Can anyone understand these feelings? - Fibromyalgia Acti...

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Can anyone understand these feelings?

Luckychica profile image
30 Replies

Long post about feelings!

Hi everyone, I try to remain positive and generally succeed.

I’m happy in my daily life and even though +15 years of Fibromyalgia and CFS are troublesome I now know how to limit the amount I do every day so I now have less flares that can set me back for weeks.

I wonder if other people can relate to one thing that troubles me most?

I am regretful and upset (inside) by missing fun days out and activities that my grandchildren do with their parents.

It’s not that my family don’t understand about my chronic tiredness and pain levels. They do. If anything they are overprotective of me.

However I feel I am missing so much of the early lives of my grandchildren and that it is almost over.

I’m actually envious of active grandparents who can join in with excursions, get down on the floor and play games, teach the young ones new skills and fun things to do.

During my own children’s childhood they had to contend with so very many days when we were running a family business working so much, through lack of time and money we couldn’t give them the experiences that they are now doing with their children.

We missed out then, I regret that so much….I wish, wish, that time could have been different and have involved much less stress and long hours working….and now I have the interior pain of not being able to join in with this second opportunity to be around young minds and see new experiences though their eyes,

I know there are still many things I can (and do) do with them, quiet board games, books, talking, listening, but it’s not enough for me.

I want to play cricket on the sand, run to fly a kite and go on long days out to a safari park with my family, I have to stay home because of the intense pain and tiredness that kicks in if I overstep my abilities.

I want and need these experiences for myself as much as for my family, I didn’t have it then, when my kids were small and I don’t have it now.

If I were to say this to my family they would instantly feel guilty of being oblivious to this and I wil not put that upon them.

Now I’ve put it down in writing I actually feel silly for posting about myself and these regrets but I know time passes so quickly and childhood matters so much, it’s about family and strong bonds and fun and discreet guidance to show life lessons. That’s the point of getting older, there is so much we can pass down.

Long post. Apologies, because in my less introspective times I know I am so very lucky to have my super family and the luxury of their loving care and support for me….. this is not a post wanting help to find ways to join in. I do that as much as I can. No, this post is wanting validation ( or not) about this envy, jealousy, and the feeling of missing out that bothers me so much.

How do others deal with that? Is it only me that feels it matters so much?

If you read all of that, thank you :)

Any and all replies are very welcome.

Have the very best day you all can everyone, I send gentle hugs. 😄👍

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Luckychica profile image
Luckychica
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30 Replies
Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer

Hello, the 1st start of your post could be me, I am nearly 62 and have 2 grandboys 6 and 8years old, I have Fibro and Cfs so I know life can be so unpredictable for sure🙁for me it’s the frustration sometimes when I cannot do things or have too cancel. So I have so much empathy and understanding of your post. They are coming after school today and I get goodies out and make them a milkshake, sometimes they just want too watch a nice film and have a chat about their day, i have noticed the younger one who is 6 is so interested in what I talk about ie my gardening days of previous times he now wants me too buy some plants but he is going too put them in and water, hubbie had opened up their old pond , I’ve brought fish food and he is eager to start doing the pond like grandad does his, He still loves me for the old crock I can be some days and I am so thrilled threw chatting he wants too learn bless him. I hope this helps alittle as it’s surprising how our grandchildren will learn things and pass on to their children one day. Us grandparents have years of knowledge and wisdom , sending a hug back too you xx

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica in reply toYassytina

Hello Yassytina, how good to get a reply from you.

I agree we can always try to find something that interests the little ones about things we have done. It’s rewarding isn’t it ?

I’m probably overthinking things a bit. It’s just one of those days when we mourn for things we have lost with this bothersome illness.

We keep on keeping on and some days are better than others.

The pond and the plants sound such a good thing to be involved with him, he’ll learn a lot by getting to know about nature and plants

Thanks for your reply, it’s good to talk to people who understand.

Be happy 👍😘

Yassytina profile image
YassytinaFMA UK Volunteer in reply toLuckychica

Thankyou too for replying back too me 😀,I don’t think you were over thinking we do get these days for sure, it’s thundering and properly more rain soon will be really nice when the weather settles and we can sit outside more with a lovely cuppa. I used too garden part time and gardening was and still my passion , hubbie is not ,hates it 🙁he did about half hour this week 😩In 14 years of us being here it’s the worst I’ve seen it with so much rain and my crock of a body that did about 10 mins weeding yesterday , I’m gonna try not give up as it would devastating for me , I did get someone in too help but his wife fell off her horse so lost him when I now most need it. wish I was a lady that enjoyed knitting /crocheting but never very good at that , I’ve have an extra visit today from my little grandson after school as my daughter is doing a degree and on a deadline , so nannie is going too put a chicken in the oven and do his favourite roasties, today ache and little fatigued but enough energy everybody gets a dinner xx

Deemist53 profile image
Deemist53

Hi luckychica, I am also 70 I have been in pain as long as I can remember from the age of about 10 my legs hurt me. Then one morning when I was 16 I couldn't move my back had gone into spasms, I was in so much pain could barely walk yet my dad made me go to work. I was always tired and in pain. Yet all the way through bringing my children up and going to work, I always had to fight my body and get on with it and rest when I had the chance. My marriage ended after 16yrs and then I met a wonderful man we got married. We have grandchildren that are all grown up now, so we don't have to run and jump about which is good. I'm looking forward to great grandchildren, which I don't think will happen anytime soon. I was diagnosed in 97 and gradually got worse over the years, they retired me through my health because I was having so much time off. Now everyday is still a struggle just to get out of bed and shower and dressed, I have lost friends but I look at them and you're not worthy of my friendship. I have one true friend she is amazing. My son is always there if I need him as for my daughter the least said about her the better. I'm in pain everyday now, I have tried everything the doctor's have given me nothing works, I got very teary the other day I had totally had enough of the constant pain from the waist down mostly, and my husband made me laugh when he said at least you're okay from the waist up. And there I will end this long message, I'm sorry if I have bored you. Hang on in there, sending you gentle hugs.💐❤️

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica in reply toDeemist53

Hello Deemist, not bored at all!

I’m so sorry to hear about your pain from so young, that must have been hard to deal with. Times were different and parenting could be much more unfeeling than we are used to today.

Then your first marriage breakdown, something else to deal with.

I know that most of the people I have heard about with our types of illness have had lots of things to deal with and many stressful events to overcome prior to developing sickness. In my mind that is the reason for the illnesses, something triggers in the body to be extra sensitive to stress and all our body is on high alert and that gives us pain that just kicks in wherever it finds a ‘vulnerable’ place to lodge. We are mostly ‘high-achievers’, as in we fight through problems rather than giving up, and that’s the factor that links most of us I think.

Oversimplified of course, but something along those lines.

We all struggle to do things that were easy before we became ill but even getting up showered and dressed is a win on the days you can do it.

Here am I telling you things I should be thinking about myself!!

I’m so glad your story has a happy ending with your lovely second husband by your side. It makes a difference. My marriage was not a happy one, but I waited until my children were old enough and then left. Alone but happy since then! A good decision.

Thank you for your reply, take care and look forward to those still to arrive great-grandchildren.

Gentle hugs back, bye for now 😄

Deemist53 profile image
Deemist53 in reply toLuckychica

Hi luckychica, Thank you for your kind words. It helps when we talk to people who are in the same boat as us, we are definitely not alone in this. You take care and pace yourself. Gentle hugs. ❤️

CheetieCat profile image
CheetieCat

Hi Luckychica, I think your validation is you're simply being human. We feel guilty for having a chronic condition that we have no control over, yet we still feel guilty.

As for envy/jealousy of others being able to do everything we used to do and so want to do. I think we can all identity with that and I would say that's just being human too.

I've noticed we do all seem to be very critical of ourselves, very self aware of our failings and maybe not so much of our strengths.

We tend to use them like a club to hit ourselves over the head with because, again we hold ourselves responsible for a condition or conditions that are totally outwith our control.

We spend so much energy every day trying to portray our wellness, it's bl**dy exhausting!

So give yourself a break, you're a normal human with normal feelings dealing every day with an abnormal set of symptoms that chop and change so much it makes your head spin 🤯

Keep doing what you're doing, do what you can when you can and don't worry/stress about what you can't. Enjoy your family. I'm sure they think they're lucky to have you, however they get you! Gentle hugs 😊

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica in reply toCheetieCat

Oh CheetieCat you are so right! It’s been so good to read your reply and yes, it is 🤬 tiring!!

I’m thinking better this afternoon, it’s a relief I think to have put my thoughts down in black and white. It enables me to see exactly what is bothering me and with the help of people who reply, such as you and others, I can start to put it all in perspective.

I’ve now done enough today. After posting here this morning I headed to my dental appointment which turned out to be a bit of a marathon hour in the chair. Luckily my dentist is gentle and caring and she knows about all my aches and pains and goes lightly :)

So that’s it, TV and an evening chilling ahead and being very thankful to have people I can turn to online to talk to and who are going through the same issues we all face.

Human, yes, that’s a good thing to remember, I’ll try to be more forgiving of myself🤦🏼‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

Thank you for your time and for caring. Bye for now 👍😘

Dinkie profile image
Dinkie

Same here, my grandchildrens' other grandparents do beach holidays etc with them. I have found other ways to enjoy doing things with them. I book trips to the local childrens' theatre - great because the performances are only 1 hour and I can manage to sit for that long without too much discomfort.

I have an easel and paints and lots of empty boxes etc to do creative crafts at a table or in the garden. Two bowls of paint of different colours and a roll of old wallpaper, let the kids stand in the paint and run along the wallpaper. We do all the messy stuff their parents won't allow. Potato printing, leaf printing, stone painting. Endless ideas.

We sit and make up stories. I will start with once upon a time there was a.... and let them continue, then we take it in turns to develop the story. The boys love it.

If I do venture out with them, then it is planned with total rest for two days before and two days after. Then it may be that I use an electric scooter. Hope you find a way to enjoy more of your family.

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica in reply toDinkie

Hi Dinkie,

It’s good to hear about your ways of having fun with your grandchildren, I love the messy vibe of play with them. It sound like so much fun.

Your last paragraph shows exactly the way I have to go about organising myself to do things too. Sometimes I feel it’s all too much. Moods go up and down as if on a rollercoaster and this afternoon I’m more settled.

Thank you so much for taking time to reply. It has helped to hear from people who understand.

Sending gentle hugs, 🫶🏼 xx

Dinkie profile image
Dinkie in reply toLuckychica

You will find a way that suits you - onwards and upwards😁

Jaycee18 profile image
Jaycee18

I don’t have grandchildren yet, but my daughter has already commented that as and when they do arrive I will not be able to do these kind of active things with them.

She was being factual and didn’t mean to hurt me, but I get completely where you are coming from. Hopefully instead I can be the grandma who bakes and reads with them and answers their endless questions why. But running on the sand and flying a kite sound so much fun.

Expressing how you feel is never silly and hopefully it helped just putting your feelings into words. If you can’t say something on this forum then where can you.

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica in reply toJaycee18

Hello Jaycee18,

Factual can hurt can’t it! I’m sure your daughter didn’t mean to wound you but that sort of thing does go round in your mind afterwards. I’m pretty sure she was just thinking out loud about how your situation will impact on her as a mother when the time comes.

You are right, the granny who can bake and make comfort indoors is often the very much cherished one.

This afternoon all the replies have helped me a lot and it’s been so nice to read sympathetic responses. Thank you.

Bye for now, take care and have a good evening. 👍😘

CM1EDSUK profile image
CM1EDSUK

Like yourself, we had a family business, so I identify with the long hours, tho we involved our children from a very young age. They never needed pocket money as they sold alongside ourselves at Antique & Collectors Fairs with items we'd bought for them to sell; it kept them occupied, & taught them the value of money. They once made just over £100 in a day, & I'm going back 30 years! Our daughter began to collect Wade, whilst our son became a bookworm like me.

You say you have regrets, & that you wish things had been different. You say what you want, but reflect upon what you've given; that great immeasureable thing called love, which is why you're loved so much in return.

Your grandchildren know love because your children are loved; that is your gift. Children don't need to be occupied in a certain way; it won't matter what you do, so long as you do it with them. They won't see a disability, nor that you can't do some things that probably only you are thinking you should be able to do with them; they will just accept & love you as you are.

P.S. I'm speaking as someone who is going to be a Great Grandma in about 4 weeks. It makes me feel quite ancient, tho I don't quite know how this has happened as I have said for many years that I'm only 27!

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica in reply toCM1EDSUK

Thank you, thank you, for your reassurance and lovely words !

I know in my saner moments that it is totally true and just as you say, today I’ve had so many lovely email replies that I am buoyed up with all the comments. I didn’t expect such a response. I feel I’ve touched on something that is part of our mental health struggle when dealing with our crazy fibromyalgia day to day and that we don’t always acknowledge.

The Fibromyalgia takes over and we become bogged down on the what-ifs and the negatives.

I’ll take all suggestions and comments on board and will put down the feelings of regret I’ve held since this illness started

The other day I went to have an injection and the Dr made me laugh so much. I commented that I’m 71 this year and I don’t yet feel “old”, She said the new criteria for “elderly” now starts at 75, so I’m not there yet!

So you are very safe at 27 !!! 🥳😂

I hope you’ll have a wonderful new first great grandchild, they are so much new promise, so much to love as they grow, I couldn’t think of anything nicer to make life worthwhile 🤱

I’ll say goodnight as it’s 2am and time to try to sleep… grrr, this insomnia !!!

Blessings to you, bye for now 👍😘

Dor1 profile image
Dor1

I too was feeling that I was missing out on trips and outings with my family. I have been lucky in that it is just a year since I have not been able to go out and about with my grandchildren. They are all still quite young, so a few weeks ago I decided to do something about it. I had to stop working 2 years ago and have just reached retirement. I am having trouble walking because of pain in my legs and breathlessness. I went out and bought myself a small mobility scooter, it can go in the boot of my kids cars so I will be able to go out and about with them and the wee ones. I have already been to watch them at a trampoline park and even taken the 5 year old out on my own. Last week I even took a 4 day holiday to see my brother who lives a 4 hour train journey away on my own. I managed to get out and about every day that I was away, I had a couple of hours rest before going out to dinner. I was tired but not completely exhausted. Before the scooter, I would have had to have a day's rest atleast in between outings. I think this is the best thing I have done. Although I still can't join in, just being able to go out again with the wee ones is great. I will admit to worrying about using the scooter, whether I would get embarrassed or not, but then I decided that I would have a better quality of life. Don't know if this would help you or not. Before the scooter I was only getting out about once a fortnight. Hope I have given you something to think about.

Astonvilla68 profile image
Astonvilla68

Good morning I guess it’s human nature to feel the way you do. It’s frustrating to not be able to do the things you once did with no issues.

Don’t worry about the things you have no control over as the worry creates flares.

I try to keep as positive as I can and say to myself being in pain means I’m alive and that is a privilege. It’s easy to drop into feeling down but for me makes it all worse . Personally I have to keep a positive mind , this will no beat me ! I will Taylor my life and work smarter not harder.

Have the very best day you can .

Kindest regards Paul

Gigiruth profile image
Gigiruth

Hi LuckychicaI think you have brought up an important point for chronic illness.

You are pacing and being positive but have identified you are grieving some of the active activities that you see some Grandparents doing.

I was not able to do these with my children as well as my Grandchildren but learned that sadness is mine not theirs. I found special things that they have remembered and now do with their children. Reading certain books and giving a head massage before bed.

My kids remind me I give time and love and I am always there to.listen.

Much of the comparison I was suffering was TV / media / facebook and real life is more of a mix. It was the story I had written for me and was grieving for.

Be kind to you. Also reflect on your special ways with them.

Take care

Gigi.

Rainyru profile image
Rainyru

Oh my heart I really feel for you , can relate to most of that ...Iv had to battle the feeling of inadequacy , and missing out "" but those special moments board games etc will never be forgotten by yoir GC and family I have to use a mobility scooter which helps a lot . But when wev been at seaside I never go on beach with them , but they get to tell Nanny all about it and bring me shells and crabs! ...its just different memory making . I always (bit full on here but...) think if someone told me "you can be made well but only for short time then thats it or you can live out your days like you are I would choose this life. As painful as it is Im am intolerant to pain meds so have to really battle daily mentally to cope but Id still choose this .,,SENDING PRAYERS FOR INNER PEACE take care ...you are not on your own yoir family adore you !and you have us !x

Alit69 profile image
Alit69

Hi, I'm totally with you on this. I used to go to all theme parks every year with my three children, away on short breaks, etc. now I physically can't as I no I cannot go for such days out anymore. Along with fibro I have arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, ibs, vertigo & suffer horrendously with migraines (& the sickness with it) its like my life, where I've worked all the time until these health conditions didnt allow me to has suddenly come to an end! I don't want to keep saying to family I can't because im suffering today, but it's so so difficult, I'm on so many different tablets that I also do suffer with some side affects as well, I don't sleep & if I do I feel like I haven't, it's just turned my life upside down. It's a blessing though to read & hear other people are thinking / feeling the same as me, as my social life now is non-existent as I cannot plan things anymore xx hears hoping to friendships & people who understand xxx

vmagpie profile image
vmagpie

I really can relate to this, only I'm 38 and experiencing the same frustration and guilt as I can't do these things with my children. I have 3 daughters 13, 12 and 6 and I want all the physical fun that comes with these ages.

Sometimes I can't even physically comfort them as I'd like to, when they need it, like being able to pick up and carry my 6 year old if she's hurt herself for example.

I haven't been able to sensibly work out my limitations and often burn myself out trying to be the mum I hoped I'd be.

I used to be a very physical person. And I do mourn the person I was and especially the person I thought I'd grow to be.

I'm sorry I don't have the advice on how to manage these feelings, but I do understand the loss you feel.

I'm sorry you too struggle with the activities this condition so cruelly takes from us.

I'm finding I can't even get myself a solid routine going, as my health is so unpredictable, it feels like being trapped in stagnant waters sometimes.

You're not alone

KimiJay profile image
KimiJay

You have struck a loud chord with so many of us here. It does feel like being cheated to be so limited by our 'condition'. I had to miss cartwheels on the sand on one holiday in those quite early days. Now they happen on our little patch of lawn at every opportunity.

Visits were sparse during the covid years so it was like having to re-establish relationships beyond the facetime and the phonecalls. My two grandchildren came along because of the bravery of the mother and massive support from my son all along the line. They are a joy when we do get to see them and have had fantastically loving and supportive parenting. I love it when they all come, but yes, certainly do get exhausted (and stressed) by the preparation and the clearing up, even though I get a fair bit of help and support. It's so important to me they have a good time and the parents get to have time to play with them too. We are only, though slightly painfully for me, just over an hour away from them. I had wanted to move closer years ago but they now have a nice village to visit too, though I think they mostly come for the unicorn bedcovers!

I had never thought that I would still get broody when I got to our age but now I've been re-trained by our girls, find great pleasure in seeing a few of the local kids occasionally and watching them grow too. Young life! That helps! One friend even came in with her tiny son once and he played happily with the large selection of toys I kept from my own three. I also spent all last summer washing old Lego and I hoard creative stuff too and killed my back and my arms getting our small garden safe (and adventurous) for when they come. Yes, it would be so nice not to even have to think about trips out, or pay for them. That's what I find continually unbelievable. We were young once and had no idea things would pan out the way they have. Thank you for sharing, LuckyC. It helps.

Wobblygirl profile image
Wobblygirl

I read all yr responses here abt life b4 and after diagnosis...I feel v fortunate that I grasped so many opportunities when I was in better health... I have some rich memories but slowing down to fibro pace is a challenge???

Now pacing controls my efficiency!

I do a bit and have to rest... with a puzzle!

Just had a lovely cottage holiday and not shopping/cooking/doing any housework for 10days did reduce my pain tremendously but hv returned 2 do some extra household tasks as I felt pain-free!

Oh dear HUGE pain attacks now...

Mistake, eh?

Your dilemma with grandchildren activities is very real for you but be glad you enjoyed yr family in quieter ways...

I have no family and life can be empty without them.

We all hv to be grateful for what we have achieved, can achieve on the rough days/wks/months and what we hope to achieve in future...

Planning a schedule is key!

I have a creative goal at the end of this month so now I'm going 2give myself a fortnight of no housework or sorting to have the energy2focus on creativity!

Enjoy the goals you have planned with yr grandchildren and yr family. You are blessed...

Wx

MaggieSylvie profile image
MaggieSylvie

Well, I am still cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Because I can only do a little bit at a time it is all taking so long. My partner left me nearly two weeks ago and I can finally get to all the places I couldn't when he was here - not that he would help at all. So maybe you could do a little cricket - just a little, but the kids would remember that was the time Gran played cricket.

You are so lucky to have a family; if you plan it well, there is probably a lot you could join in with. Have you got any form of pain management? I'm still reeling from someone saying that because I have FM (and other pains) I am getting old! FM is not a disease of old age. Many of us have had it for years already before we age. It doesn't go away, so it appears like a disease of old age. You really need to focus on diminishing the pain so that you can enjoy your children and grandchildren to the full, or as close to your dream as you can.

denny_the_wench profile image
denny_the_wench

Oh, good grief - I could have written this about myself (but not half as well as you did).

You have summed up exactly how I feel about my years of ill health, first cancer followed by Endometriosis causing my inability to have children, then Arthritis at 35 followed by Fibro and now a late ADHD diagnosis on top aged 63. I was lucky in that I got a wonderful 2nd chance by becoming a step-mum to 2 very young teenagers and supporting them through a very messy custody / financial / courts battle which went on for 7 years after my OH's initial divorce.

The kids now look to me as their mum and contact me first for most things, and I was presented with my 1st grandchild in the middle of COVID but I didn't get chance to see him and hold him until he was 5 months old, and that was fully masked and on the back doorstep. He is growing up while I'm still recovering from double total knee replacements (two fewer pain sites to think about at least!) The other Grandma lives closer and takes him once a week - although she too has Fibro, but I've only ever had time to play with him when my son & his wife bring him over and we play inside as a family. They have not been over since March for Mother's Day.

My daughter has picked up on how I feel and also has him once a week and sends me loads of photos and videos of what they do which I both love - and hate because I wish it were me doing them with him 😢 I was thinking of asking her to bring him over to me on one of these days, but she and her fiance have just moved into a new house and money is tight so I don't want to burden her with the fuel costs of a 50 mile+ round trip.

Thank you for writing how you feel, and know that you are not alone in your guilt about this dratted condition and its function-limiting side effects. I wish you lovely quiet times with your grandchildren, looking back as an only child I loved those quieter times I spent with my Granny & Grandad - with Grandad in his kitchen garden where I sat for hours listening to his stories and planting out seedlings or harvesting their later bounty and with Granny in the kitchen, cooking the fruits of our labours.... the best "Rasp Pie" in the world on an old enamel plate, one layer of pastry, covered in fresh raspberries and sprinkled with demerara sugar then baked... mmm.

Sending you healing hugs xx

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica

Hello to all who have replied to my post a couple of days ago. It’s been amazing for me to feel that so many of you identified and understood my feelings and regrets. The replies helped me a lot. Thank you all.

This an apology to everyone who has subsequently posted replies that have gone unanswered by me.

It’s not that I don’t care about your replies but I’m not able to write much just now.

My dentist visit this week brought on a massive flare and some symptoms not usual for me, a huge (allergic reaction?) inflammation of the skin on my face which made me look like a beetroot and took 36hrs to calm down.

If it had affected my throat and breathing I’d have gone for medical help at once but luckily it didn’t!

Just another think to watch out for I guess.

I’m going to tell my dentist and GP about it because if I am allergic to something it needs to be on my medical records.

So guys, I’ll love you and leave you at the moment ‘cos I’m resting up as much as I can right now 💤🤷🏼‍♀️🫶🏼

Take care all of you….sending hugs :)

SilverWhistle54 profile image
SilverWhistle54

I understand completely my daughter dose the same thing, she doesn't realise i need the gran kids just as much as they need me. Be honest and explain how being left out make you feel, they may not even be aware they are going to far.

WOOZAL08 profile image
WOOZAL08

Hi I feel everything you feel, it is awful! I am 70 too, I got Fm when I was 40, then all the other things that seem to go with it, thyroid, c.o.p.d athritus etc. Do not beat yourself up, u have enough to put up with!! I know everyone says Pace yourself, it took me at least 5 yrs for me to a tally do that. If I have a bad day I have a duvet day..... I leave everything apart from meds, I get my favourite treat put on my fav. TV prog or if it's that bad close curtains and try to sleep.On good days like u I want to do so much more... Oh the list goes on and on! Like u enjoy things with the grandkids, we used to love the beach, the garden. I can't even mow the grass now, go shopping, I was a bit of a shopaholic, walk in the countryside, socialize in our local, go to their music night and dance.....oh the good times I miss so much! YES I'm angry upset and frustrated. It seems so unfair! Why ME. ???? Like u I worked hard when my children were young didn't have the time to go many places, regrets I have them by the bucket load......My husband had 3 heart attacks when he was 40, hereditary unfortunately, He had to stop work. For a long time we laughed about who looked after who?!?!Then at 57 he had strokes and got a form of dementia, I loved him so much, I nursed him do 12. yrs... I lost him 3 yrs ago during covid, then I go long covid, still have no sense of smell, the good thing is I save money on perfume!!! See u can always find something good out of something bad!!! Ha ha! I'm not being flipent honestly. It's been so hard, I have brain fog and struggle with writing now, u can t imagine how ma y mistakes I've made during this letter, and time....... I had to take a break for a rest and coffee!! See your post was not that long, I can really ramble, for all I know u might have go en up reading half way through🤔. If that's the case I've written to myself, but I do t mind it's been quite healing putting this dow n. I spent 12 yrs with my hubby, daughter and lot of wonderful carers!! Then one day they all left for good, except my dear daughter. Covid was at it's height, so no mixing omg. I was redundant and oh so lonely. I was angry, I was 67...but felt like I should be 57 and I was lost!! I was jealous of nearly everyone, just back to coping and of course good old meds.

You asked what people wanted to do and couldn't!!! Mine was walking along the seashore, feet in the sandy waters, holding my husbands hand and a. beautiful sunset... Things dreams are made of, sounds great doesn't it... But it is what it is a lovely dream and we have to live in the real world!!!!

Please don't think I'm after sympathy I am defiantly not. Just don't treat yourself badly, feel guilty if u feel jealous, envious or angry. Go ahead stamp your feet shout out your feelings. Don’t regret what u did or didn’t do when u were younger, you did it for all the right reasons at the time. Look back at the good times with family, they are not blaming you. Do what makes u feel. Good and to hell with the bad days, on and a laugh a d joke does wonders...Smile a d the world smiles with you💜💐🤪😘Good luck X

Luckychica profile image
Luckychica in reply toWOOZAL08

Wow, that’s a lot!! You have left me a bit shell shocked when I think of you nursing your husband on top of everything else I’m so sorry for your loss, losing your husband was a big thing , I can see

You were not writing to yourself, I read it all and I can see how you have had so much to deal with.

It’s such a pity we regret these wasted years, we could still be doing so much enjoying life and can’t manage to get through a “normal” day without paying for it next day !!!

Yes, it’s super frustrating BUT what can we do apart from pace, rest up and do what we can when we can.

If we didn’t we’d be a heck of a lot worse probably.

So, to hell with the bad days and enjoy the good ones as much as we can, eh?

Thanks for your reply to me. I’m feeling better today, showered and hair washed. It may be collapse time about now!! 😳😂😂

All the best to you, I hope you don’t feel lonely all the time.

I’m sure writing things down and sharing it makes us feel included in the world🌍 😂

Bye for now, have a good afternoon 😘x

WOOZAL08 profile image
WOOZAL08 in reply toLuckychica

That was so nice of u to get back to me, I did t except it, I just wanted to tell u my story, and to say if I can get through hopefully u will look at yourself and say I am going to cope..... Not easy and you’ll fall back at times... But u will keep going!! Like issid you will have days that are awful, just slob about in your pj’s put on a favourite film, maybe a weepy and cry shout get jealous BUT I. insist on one thing, do not feel guilty for doing it🤪😜😀😘.Guilt is probably our worst feeling!!! Also if u have a very friend who u can talk with about anything, family is wonderful but sometimes too close. All the very best to you Luckychica.Im here if u want a moan 👍

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