My doctor says it's what I have, waiting for confirmation from a specialist.

[PastelPrincess]

I've just turned 23 and I'm in shock, it's hitting me pretty hard. I had so many plans for my life and now I don't know if any of my goals are achievable. I've had a long history of severe mental illnesses, and although I've been healthy for about six months, this diagnosis has sent me in a tail spin and I just don't know what to do with myself.

I guess I want reassurance that as hard as it is, it's manageable. Right now I don't know if I can handle it.

 

[Loftpat]

If you start with an open mind, I believe you can manage it. It will likely take a while to find the best combination of meds, supplements, vitamins, and exercise to manage the symptoms. Some folks say they are pain free. I'm not, but it's manageable. Others struggle tremendously. Don't lose hope. Read whatever you can about fibro from reputable sores, whether western medicine or alternative medicine. Don't believe there's a magic potion. It doesn't exist.

Your life may become different in the things you can do, like strenuous exercise. I can no longer climb a tall mountain, but I can now walk a mile a day and do yoga. Before I was diagnosed, I could hardly walk from my car to my house. There are always alternatives!

Don't measure yourself by anyone else's experiences. The interesting and frustrating thing about fibro is how unique it seems to be with every individual. Sure, we share a constellation of symptoms, but how we manage them and their severity differs.

Don't give up. I was terribly depressed when I was diagnosed, but by educating myself and being open to trying new things I have a decent life. Not at all what I expected or had planned, but it's good.

Take care. Start reading!

 

[diamond]

Yes my fibro was manageable for many years with no meds and i had it quite bad but paced and rested in between...Loftpat is right it will be different and you are young which makes it maybe more challenging as you haven't lived yet and you might have to adjust your goals.

my first year with fibro by claudia marek is a really good book helping you through the first year month by month with so much info and help and meds etc.

 

[Forgetmenot]

I have bipolar 2. It can be soul destroying to be so depressed and in pain.
U can and will have a life.i have raised 4 wonderful children well one 3. But as long as u rest when u need to u can have a life, this won't kill u remember we maybe robbed of many things but it won't kill us like some poor souls out there.
But there will be days when u feel so low. Then u come in here and pour your heart out, and someone will always understand x