Hi Angie,
I developed fibromyalgia when I was 13 and I’m 49 now so I know it can be a very draining and debilitating thing to live with. But I hope I can offer some hope in saying that it has got quite a lot better for me compared to what it used to be, in terms of pain, stiffness etc. I’m diagonsed with depression also, as well as anxiety, complex ptsd and an autoimmune liver disease. I’ve learned quite a lot about how stress and trauma are quite often associated with fibromyalgia and they certainly were for me. I don’t know whether you see any such link for you or not?
Is there anything you find that helps you? I'm glad you have your doggies though it sounds like one of them can be a bit challenging. I know it can be a lonely journey at times with fibromyalgia and depression. Like you I do not have children and at my age will not be having them now, which has been a source of grief and loss for me, so I understand those feelings. I have found spending time with my friend's baby girl very therapeutic though and I get to express my nurturing instincts that way.
I'm happy to chat and I hope you know you are welcome here to express how you feel. I know it can feel scary when things get worse and symptoms flare. In the past I found mindfulness meditation helped which I did through free sessions at a Buddhist Centre. It didn't help straight away and the pain initially got worse, but then would eventually ease as my system really calmed down during the meditation. In more recent times I spend time more in nature as my primary meditation and also do photography which really helps me.
One of the things that really inspired me as a teenager was seeing the photographs of Nick Djordjevic. He has fibromyalgia and psoriatic arthritis and photography was very therapeutic for him. His images are all taken on film from that time decades ago now and are scenes from Perth and WA where I grew up. His website is Genesis Fine Art - Fotografica Gallery. I just mention that in case it helps knowing of ways that creative outlets can help with painful conditions.
I had times where I felt extremely vulnerable and scared too, but things have really improved, especially with the fibromyalgia, so I hope you know it can improve too. I've basically been unlocking the processes in the body that got stuck for me very early in life and this has definitely helped with chronic pain symptoms. I've also had help from things like Bowen therapy, gentle movement and swimming in a pool, and something called myofascial unwinding to name a few things that come to mind. In the last two years I've done some somatic (body-based) work with a psychologist trained in this area which has been hugely beneficial.
Take good care and sending you a supportive hug,
Eagle Ray
