I feel alone, I don't know anyone else who is like me.

Hi Mer, you are not alone, I got diagnosed officially last October, and since have been trying to cope. I found this site some months later and it's definitely been a blessing. I can sadly say I don't really have any friends that understand and those who are starting to aren't really there for me, everyone is consumed with their own stuff, and it frustrated me that I am always there for everyone but realised I don't actually have any good friends, so I've started to do things for myself, just to perhaps get myself happy for me. People don't understand because as fibromyalgia sufferers people can't see the pain therefore it doesn't exist. Don't let that trouble you there's a lot of people on here who understand but research it and see if you have support groups nearby sometimes it helps when there are people going through what you are. I've recently started seeing an osteopathy specialist, intense massage and exercise is good

i know what you are going through, the pain is horrendous its affecting my breathing as well as pain everywhere, espespecially upper arms and shoulders. take care x

Hi Mer.

This is definitely one of the illnesses others struggle to understand. As it cannot be seen people don't recognise how much pain your In.

Have you checked out whether there are any groups in the area you live in, which you could possibly join. You can usually Google and find this information out.

And people on this site seem really knowladgeable. I wish I had found it sooner. Don't be afraid to ask questions. As you'll always get a response. Good luck and keep your chin up.

Hi, Your so young, you poor thing you must be feeling miserable, but never ever feel alone fibro is more common than you think, good advice from Julie to find groups, put yourself out there let people know you have it and you'll find others with it too that will give you some tips, have a bad day, feel rubbish then aim for a good day, learn your own symptoms find your triggers learn your own management plan, it's hard but you'll get through fingers crossed a cure will come soon. x

Hi Mer. My name is Kathy. I agree with Mary. I'm so sorry that you have to deal with this so young. My fibro pain didn't start until my mid 30's, but I understand your frustration. My friends are kind, but they really don't understand how I could be in this much pain with no obvious reasons. I have always been a hard working woman. Worked out 5 days a week, had a vegetable garden, and did everything on my own. Everything has changed. I worked in the medical field as a supervisor of medical billing. All that is done. It's been 11 years since my diagnosis and I still worry people will think I'm just lazy. Take comfort in knowing that we are here and we understand. You will have good days and bad days, but with the right maintenance you can have more good than bad. Stress makes it worse, so try to relax. My best advice is hot baths with Epsom salt and a few bubbles never hurt. Just for the comforting fragrance. I always feel world's better after that. Massage is also amazing. The husband isn't very good at it but I can't afford to pay for it. You will have to experiment with pain meds. but I try to only take them when I have to. This site has helped me so much. I wish I knew about it years ago. Check in often. There are many here who have suffered with this for decades and their advice has really helped me a lot. We understand and check in often. I hope that you find better days.

Hi Mer. Well you are definitely not alone sweetie! There is a world full of people in your situation. You are very young to have to deal with a chronic condition. I was also diagnosed young but more in my early 30's. But I managed to raise 2 beautiful girls and endure a painful divorce and go through many difficult trials, despite dealing with this condition. But in the end, I can still count many blessings in my life. You have your whole life ahead of you sweetie. And you will learn to manage it and you will also learn your own limitations and also to respect them. And don't expect others to really understand what you are dealing with. But it doesn't really matter Mer. You know; and that is all that counts. When you have acceptance, and that is a big word of insight for us; Acceptance! Then you will cope better with your own limitations. You have this condition and nothing can change that. So accepting this and working with what you have, will go a long way in coping and managing your pain, your  worry and stress. Be kind to your body sweetie. No doubt you have lived some stressful situations in your own life. That can be a catalyst to the onset of Fibromyalgia. We can have a predisposition but stress is a real enemy to this condition. So that is a big part of managing your pain. Learning to manage your stress. And if your friends continue to not show empathy and understanding; well then you may begin to question if these are true friends. A friend is supportive and kind, even if they don't fully understand. So respect your limited energy and do things to build yourself up. Going for a gentle massage, seeing an Osteopath who is more gentle in treatment, taking a long soak in a very warm tub with Epsom salts, using a hot water bottle or heating pad (non electric, bean bag maybe), taking some supplements like magnesium and eating a very healthy diet. There are many things you can do my girl. Don't ever despair. It could be much worse believe me. And try to see what you still can do and not what you cannot. Perspective is very important in dealing with chronic conditions. I have always approached it in a more Holistic way. I don't take medication except an Ibuprofen now and then for a migraine. So the other ladies would have to give you advice on medication. You can manage this sweetie! One day at a time. Maggie xx

Hi, I was only diagnosed recently and I haven't told anyone. I'm afraid they will just say it's because I'm overweight or lazy. I have put on weight and I am trying to loose it but working full time, getting to work and back seems like a challenge. I don't think my partner will believe me so feel alone. Doc put me on amitriptyline which seems to be helping me stay asleep which helps.

I knew something wasn't right for years and took so long time to seek help and finally get diagnosed. In a way , its good you have been assessed early on. Maybe diagrams or something to share with your friends so they can try to be supportive.