I too had undiagnosed fibro for many years until finally a diagnosis and I thought that would be that. Get some pills, some therapy and I'd get my life back. Six years on it has not happened , you grow tolerant of pain medications, or addicted and then suffer withdrawal which is horrid. The best you can hope to achieve is pain and fatigue management and stop fighting it.
I get cross when people say 'a positive attitude will help' when they do not know what 24hr pain feels like but I do think that acceptance of the fact you are never going to be the same person again ever, helps. BUT, a big but, do not let this condition define you as a human being or you will loose your self to it and never recover from its grasp, It will truly become a downhill battle.
I began by getting some help from the pain clinic, most hospital have one. I tried acupuncture , no good for me, but I did have some behaviour cognitive therapy which looks at how you handle pain, your thought processes and basically its nice to have someone who understands how these processes can make the condition worse, to help you.
I have Fibromyalgia it does not have me.
Every day is a testament to how I manage it, and that includes all the bad days lying in bed wishing I could tear my skin off! On the good days though I achieve more, even if it is a visit out somewhere, with help of course. I also do a lot of crafts which give me a sense of achievement, not suitable for all, I know but with time and patience and a constant monitoring of your self, - here's that word,- positively, can make a big difference to how you let this chronic condition take your life away - or not.
Start by saying I can, instead of I can't." I can make a drink for myself, if you could carry it in to the living room for me" - an example of acknowledging what you can do and at what LIMIT you acknowledge you need help.
It took a long time for me to acknowledge I needed to use a wheelchair for longer trips out. If I was stubborn and walked for the day I would flare or crash, that feeling of someone pulling the plug, but if I swallowed some pride and let my sister push me around town, I have a better day and enjoy it.
Just a rough example of how if you approach these disease differently, with acceptance and not confrontation, it can be handled to a degree. As said it is a life long condition, as are many other's. You can sit back and bemoan your lot (been there) or do something about it.
"little steps" "plan and pace" these are a place to start. I hope this helps a little and I didn't become too preachee. like Butcher 79 said about her kids, she wouldn't know what she would do with out them, my three grown up girls helped me too , still help me, and I would never of pulled myself through the initial depressing stages of fibro if it hadn't been for their unconditional love and acceptance.
Stephanie.