Living with Fibromyalgia

My symptoms,as far back as I can remember anyways, seemed to start around age ten (I’m 22 now)but I can’t be sure. I was only recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (within the last year). I’ve really had a hard time coming to terms with it. I thought everyone felt the way I did.

It’s only after I became a CNA that I realized something wasn’t right. It’s so frustrating wanting to be able to do things people my age do and then failing because I just can’t keep up. I was going to go in the Air Force, even had a perfect score on the ASVAB, but now I don’t think it’s going to be possible.

My symptoms come and go, acid reflux, problems breathing due to joints going out of place (for the longest time I thought I had a heart problem), IBS, weak bladder, and of course PAIN along with probably a dozen other things I just can’t think of right now. I used to think that people were right and I was just lazy and a hypochondriac as well. It’s a relief just knowing that I’m not crazy but I still find myself frustrated, angry, and depressed much of the time.

The only bright spots in my life are my three yr. old and my husband who refuses to give up on me. I just wish I could be the person they deserve. Not to say I’m not trying. I’m going to school full-time and working part-time. This economy isn’t helping anything though. I’m constantly stressed out wondering how to put food on the table for my son, my heater just went out in my car, and my trailer is so old and drafty I feel it could fall down around my ears at any moment. But I’m not givin up hope. It’s all I have. And there are others worse off than me.

God willing I’ll be graduating next year and then I can get a good job. Who knows? I’m hoping to eventually become a CPA and God knows that’s a long way from where I’ve been.