsciously think before I make any movement. When I say no I can't go on a hike or I can't go skiing/sledding I think they must think I am just a moaning minnie,it makes me sad. I have just started on Gabapentin at night for the nerve pain from my spinal arthritis,it does help a bit.I stopped taking other pain meds because they made me so bad tempered I would snap my husbands head off every time he spoke. I didn't know what was wrong with me,I hated being like that and what a difference it made within a week of coming off them. I take CBD oil TID,not sure if it helps but I'm going to keep on with it. Hoping for a miracle.

Lioness, I exaggerate. Truly. It's when I do find myself flat out, I chide myself. Am I lazy, to some it would seem not. But, to me, it seems so. I've worked on farms, raised 6 kids, been involved in much of church business. Cooked for receptions, refinished furniture, cared for the incapacitated. So, when I find myself in the prone position, it just seems so wrong. When I call myself lazy, it is in comparison to my awesome productive life. Do take it tongue in cheek.

You are so right. It is up to me to get moving, produce, get it done. We are in charge, for the most part, but reality is that my abilities are compromised by stroke, etc. Does that mean STOP? Nope, just means change direction. There are few limits as to the possibilities for productivity. Won't be the same, but there is plenty to be done! You are so kind to call me on. Thank you!

Parus I lost the group you mentioned maybe gratitude?

@sandymom Try to not get into stressful situations. Will admit this sounds shallow as my day has been so stressful My nerve ending are aflame. I enjoy doing creative things to help distract me. Distraction helps me the most. Once I can settle in and focus on something, anything it helps. My advantage is I live alone. Living in an
apartment has and will continue to be a challenge. If you have not joined the gratitude group I would recommend your checking it out. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Excellent! I love this choice !

Stop & change direction is fine but joining country clubs churches groups in your vicinity that specialize in fibromyalgia etc is just not my thing so having trouble changing direction. Also Raised 3 kids. Had small antique store. Worked in hospital ob/gyn Hospice. Raised a bipolar manic depression husband. Or rather dealt with him being my youngest sons father & believing in him when no one else would. I am no better off than anything. Kind of lost now & in pain. Appreciate your input.

Oh, my, 3? Poor you. My first knee replacement was done 18 years ago. Won't be long and that will have to be replaced. But, like most everything else, I'll hold off as long as possible. I am not one of the lucky ones that actually feel better once it's replaced. Knee recovery for me is long and difficult. Had many different types of surgery, and there have only been a few times recovery was not quick. Total Knee Replacement, and TOS. Those two were very hard on me.

God bless you, dealing with cancer on top of everything else on your plate. Ok. So. You too, huh? When I go out in public I actually worry people will think im drunk, lol! And by golly, if I ever were to be pulled over and given a field sobriety test...well....I'd find my car impounded, and be in the back seat in a squad car, lickety-split!!!! I couldn't walk a straight line if my life depended on it. You? I am the queen of stubbed toes, bruised shoulders, and spilled drinks. I catch my daughters sly glances when I hold their babies. I'm extra careful....and they are extra watchful, as they should be.

May I ask, how did you lose your balance? Mine got sucked out with my cerebellar stroke.

And yes, I certainly am "amazing" !!!!! Just not sure....amazing at what? I know my kids find their new mother somewhat amazing, (a bit of a clutz, somewhat of an airhead) most of all at my toughness, which we wouldn't have know without the very challenges I find myself whining about! Peace to you. 🙂