First, your life as you had before Fibro, is gone. You can still have a good and fulfilling life as long as you plan for it. Take the most important events and plan with strategic care. You rest up days before and prepare for event starting days before, like clothes out, shoes, etc. Leave nothing to the last minute. You can do it. You must make war against Fibro, and make strategic moves to not allow it to take over your life. You can do this. Have faith.

I don't think being pig headed or stubborn have anything to do with having lighter symptoms. When I wake up I can't move. I get severe back and neck pain. I've had four neck surgeries and now have a metal plate in my neck from C-4,C-5,C-6,C-7, and.
T-1. My neck pain goes into my head. It turns into a migraine, where I have dry heaves. I can't even rest my head on a pillow because the pressure is excruciating. I give myself a shot and hope it goes away. I still have my neck and back pain, so now I can take pain meds and muscle relaxers. I haven't gotten to my Thorasic and Lumbar of my back. My muscles in my back have spasms. I've been diagnosed with Fibro for many years. I've lost my job, which I had for 26 years. I had 4 children natural, without pain meds, so I know pain very well. I raised them as a single mother and dragged myself everywhere, tennis, basketball, soccer and ran marathons. I was a boy scout leader. My job was 24/7. I managed an airport.. But after all this, Fibro
changed me, slowly but surely. I make appointments, shop, swim, go to family dinners for birthdays and holidays. I don't miss them anymore. I plan for the event like I'm going to war. Every detail is set out, I leave nothing to chance. After the event, I know I'll be worthless for a day or two. So what. Fibro did not make me miss family time. Fibro didn't make me cancel anything. I won the battle. Each one is a victory. Mentally I have to remember that. I'm going to win!!!

You don't. Simple. Fibromyalgia takes over anytime it wants to. You should continue to do all you are able to or want to. Soon enough, Fibro will start guiding your decisions.

I've found it hard to adjust, and I think most people have to go through a process of grieving - and eventually accepting the illness. That doesn't mean totally giving up or giving in, it just means accepting this is my current reality and I'm going to live the best I can with my current limitations. I've found reading about CFS and Fibromyalgia has helped a lot, and hearing from other sufferers how they have grieved and come to a place of peace and acceptance. Interestingly, I've noticed that many people who recover from Fibro stress the importance of acceptance, and paradoxically seems to promote healing.

people who understand is your biggest need. congrats, you found them! I have teamed up with other fibro warriors from this site. just 4 of us thus far. we need at starbucks in the middle of our homes. we each drive about 30 min. we love the support and talk about our lives and cut up.