New Member to the Fibro Community - Diagnosed 24 Dec 09

So glad that you have been reading the posts, many of us have started off that way. Then we realize so many others have this dd and we understand the frustration that others go thru. This is a good place to come to for info, venting, sharing and sometimes just plain silliness.

Most of us were perfectionists, and sometimes that is the biggest sting. We were so used to doing things in a certain period of time, knowing exactly where and when and how... and now, Not so much. lol. Many of us identified ourselves by our careers or passions, so when this slows us down, it hurts big time. The 'Fog' is terrible, I once had the greatest memory, now I get flattened by simple words that I used to know. I forget how to get places that I've gone to many, many times.

I put off leaving teaching until I just couldn't do it anymore. I pushed myself beyond the limit, because I was afraid to admit I couldn't keep up anymore. It is a blow to the ego. I still have times when I have to 're-accept' (if that is a word, lol) that I am still a smart woman, I don't have anything to prove to anyone else. Sometimes, we need ME time and we need to realize we aren't lazy or lax, we have a different set of circumstances and we need to do right by us now. Other ppl who have other DD are sometimes given more slack because they are 'real' diseases.  We need to understand what we have is so very real, it is a lot to deal w/ on a daily basis. Others have to realize that, also. Do what you need to do to help yourself to live your life.

The best way to 'fight' this is to take good care of yorself. It doesn't mean crawling into a hole, but eating well, sleeping and resting well, doing exercises that you can handle, even if it is gentle stretching and walking.

This is a good place to come to get things 'out of your system'. Don't worry about the length of the post, sometimes you just need to get things out. I don't think anybody on this forum would think of you as anything but 'STRONG'. Fibro only seems to hit strong ppl, IMHO. We know how much it takes to get up everyday and live your life, and how much you give to live a 'normal' life.

If you haven't checked out Fibro 101 on the top of the page, pls do, there is so much good info that many members have shared and our Sherrine compiled it all in one spot to make it easier for us to find. Sherrine is a gem, as you may already know.

Pls let us know how you are doing, we do care - we are all in this thing together.

God bless.  Alice.

First of all, I want to thank you soooo much for your service to this great country.  We really do appreciate all you and the other troops do to help keep us safe and strong.  You definitely are not lazy or unreliable, either.  Hopefully you will find what works best for you to get fibro under control.

Have you had a chance to read the Fibro 101 thread?  If not, it's chocked full of good information about fibromyalgia and the more you know about it the better decisions you can make about your healthcare.  I take malic acid/magnesium supplements and there is a link about them in this thread.  They have really helped me with pain and fatigue.  They don't help everyone but they would be worth a shot.  I also take vitamin D3.  Many with fibro are deficient in these vitamins and nutrients so talk to your doctor about this. 

You seem to love your job so, as long as the military is willing, I think I would stay on.  You are just starting this journey with fibro and  you might come across what works for you to keep doing what you want to do with  your life.  You probably would have to rule out certain activities in the military but I'm sure the doctors there will help guide you so you make the right decision for you.  It would be a shame to throw in the towel just yet.  But I totally understand the indecision you are having.  Your doctor hopefully will be able to help you.  You might not be the person you were, but you can still be a person of great value to your fellow service men and women.  Don't sell yourself short.  It's amazing what we can do if we really want to do it.

Fibrofog????  It's the pits!  But, keep a good sense of humor and you can get through it.  The more you stress over it, the worse it seems to get...at least for me.  If I can't think of a word, I'll continue writing and then it will pop in my head.  If not, I'll put in a substitute word.  The message will still be understood. 

I'm happy that you found us.  I do think you will get some good answers here.  Don't hesitate to ask questions, either, because we are here to help you.  I hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine

When fibro hit me, I was barely able to move and in terrible pain.  I have learned how to control the pain now.  I'm much older than  you are...I'm 62 years old...but have had this illness for decades and have had a full and enjoyable life in spite of it!  If I were in your shoes, I would give it a chance.  See how things go.  As you get medication and possible supplements that help you, you just might see that you are able to continue with  your career. 

Attitude is half the battle and you definitely don't want to give in to fibromyalgia!  Keep a positive outlook.  Each new day can be different.  We do have our good days and our bad days.  Also, if you are close to any of the airmen that are stepping in and helping you, bounce your thoughts off them.  You might be surprised at their response.  Perhaps, once you get control over fibro, you can help them out.  You have done a wonderful job for seven years and this was not something you asked for.  But, you just might be able to work around fibro and still stay with a job you love.  It's not the same job but pretty close!  It's wonderful that they are working with you.  We have men and women on this forum that have a full-time career with fibro.

In the Fibro 101 thread, there are some good stretching exercises you can do sitting down.  If they have given you more of a desk job, these would be good for you.  The more you move the better you will be.  If you sit or lay too much, you will be stiff as a board! 

If possible, get on a sleep schedule.  Go to bed around the same time every evening and get up around the same time in the morning.  By doing this, you will sleep better and that helps with fibro, too.  I'm usually in bed by 10 PM and up between 6-7 AM.  Your body will become accustomed to this and you should fall asleep quickly.  Sleep is a fibromite's friend.

These are a few ideas that may help you.  I don't know what your actual job is but maybe these could help you.  I hope you are able to give this a chance because you just might be happily surprised. 

Sherrine

I was in the Navy 14 years ago and diagnosed with chonic headaches and episodal migraine. I was temporarily retired for 5 years so they could see if my condition improved. After 5 years they re-examined me and decided I had not only not improved I had gotton worse. So I was medically retired out of the military. I did Air Traffic Control and absolutely loved it and was so very, very good at it. Fast paced, lots of stress, life was good! But I lost my ability to mult-task, shoot on some days I couldnt even stay on one task, so those days were over. Stress who was once my best friend became an aquaintence I try to avoid. I miss my job, I miss the people, I miss feeling I'm doing something important, but mostly I miss being who I was. But I have gotton other things in return. A closer relationship with my husband and kids. An appreciation for the simpler things in life I otherwise wouldnt have experienced. More of an understanding of things that are really important. When I become fustrated or impatient with myself I try to keep those things in mind.

If you do get out I wanted to post to make sure you go through the VA. They have a lot of programs and benefits that will really help you out. The military will give you a lot of information as you go through the process, but they dont tell you everything so I'd suggest doing some research on what will be available to you and talk with a VA representative. They are a great group of people that can provide a lot of support and help. And if you do get out make sure to hold onto your Tricare!!! Not going to list a lot of details because your command may have already told you all about this but just wanted to throw it out there just in case.