I am so sorry Dana! You could use a hug and a nice cup of warm, relaxing tea (here you go!...passes a nicely steeped chamomile tea with a dash of honey). I totally understand not only the physical pain, but all the emotional pain that can go with FM/CF. For years I have dealt with chronic recurrent depression, panic disorder, GAD etc. I too thought neck, back, joint pain etc. was normal, even when I was a teenager.
I feel your heartache in not being able to do even a little bit of what you are needing to do for your family, as I struggle too. I know at times its hard to even think of being able to see a doctor, let alone a specialist that can work with you. You probably have so many fears and questions, I bet your feeling so overwhelmed with everything right now. I hope you don't mind me asking, but do you have trouble with depression and anxiety. It feel the emotional pain from the chronic pain is just draining you dry and void of any hope. But Dana, just remember, you are a unique and strong person. You deserve to know what your body is trying to tell you. Is there any way you can get county assistance, like MA? Ask your county what you could possibly qualify for. I would also check with any charity groups that may be able to help you find some kind of health care. It can really help to go to some local face to face support groups too (either fibromyalgia, chronic pain groups etc.). But I am very glad you made your way to this forum for support. We are here for you!
Dana, I know it is very tough right now to even muster up the energy to devulge into your hobbies, but it is extremely important to look at what hobbies you can do fairly well with your symptoms. You may not be able to do it on your worst days, but give yourself a bit of a push when your days are not as severe. It will help you to keep a happier, healthier identity of who you are, plus you will have something you know you can always be proud of or go to when you need time for yourself. I have to continue to remind myself to do this, but in the end it really is worth pushing yourself forward as best as possible. You don't have to let your chronic pain symptoms define who you are, we just have to find other ways to express it when we can.
Oh, and Dana. Thank you so much for the kind comments on my post about Stickler's with FM/CF. I would like to extend my gratitude for your support, especially with all you are currently going through yourself as well. If you wish...PM me? I am here when you need someone to talk to and lean on. If you would like to learn about some natural and alternative therapies that may help you let me know. I am more than willing to share some ideas here etc. in order to help in any way I can!