The fibromyalgia community is fabulous and full of strong and brave fibro warriors. You are not alone, even though I know how lonely having fibromyalgia can be for all of us, of one degree or another. However, I know it doesn’t always feel like we are not alone – I struggle with that, too.
One thing I initiated in my chronic illness group is “pain pals.” This is someone you can message, call, send a card to, etc. We could all use a pain pal, wouldn’t you agree?
It seems at times that our life consists of going to the doctor or other necessary appointments. I certainly would much prefer to meet a friend for coffee or go shopping at the mall. I know you probably would, too. Social isolation totally sucks!
A fibromyalgia group would be a great place to start. If there are no fibromyalgia support groups near you, perhaps you could start one. Any public place, such a library, is a good way to meet. If you don’t drive, you could invite a friend along who can drive you. It would meet a social need for you and help your friend to better understand what you deal with…every single day.
If you are a woman, I would love to invite you to check out my private Facebook group called, “In Spite of My Illness.” It’s a supportive group full of kind and amazing ladies who are also struggling with chronic illness. (I know there are also at least three Facebook groups just for guys as well.)
I truly feel for those of you who live alone. The loneliness must feel unbearable at times. I wish I could hug you all! The sad fact is that if we don’t take steps to be part of some group, people are not likely to just reach out to us, as much as we would welcome that. Our healthy friends and family are so busy with their lives that they don’t often take the time to think about what our lives must be like. We need to be proactive.
So, I encourage you to come up with a plan to connect with others, both online and in real life. Connecting with others is a great reminder that you are not alone, and don’t have to be alone.
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Note: Fibromyalgia News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Fibromyalgia News Today, or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to fibromyalgia.
Hi Robin. Another truly inspirational email. I will be joining your private Facebook page and hopefully look out for a support group in my area. I so relate to the things you say which just proves with this dreadful illness sharing our highs and lows is so refreshing.
What you have just written nearly blew me away as I thought you were reading my mind, which just proves we all need to connect and support each other. Yes our families and friends have busy lives, and I don’t want them to feel quilty as I would not wish this illness on anyone. Thank you for the support group advice and thank you for inspiring me.
Ann, thank you for your kind words! Can’t wait to have you in my group!
I just wanted to say that suddenly I am counting my blessings. Yesterday I fell off the library stairs (thanks to anti-slip strip which made my shoes ‘grip’ it and shoot me down). I thought I’d got up and just have a sore foot. However, I was feeling so unwell as well as having a very sore foot that the ambulance was called. Guess what; broken foot bones and foot and part leg are now in plaster for at least 6 weeks. I realise that moving with pain is so much better than not being able to move at all. Hubby got me a little stool on wheels as you can guess what crutches were doing to my body even after a few hours! The other blessing was that the guy who called the ambulance gave my appropriate age as 42 while I am 65. Almost worth having a fall for. 🙂
Grace, while I’m so sorry that happened to you, I appreciate your sense of humor and attitude of thankfulness ?
Thanks Robin and Darlene. In the mean time I’m learning just a bit more patience (not really!). Can’t wait until I’m allowed a ‘moon boot’ so I can at least hobble around instead of rolling slowly pushing with one foot. Learned to do vacuum cleaning while on my little stool as hubby is still working FT and I don’t want to burden him too much. Going up and down the stairs on my bottom is also interesting is I don’t have enough padding (56 kg)! Sorting wash and starting the washing machine is okay but trying to hang it up and get it down (in the garage) on one foot is exercising my sense of balance. And you know, suddenly the world has become so much smaller and indeed much lonelier. But for me it’s only for a while. I certainly still count all of my blessings!
Grace, you are a one foot wonder!
Grace, I know when some additional painful thing happens to me I think enough is enough! You have this additional pain, soreness and the bothersome complications. One blessing is you that you have a helpful hubby. Another blessing is that you are using humor to help you through this. You have my support and I wish and hope your foot heals quickly and completely!