Hi Yvette: Yes, fibro can surely change one's life! I feel like every morning when I wake up, I have to freshly adjust everything I do--my expectations, what I can accomplish, etc.. For me, it helps to see how well I'm doing in the morning and take the rest of the day from there. If I'm feeling somewhat okay, I tend to make more of an effort. On the other hand, if I wake up and feel absolutely lousy, I scale down my expectations and still try to accomplish things, but probably less.
I can see where you would be concerned about
going to work. I'm very fortunate to be home and honestly, I don't see how I would hold a job because of the fibro. You probably thought of this already, but have you considered working from home (did you post on that before, or was that someone else?). I don't know what you do now for a job, but is it something you could use those skills to do work from home? Or do you have other skills or even interests which could turn into a job? Hobbies, even?
It's so frustrating to have a doc who doesn't listen well. Glad you are shopping for a new one and I hope the rheumatologist can help. Have you seen a neurologist? I felt much better after seeing one and having several tests.
We also live in tough times, and it seems every conversation I have lately online or off, the person I'm communicating with is having many struggles. I guess it's one thing and one issue, problem at a time; that's all we can do. I rely a lot on my faith to struggle through.
Am thinking of you and hoping things are better soon. Best wishes and prayers.
Editing for a 'P.S.' You may already be doing this, but keeping a notebook handy can be a real help and eliminate lots of headaches. I jot down what I want to accomplish throughout the week, and check off what gets done. I try not to beat myself up for not getting everything I wanted to do, done. Tomorrow is another day. I think that's really important to remember, especially for fibromites! I do think we need to spoil ourselves, if and when possible, at times.