Hello All! I don’t even know how to start my story. It seems like such a long journey. I’ve had fibro for about two years but with many family members having autoimmune disease I’ve always expected there’s got to be something else going on. I did have surgical fusion last summer. That helped and yet I’ve slowly had to admit that yes fibro is a huge factor in the way I feel every day. I guess it makes me sad, more than any other emotion. I only have limited energy and I love being creative. If I go get groceries and run errands on a Saturday, I’m done for the day. No energy left for art or sewing. Same with work. I’m working full time but there’s no energy left at the end of the day. My fibro fog makes me feel disappointed in myself because I know I used to be quicker and more accurate at work. My husband doesn’t understand why they (doctors) can’t get a handle on this. We used to go go go and now l just have to say “enough” sometimes. Okay I’m just venting to you all because I know I can. I don’t walk around being a sad sack! I try to keep a good attitude. Looking forward to asking more specific questions and your insight on many topics!
It does help to vent, and this is a great place to do it. Like you say, you can’t walk around being a sad sack. I’ve also found that the view from the pity pot is pretty boring. 
Welcome to our community, MimiKat! We’re looking forward to hearing more from Omaha.
Seenie from Moderator Support
Have you tried any kind of antidepressant yet? While a regular dose of Cymbalta didn’t help with my pain, it has helped with my focus and my exhaustion. It also helped stabilize my mood. I still want to sit around an sulk on some days, but I do think the meds help.
I’m currently in the process of trying to reclaim my life. One of the things that I gave up was my love of crafting. One of my goals this year is to get that part of my life back.
Good question. I am on Savella because I’ve had reactions to some of the more common scripts. I was told at the time that it was approved in the U.K. as an antidepressant and in the US for FM treatment. So yes I am taking an antidepressant in a round about way. I also take Gabapentan which prescribed by my spine doc. I really don’t feel depressed but I do have some days were I feel sorry for myself…and I don’t like that. Some days I think I’m going to die at my desk but most days I’m thankful I’m still working and seeing people. My coworkers help keep me sain without even knowing it!
I will say I still have a lot of pain. It’s time to go back to the doc and revaluate meds.
I am still finding my way to acceptance. It is so hard. I have found myself trying to ignore the reality, but I know that isn’t helpful. I also work full time and by the end of the day I do good to drive myself home. I am usually in bed by 6:30pm… and even though I get up at 4:30am, I still wish I could stay up until dark! 
I think I have even been resistant to support. Does that make sense? If I accept support then I also have to accept that something is wrong. I am just not there yet.
Hi AmyJayne,
Your symptoms sound EXACTLY like mine! That is the beauty of this website, I think. Knowing that you are not alone. The hardest part of this condition, to me, is having to give up social and community activities, because like you said, at the end of the work day you just want to go to bed. I discovered what my symptoms meant from a fellow nurse who I met in class. At the break, I was complaining that I couldn’t even put my elbows on the table because they felt bruised. She asked about other areas and then suggested that I get evaluated for fibro. I am telling you this because you say that you are having difficulty accepting this diagnosis. I am thinking that if you are like me, you might get more help once you accept the diagnosis. There are resources to help us face our FM. One book that helped me to communicate better with my doctor is, “Take Back Your Life; Find Hope and Freedom from Fibromyalgia.” I also found books to share with family members that explain what FM is like, since it isn’t obvious to the observer. I underlined in one of those books which of the symptoms I experience in a letter to my doctor and included all of the life activities that I can no longer participate in. It really does help to keep a diary of pain and fatigue levels on a daily basis. That way you can tell what medications and/or treatments help you. I also attended a Chronic Pain class (Kaiser) where I learned some tips for reducing pain, like deep breathing, stretching, relaxation meditation, and more. I am just offering what I have experienced. I believe that we all experience our pain in different ways, so the treatment also is unique to our own personal situation. Not that I am feeling great, which I’m not. I am coping like everyone else, one day at a time and staying as positive in my outlook as possible. “This girl is on Fire!”
Thank you for your kind encouragement.
My family is a very tough hurdle. They are so used to me being so active- keeping a clean house, working full time, cooking large family meals on the weekends- and I LOVE doing it! But now I have to pace myself…that is a big hardship for me.
I will try very hard to post an intro this week.
Acceptance? No NEVER! Hahahahahaha! I got sick in 1988 and doctors tried to tell me it was all in my head and I was making it up. I tried and tried to do the things they prescribed but seriously… they ruined my marriage and did more to disable me than my illness. Once you accept that you are ill for reals, probably for the duration of your life, you need to accept that unless you have Lady GaGa’s money, you will not be getting much attention from the medical establishment. They are just barely getting around to admitting that this crap is real.
Do I sound pissed? You bet I am. But so? Hahaha!
The best thing I ever did was decide to take responsibility for my own body. For my health, fitness, diet, everything - like the best mom in the world. I started using essential oils and supplements and found ways to alleviate and avoid the stuff. (Stuff is my public word for it…) Doctors are full of stuff so I research everything they suggest. Because they aren’t really paying attention and I trusted them, I’ve almost been killed by them, twice. These days, all my doctors are nicknamed, Dr Grain of Salt.
Inositol is a great non-script supplement for depression. I back it up with a little Bill Murray or Steve Martin.