From the little wins to the big ones please share below :)

[Scout2000]

Hello everybody 👋🏼

I have fibromyalgia and am completely aware of how difficult and life changing it is. I recently have had a period where I have struggled mentally with the limitations of the illness and adapting to my new life.

BUT

I’m trying to acknowledge what a strong person I am for dealing with my fibro every day. That might just be going to work, walking my dog or even making my bed, which I’ve come to realise are all things I should be proud of myself for (even if they are small for others).

So I’m asking you to share everything and anything you are proud/ happy/ grateful for. I’m hoping this will create a positive thread to uplift and inspire one and other that there is still life after a fibromyalgia diagnosis!

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

definitely agree - i find i manage my symptoms and cope with having fibromyalgia much better by focusing on what I CAN achieve rather than what I cannot.

Today's achievement is remembering to switch the washing machine on (i put a load of washing in on Sunday and forgot to press the on button lol). I'm also doing an online course and I finished my first module yesterday, and ready to start my second module.

[Scout2000 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

I absolutely agree and it’s a mindset I’m really trying to learn to have because I do believe negative thinking does make my symptoms worseI love that haha! I hope you don’t mind me laughing but when I have fibro fog and forget or can’t make a decision I aim to just see the funny side! For example on a bad day it can take me 15 minutes to just decide what I want on a meal deal and I think god the staff must think I really take my food seriously😂

Also, congratulations on completing your module that’s such great news! Thank you for sharing that as it’s lovely to hear and good luck with your next one 💪🏼

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff in reply to Scout2000]

And this post has just reminded me that I still haven't put it in the dryer 🤣😂🤣

[Scout2000 in reply to Hazel_Angelstar]

😂😂 glad to be a reminder!

[k77a]

Great post! Had a rough night yesterday & recovering today .l have a trip booked this sunday & just hoping im well enough to go.

[Scout2000 in reply to k77a]

Hiya! Thank you for sharing and I’m sorry to hear you didn’t have a great night, I hope today has been better for you? I have a holiday coming up soon and I also get worried on bad days it may affect my trip, when this happens to me I try rather than worrying I won’t be able to go to imagine myself there happy and having a great time!

But also if Sunday comes and you don’t feel up to it as frustrating as that will be you should also be proud you’ve made the right choice for you and haven’t pushed yourself too far

Keeping my fingers crossed for you and would love to have an update on how you are and your trip 🤞🏼💗

[Painny]

A nice post 👍

It took me 3 hours 🥹 this morning to decide whether or not I should go to the train station to buy my ticket for a holiday in a few weeks time. Finally I managed to get to the ticket office albeit with assistance from staff once there.

By the end of this journey I struggled to walk and missed the bus, I got excruciating chest pain but with a cane in my hand I persuaded the driver of the bus to open the door outside the bus stop. Luckily he did and managed to get home before my collapse in the street.

A painful trip but I did it; now my brain has been switched to positive thinking….so thank you xx

[Scout2000 in reply to Painny]

Hi Painny, thank you for sharing your experience with us.Good for you for making the decision to go and asking for assistance if needed once there, that in itself is a lot to be proud of!

Also, well done for in a difficult situation managing to remain calm and find a solution, this is something sometimes I struggle to do and find myself just accepting the situation or panicking.

I really hope you look on the day as an achievement, hope you have a fab rest of the week 😁

[KimiJay in reply to Painny]

You warrior you!!! Brilliant!

[fmlife]

My achievement is I have not eaten the brownie or the butter cake or short bread hubby made, considering said was trying to loose weight this is rather difficult, I am trying to be strong, lettuce anyone?

[Scout2000 in reply to fmlife]

Wow you have some strong will power 💪🏼 Keep going 💗

[Gaballetto]

Hey everyone, I have been immensely proud of myself for getting back into swimming in the sea this summer.

It is a 40 minute drive from home, and sometimes it can be challenging to ignore the tiredness and pains and brave the travelling and the chilly water, but OMG how it makes me feel better!

I think it's the combination of the cold water and the physical activity and overcoming the mental barriers that makes me feel so exhilarated for the rest of the day.

I would urge anyone who has access to a safe swimming spot to give it a try, even if it's just a dip because you are not a confident swimmer.

My physio encourages me, and has given me a list of local swimming pools I can turn to when the weather gets too cold.

[Scout2000 in reply to Gaballetto]

Hiya 👋🏼That’s absolutely something to be proud of 🎉

Recently whilst on holiday I found swimming really helped my pain but since being home I’ve been too nervous and using tiredness as a reason not to go to my local pool- so thank you for sharing that as you’ve given me the push I need to go!

[Gaballetto in reply to Scout2000]

Go for it!

[Kitten-whiskers]

What a great post - just what we all need. I would say for me is going from being almost bed bound and to weak to lift a cup of tea to being able to live a normal life - from being able to use my treadmil again and use weights to working full time. It has been a real struggle but I am so pleased I did this : > I also hope it bring people some hope

[Scout2000 in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

Hiya! Thank you this brings me a lot of hope as I’ve only been diagnosed with fibromyalgia for 6 months, so I’m still understanding it myself. How did you manage to reach the point you are at now?

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to Scout2000]

There were lots of things really and it did take years (sorry) but I did have alot wrong with me, but one thing that I always recommend to people is to read Dr Leon Chaitows book on muscle pain and fibromyalgia- it's an incredible book, it will lift your spirit because you have come across someone who truly understands fibro and cfs, it really changed my life, I used to leave the doctors in tears as they clearly did not understand at all and would just load me up with medication. I had Adrenal fatigue which was evil, Estrogen Dominace, hashimoto's thyroiditis, leaky gut, IBS, Candida, fibromyalgia etc so I had my work cut out, hopefully it won't take as long for you x

[Scout2000 in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

Thank you so much, as I don’t know anyone in person with fibromyalgia sometimes I can feel a little lonely but exactly what you’ve just described of crying at the doctors and just being filled with medication is exactly how I feel. I will definitely get the book, I’m currently reading the body keeps the score to try and understand myself a bit better. I really appreciate you sharing that with me and I hope you’re doing well now 💗

[Kitten-whiskers in reply to Scout2000]

Your welcome, it's priceless and he recommends trigger point, which I do he also has you tube videos. I'm doing really well thank you, still further to go , now focusing on leaky gut and IBS. It may take time but things can improve x

[Lemonyblue in reply to Kitten-whiskers]

I too am reading Leon Chaitows book. I think it gives a better understanding of fibro etc and just how complicated it is to treat the symptoms. I've just started some of the exercises so fingers crossed xx

[Bar123ney]

Hi Scout 2000 that is a brilliant idea. I’m proud that I can manage to work everyday. Also look after my husband and manage to remember to get him to his appointments. Hope everyone is having a good day 😀