fibromyalgia coping techniques

[briso]

Hello  I have fibromyalgia and like many other sufferers i have had many appointments over the years trying to identify the .cause of my problems untill finally i was diagnosed with fibromyalgia apx 6 yrs ago.  I had never heard of this condition and felt very alone. since that time i have educated myself, as much as possible and also my family and colleagues about this condition.  I have developed several of my own coping techniques, treating painfull areas like i would treat an injury as well as managing the condition as a whole.   It has thoroughly effected my life, socially, as a family member, at work, but i have learned to accept the changes.  i would love to hear what other sufferers are doing in the hope i can find alternative possitive coping measures, but also to hear from others so i do not feel so alone. lynn

[tonyad]

  I can also understand where you are coming from.
When you are chronically ill, it seems so dismal at times. So very lonely at other times.
I used to feel so guilty when i would have a "flare -up" that would put me out of commission for a couple of days to a couple of weeks.  Then I started to understand that the more I stressed on feeling guilty and stressed about being down.........
it would make matters worse in some ways.

    I agree that my health problems have certainly had an affect on my life, my social life, and yes...my family life.  I guess the way that I would say that I "cope" is.....I
love to burn candles (the ones that make my whole bedroom smell good), and to read as well as to write, sometimes journaling, I also spend time with God and thank him for the health problems that I do have as they could be much worse. I also Thank him for my childrens good health :)  THEN........I say to myself...."This to shall pass"!
And....I have these forums to come to and know that there truly are others out there Just Like Me!  My Forum Family :)

Karen;
  I am also guilty of trying to ignore or pretend that I am perfectly fine then....BAM!
I am out for the count....lol

Take Care,
~Tonya  

[kmil1999]

Welcome to the forum.  You are definitely not alone!   There are so many of us.  Your topic is probably the most appropriate for all of us.

I find coping/pacing the hardest part of this.  I have been so head strong that I try to bear through it and also ignore it.  I know that doesn't work.

Thanks for starting this discussion.

Take care,
Karen