Initially, the diagnosis brings with it a sense of euphoria. The search is over. For many FMers this is the answer to their prayers, but for many more it is also the beginning of a yet even greater challenge.
Explaining Fibromyalgia to family and friends presents its own set of challenges. Repeatedly, you patiently try to help them understand, by explaining it yet again, but they still don't seem to "get it." At this point you probably begin to notice well-meaning family members and friends offering up bits of advice, or making hurtful comments like.. "Gee, but you don't look sick", or "Maybe if you just exercise more." "Don't worry, it's just your age, everyone feels like that." Oh, and my personal favorite, "Maybe you just need to get a life." Argh!
Slowly, as the initial euphoria starts to wane, you may feel that you have been handed a life sentence instead of a life saving diagnosis. You may be feeling anxious and depressed, suffer feelings of self-doubt, or guilt. Believe me when I say that you are not alone, and these are all valid feelings that many of us experience when coming to terms with Fibromyalgia. But it does not mean that you have to succumb to "The Fibro Monster." With a battle plan you can fight back. Here's how....
- Find a doctor that is right for you - This is a key element in your Fibro
fighting plan. If your current doctor isn't up on Fibro, doesn't listen, and isn't
effective, then by all means find one who is.
- Educate yourself - Arming yourself with knowledge is essential for understanding, not only for yourself, but also for family and friends. There is lots of good information to be found by searching the web. Keeping abreast of current research and Fibro related news is a
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