So You Have Just Been Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia?
After the Diagnosis...

You've just heard the words, "You have fibromyalgia." How do you feel? Some
of you are elated. After years of pain and uncertainty and visits to
multiple doctors, often wondering if "they" were right and maybe you really
do have serious psychological problems, you finally have confirmation that
you have an actual illness. There is a real name for your suffering. Others
of you are stunned and frightened. You've just been told you have a disease
for which there is no cure. You feel like some of your worst fears are
coming true. With dozens of unanswered questions churning through your mind,
you wonder what--if anything--the future holds for you. Both reactions are
perfectly normal. Regardless of your initial reaction, the question
remains...what next? What comes after the diagnosis?

Once you have been diagnosed, you will begin a journey that will lead you
through five stages. These stages are very similar to the five stages of
grieving and death identified by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Although
fibromyalgia (FM) does not cause loss of life, it does bring about a loss of
our former lifestyle. It is both normal and necessary for you to grieve any
significant loss. There is no set timeframe for you to go through each
stage. You may go through one stage very quickly or even skip a stage
completely. You may linger in another stage for awhile. You may move back
and forth between stages. The crucial thing is to keep moving. While it's
important to give yourself permission to experience each stage as it comes,
don't allow yourself to get stuck in any one stage.

STAGE 1 - Denial/Fear/Isolation

Often your first reaction to a diagnosis of FM (or any chronic condition)
is, "Not me! The doctor must be wrong. I've just been pushing myself too
hard. If I take better care of myself, I'll be fine." You don't want to
believe that this could be happening to you. You're afraid. You have a
diagnosis, but very little factual information. Your circle of family and
friends probably knows little to nothing about FM. Frequently you feel very
alone in this stage. The best thing you can do to help yourself move through
this stage is to educate yourself. Gather as much factual information about
FM as you can find and study it carefully.

STAGE 2 - Anger

As the reality of how significantly your life is changing begins to settle
in, you will probably be angry--angry at God for allowing this to happen to
you, angry at your doctors for not diagnosing you sooner or helping you
more, angry at your family, friends or employer for not understanding what
you're going through. Although anger is a normal reaction, dwelling on your
anger will only increase your stress level (thereby increasing your pain)
and isolate you from the people you most need on your side. The most
productive way to deal with anger is to channel it into determination. Set
your mind to finding a treatment plan that is most helpful to you.

STAGE 3 - Bargaining

At this point you may try to "strike a deal" with God. Maybe if you're good
enough, God will make this go away. The important thing to understand at
this stage is that FM is not a punishment for something you've done wrong.
It is one of many diseases or conditions that are simply a part of life.

STAGE 4 - Depression

When the reality of your condition sets in, you will probably experience
some degree of depression. You realize that your lifestyle is changing
dramatically. You may no longer be able to do all the things you've always
enjoyed. Your once hopeful future now seems like a big blank space with a
gigantic question mark at the end of it. It's perfectly normal to feel
depressed over these changes. Who wouldn't? This is often the stage that's
most difficult to move through. Depression brings with it a feeling of
hopelessness and a substantial decrease in energy. You may feel like going
to bed, pulling the covers over your head and waiting for the world to go
away. You wonder how you can possibly face the rest of your life in pain.
The first thing to remember is that you are going to have some good days and
some bad days. The more you learn how to pace yourself, what activities
trigger a flare and which treatment options help you the most, the more good
days you will have. If your depression is severe or you are feeling
suicidal, please talk with your doctor. You may have a chemical imbalance
that can be helped with medication. Your life may not be what you expected
but it can be good. When all is said and done, it may actually turn out to
be better than you imagined.

STAGE 5- Acceptance/Re-Evaluation

Acceptance is not resignation. It is understanding -- understanding that
your life will be different, but that different can be better; understanding
that you can accept your pain without becoming your pain; understanding that
your life can still have a positive and productive purpose. At this stage,
it is time to re-evaluate your life and your lifestyle. When you were
healthy you were able to participate in a variety of activities that
interested you. Now your energy and physical abilities are limited. Many
things in life will catch your eye or spark your interest but only a few
will capture your heart. Now it's time to focus on what captures your heart.
Pursue your passion. Let the other things go. Spend your time and limited
energy on what is most important to you. You will find your life to be more
rewarding and full of purpose than you ever dreamed possible!

Each of you is a unique and special individual, and you will progress
through this grieving process in your own way and at your own pace. There is
no "right" way to grieve. There is no timetable. Look at each stage as a
learning process and a step toward personal growth. Then finally, once
you've passed through that final stage of acceptance, you can begin to
manage your FM instead of letting your FM manage you.

 

Chat Schedule ~ ~ Rules and Guidelines  Just Been Diagnosed? Fibromyalgia Symptoms ~ ~ Fibromyalgia Treatment ~ ~ Links Fibromyalgia Management ~ ~ FAQ's ~ ~ Survivors Creed   About Us ~ ~ Poems and Inspiration ~ ~ Disclaimer ~ ~ Home