Coping with a Chronic Diagnosis: Seeking Advice

I got hit with not one but 4 different diagnosis’s and not at the same time and we are looking into 2 more. The first one 6 years ago. Before I was a csm I walked 12 miles at work running back and forth , remembering codes all the info I needed to keep Walmart running … and today sometimes I can’t remember the word pencil and I have to use a cane or my mobility scooter if it’s too much walking. I have chronic fatigue syndrome and could sleep all day of I let myself… I grieved hard! I also got a therapist and talk about my medical issues with her. Luckily for me she has medical issues so she understands so that helps. So every time I go on and they drop another bomb on me I can go cry to her and it really feels like she is the only one o can do that too… find yourself someone you can do that with … even just ranting / venting / screaming / letting it out helps and trust me the grief does not just go away even when you think it’s gone. When it comes back just get your “someone “ and talk it through . Go through it alone is very hard.. I know I tried before …. Great big hugs 🤗 to you . You got this. It will be hard but you can do it ! Stay strong warrior . If you ever want to chat just send me a message

If you have obtained a diagnosis you have won half the battle! Lyrica and An anti depressant are major helpers for individuals who are suffering from Fibro! Anti inflammatory remedies herbal or Pharma are also very helpful. Attempt to get enough rest and keep stress levels under control. Certain foods can also aggravate Fibro. I believe you can live a vibrantly active life since I’m living proof of that! I’m now closing in to my last Decades of my lifetime! Normal aging isn’t for sissy’s and I’m here to share Fibro does cause major problems at my age 69! Understanding your body and knowing what works for you is key! Be kind to yourself at any age! Do what it takes “for you” to be as pain free as possible! Only YOU know yourself best, don’t let others ignorance or insensitivity cause you to feel anxious or down! My advise is find joy and gratitude daily, live in the present moment because you can’t change the past, we don’t know what tomorrow will bring! Our choices here and now is what determines our quality of happiness in life!!! Always have Faith in God!

If you can, speak to a counsellor or a psychotherapist. It is totally normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning and. Listen to your body, and when you are tired JUST REST, do not feel guilty. Resting is vital in case of chronic disease. Sending you love

Congrats on getting your diagnosis. It can be an emotional time. I was officially diagnosed only 2 days ago, but I've known for a few months deep down. Grieve the life you had and wanted, but also don't look at everything as black and white. You can still do fun things, but at a slower pace/with support. Look into therapy/CBT to help with your feelings and your greif. Then find what works for you in terms of pain/fatigue relief and ensure you're practicing self care. Someone also mentioned celebrating the diagnosis, especially if you've had to advocate for yourself to get to this point. Also, remember we are all here for you on Alike ❤️

I entirely agree with @rustyshackleford i cried for like a month when I found out 😂 it was overwhelming and that’s okay sometimes I still cry about it I think we all do but grieving is okay, let yourself feel! Do what you need to do to take care of yourself, it’s okay to be ‘selfish’ and choose yourself. Take that nap, stop and sit down, whatever you need to do to make it easier it’s okay. It’s also very tempting to push yourself it’s okay to push but find a balance because progress takes time and if you push too hard you’ll be back to square one. You will be okay in time but do what you need to do, take your space, take your time and do what makes you feel good x

Let yourself grieve. I know a lot of people will tell you that it's all going to be ok, and there's no sense in belly aching or whatever. But it's ok to grieve. It's ok to mourn the life you thought you'd have and what could have been. You will adjust in time, and you will be ok soon. You will be able to live a good life. But for now, it's ok to not be ok, and to express whatever it is you are feeling, whether it be sorrow, or disappointment, or anger. Let yourself feel what you need to. Whatever you do, don't bottle up your feelings about it, and don't try to "toxic positivity" your way out of it.