I am Joanne..I've been living with fibromyalgia for approx 5 years since we lost a member of our family suddenly but only been diagnosed 2 years. I continue to work a few hours a week but feel completely exhausted after every shift I do.
I have a positive outlook on life and try not to let the pain get me down but some days I just sit here and think why me!!..I hope to meet and make new friends and support and recieve support from people who feel like I do.
Hello, Joanne, it's nice to meet you! Welcome to our group.
Your positive outlook overall will help you to better deal with this illness. I know that I can cope better when I'm in a good place mentally. But we can't always be. The pain can really dampen the mood sometimes.
I'm sorry that you lost a family member suddenly. That's really sad. No wonder your fibro got activated.
Work can be a great thing to keep our minds off our problems but after awhile the pain is just too great and then our concentration is shot. Pain will do that. Plus make us exhausted. So if you're still able to work - great. If you find you no longer can, then you might want to try for SSDI - disability. Fibro does tend to disable most of us to the point of not being able to work. It's a real shame but that's the way it works.
I hope you decide to join us in our discussions. It'll be nice to have someone who can also feel upbeat, as many of us tend to lose a bit of that gift after awhile. (Guilty, as charged, lol!) Heck, a little bit of levity goes a long way in any group.
I too am new to this site as well. I've find it helpful and reassuring knowing I'm not the only one out there. I worked full time until recently and ended up totally physically and mentally exhausted. I am hoping to return to work once this illness is under control. I too believe I've had FM for a few years as well but have only recently been diagnosed. although FM is very nasty at times I too try and remain positive :o)
Hi Joanne, welcome. This is a great place for support, and friendship. I hope you will feel at home here. I look forward to getting to know you better.