Welcome Elizabeth,
So good to meet you. Here are a few discussions I think you'll be interested in joining.
– fibromyalgia pain https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fibromyalgia-pain-28e002/
– What Distracts You From the Pain? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-distracts-you-from-the-pain/
- Treating osteoperosis https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/hi-im-new-to-the-site-and-am-interested-in-treating-osteoperosis/

@lizer Hi Elizabeth! You seem very similar to me. I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1999. Over the years, I have additionally been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, sjogren's syndrome, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis and, recently, Lupus. I understand how daunting it can be. I have three grown children (two girls and a boy), four grown step children (three boys and a girl) and four grandchildren. I, too, have a wonderful husband. I also work part time and care for my mother who lives with us (she has Alzheimer's). I have had my moments of depression and "why me" or "not yet another issue"! Luckily, I have doctors I trust. I am on antidepressants - which also help with the fibro pain (you may want to check into this if you are not already taking them) - but they greatly help to keep me from falling into the abyss of deep depression. I also try to do water exercise at least two to three times a week and I recently purchased a treadmill so I can walk regardless of the weather (I can not take extreme heat, and I live in Texas - go figure! LOL). You must try to move the majority of days out of the month. I totally understand having what I refer to as "lost days" - I literally am so exhausted I stay in bed all day. But I do not allow myself to have too many of those because it actually makes me feel worse if I stay in bed too long. You state you were diagnosed in 1998. Has something changed that you are having more difficulty lately? Perhaps something new is going on? Have you spoken to your doctor? I also do my best to remind myself of my blessings - kids, grand kids, husband, my pets, my sisters and friends, the fact that I don't live in a third world country and, thus, have access to good medical care! I have air conditioning - HUGE blessing! I also sleep on a Temperpedic mattress. I highly recommend them to anyone with fibromyalgia (I do not work for them or a store - I just truly believe in the product). I also find taking jetted bathes help - or a hot tub would be similar. Listening to up beat music is also helpful. Do your best to stay in touch with friends - at least the ones who are supportive and understanding. Stop seeing or talking with the energy drainers in your life or those who are constantly negative toward you and your issues. Also, this is a great web site to get information, support and understanding. I pray you find new friends and new ways to get relief! Thanks for sharing your story!

@blindeyepug I really enjoy your balanced approach to life! You continue to discuss an exceptional box of tools for dealing with your problems - you must be a very creative person! Are you an artist or musician? Teresa

Hi Teresa. I have a regular job in law, but considered myself an unpublished writer! LOL.(I have written two novels and a series of short stories. My genre tends to lean toward Stephen King territory.) My mother and one of my sisters are extremely talented artists. I am a voracious reader, and have been in and out of therapy over the years. I have learned to try things suggested or which I have read about and discard the ones that don't work for me. I also believe God gives me the strength to keep on keeping on!

@blindeyepug Your list of interests and talents do not surprise me at all! I appreciate the way you continue to share with others your ideas for coping and moving forward. The idea of trying new ideas and discarding that which doesn't work, is a great plan. I know that these are hard-learned lessons. Teresa