I have become a hermit! - Fibromyalgia Message Board

jill1021 · 08-30-2007, 03:47 PM

I am wondering if any of you went through a "hermit" phase? I was just diagnosed on Monday, to have FMS, CFS, CTS, IBS, and a few other things like insomnia. Lately I don't care if I leave the house, and I rarely get dressed. I feel really blah most of the time since I feel like every bone in my body is broken, and I have been ran over by a bus or something.

I am tired almost all of the time, and going somewhere would require effort. So I guess mainly my question is do you just become a "hermit" when you are feeling your worst? And, does it get better?

laura3377 · 08-30-2007, 05:55 PM

I totally relate. In fact, for the past 7 months especially, I have hardly done anything except go to work and come home and sit around. It's not because I don't want to do anything but I simply feel like garbage. I know a lot of people don't understand this so I choose to stay away from people and doing anything social. Luckily, people at my work are very understanding and I have a great social outlet there. Also, because of this I do not keep myself up as well as I used to. I don't ever go shopping any more which is a huge change for me! I keep hoping things are going to get better or I am going to get some relief but I NEVER feel good. I have been through about every test known to man even for some rare diseases and nothing ever shows up. I think I'd rather have an acute problem than this horrible chronic invisible disease. If I sound bitter, it's because I am. I try to be positive most of the time but seriously this wears me down and sometimes the negativity and frustration comes out. It's like I am mourning the death of my old life. It also doesn't help that these should be the best years of my life...I'm 34.

Ishla · 08-31-2007, 03:14 AM

I can totally relate. I have to FORCE myself out the door just to go buy pet food sometimes. I refuse to let my babies get hungry... lol. But anyway, being a hermit is just part of FM when you are in a flare, and sometimes just because it feels good just to get a little peace and quiet even when you do feel okay. Enjoy your "hermit" time, but try to figure out something you like to do outside if nothing but to get some sun. It helps. Take care.

rosebuddy · 08-31-2007, 06:41 AM

Yes i can relate and yes it has gotten better. I actually made a list of positive affirmations that I read each day to help motivate me. I always feel better if i get up and take a shower and put on a little make up. It also lifts my spirits to get outside even if it's just for 15 minutes. And making some kind of outside contact with a family member or friend even if i just listen.

But I am also gentle with myself and will allow myself to rest. I went through a terrible bout of acute pain, depression, isolation for about 6 months or so at onset of fibro. For 3 months or so I stayed in bed, I hurt so badly and was so tired. But it did get better. At first I only ventured out to the doctor's offices. And it took everything out of me. I started walking, but sometimes, I would just lay down in the grass. I just couldn't do it. There is this certain fatigue/pain feeling that I just can't push myself through. I don't have it very much anymore. Like i said it has gotten better.

goldyfm · 08-31-2007, 07:37 AM

Yes, the worst of the symptoms of FMS and IBS is you just simply can't plan on anything. You have to psyche yourself up at times just to make it to the doctor's appointments. I know I go for weeks that I do not leave my home. I do have a nice country atmosphere so I do try to at least sit outside on my good days and watch the birds or enjoy the flowers.

I would like to be able to work and socialize but I am in so much pain most days, I prefer to stay in with my heating pad and my pj's. FM is a mystery as it has it's ups and downs. I know how you all feel. I try to read the news, watch a little TV and I do have a dog that occupies a little of my time, and that keeps me content on most days but sometimes I feel if I could just get out and go spend a day out in the world, it would do me a world of good, but I would pay dearly for that privilege.