I don't really have much family support, no one understands the pain I go through daily. Partly because I just keep to myself to avoid comments that hurt. It is through several websites(on my favorite links) that I have found many "friends" who understand what I am going through. In my favorite sites you can find letters for family and friends to try and help them understand, you can find what helps and what may not help and some awesome pain charts to show your doctor so  you have nothing to loose by trying. My children are my rock through this and it is for them I strive each day to live as normally as I can. I pray each day the rest of my family will understand that we all just need someone to care, someone to call and say, "hey how are you today?" Or that they will understand when I cannot come visit or do the things I used to do.
The best advice I can pass on is advice I have gotten from others who are in my shoes:
1. Separate yourself from people who do not understand your pain or who do not care to try and understand.
2. Don't sweat the little things, sure your house may not be as clean as you like, or your laundry may be a few loads behind. Take the good days and do something YOU want to do with the people that love and support you. 
3. Find a doctor who listens to you, one who truly understands what Fibromyalgia is all about. A Doctor who is not afraid to try different things to help you remain pain free. 
4. Be active in your own treatment, try different things, or mention to your dr. what you have researched and may want to try.  5. DO NOT give up on yourself. You are dealing with something you have no control over but you can fight to make each day the best you can. You are still you inside, you still want to be the way you used to be. It is just now it may not be everyday so you have to make the most out of the good days. 6. Watch Starting Over or a good Soap Opera and you will see there are people out there who have it much worse. 
Below is a picture indicating the tender points associated with Fibromyalgia. If you have pain in at least 11 out of 18 and lasts at least 6 months or more it is a pretty good indicator you may have Fibromyalgia. I happen to have 17 out of 18 and a day on the pain scale of 5 is an excellant day for me. Some people have said if you are having a particular spot that aches if you apply pressure for at least 10 seconds it helps. Otherwise try warm rice packs which are very easy to make or try a warm bath, etc. Get on a good pain regimine whether it be medication, natural remedies or a little of both. With that in place you will be on your way to getting relief at least enough to have a "good" day.



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