I know we all deal with grief and loses, how do you cope?
We have so many loses: loss of loved ones, our good health, our productivity at work (or not being able to work at all), our self image, our energy, and so many other loses due to fibromyalgia and other health issues.
How do you cope?
Hi Teri. This is such a huge topic. I understand what you're asking about all too well.
Stress of all kinds can increase fatigue and pain of fibromyalgia and can increase arthritis pain, etc.
We do lose friends, but we keep the best ones. We grieve over the loss of going out and doing things we old friends, but we find new ways.
My husband and I had just gotten our 4 kids raised (well close enough). We had already lost my father-in-law. My parents became more frail and they needed me. I quit my high stress job because we could not do it all. My fibro symptoms increased as I watched Mom and Dad's health fail. We lost Dad first and then Mom 19 months later. Losing them has definitely worsened my health. I left my job in 2007 and I expected to start feeling better when I removed that part of my life, but it didn't happen. One diagnosis after another have been added to my list since they passed. We were very close.
As far as how to adjust to loss of energy, we just do. We find things that we enjoy doing within our own world of possibilities. We learn not to say "yes" to everything we were used to saying yes to. I have prioritized my life and do only what is necessary, then if it's an extra good day I do more.
Some like playing computer games, some do crafts, knit, crochet, paint whatever. On days brain fog is bad or pain too terrible just do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself. Heating pads, comfy pillows, make yourself a nice nest and ask someone to help you with responsibilities.
It's ok to be the new you. We are all here at this website to support and help each other and give little bits of advice here and there.
Hugs and Blessings,
Kitty
Thank you Kitty,
This is not just for me, it is for other friends, too, as I know so many of us are dealing with the same things. Thank you for your thoughtful advice.
Teri
Teri, this is such a great post. Will be watching intently, to hopefully learn. I'm determined to have a good quality of life! Far too many losses, but I feel allowing yourself to grieve them, however feels right to you, is a great first step. Once I was able to accept my limitations, I felt stuck, until I began looking at what I AM able to do, despite them. It is hard to remain positive, but I keep trying.
I love what Kitty said about possibilities! It holds true whether you have one diagnosis, or like me, far too many. I am glad to see so much care and sharing here.
hugs,
Perplexed
Great Post !!! Thank you !!!