How My Life Has Changed Since My Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

I am overwhelmed sometimes at how drastically my life has changed since I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. It still takes my breath away and tries to consume me. I never in a million years would have imagined that one day I would wake up and be in so much pain and so weak for the rest of my life. It sounds depressing, and it is sometimes, but it is the hand I’ve been dealt, and I must adapt to make my quality of life as peaceful and livable as possible. Because fibromyalgia does not define me – it is something I live with.

I will continue to fight, always looking for what works and what doesn’t, researching, testing, reaching out, etc. I have slowly learned to “adjust” to the new life while comparing it to and missing my old life. The old life haunts me sometimes, and I miss living pain-free with unlimited energy.

It’s astounding how much has changed: my work situation, relationships, finances, social life and energy. I have done a complete 360 degree turnaround. I sometimes reflect during those severe pain moments when all you can do is lie there and breathe.

The one thing I am most grateful for is the strength within myself I have found, the gratitude for everything, the discipline and resilience.

I have a choice I can make with my circumstances. I am not fibromyalgia – it is something I live with. Changes are inevitable as I find my way down this road. We are millions strong and we are all here to hold each other’s hand through the storms.

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Thinkstock photo via BrianAJackson.