Common Losses in FMS (taken from The Fibromyalgia Helpbook)

Loss of recreation exercise or sports
Loss of energy to engage in usual activties.
Loss of ability to contribute time to meaningful activities
Loss of physical endurance for strenuous activities like shopping
Loss of roles within the family
Loss of energy and ability to enjoy sex
Loss of predictability that affects planning
Loss of financial security due to medical expenses
Loss of ability to work;  Loss of income
Loss of independence

The stages of loss and grief are the same stages someone would experience if they suffered the death of a loved one:  denial, bargaining, anger, depression and acceptance. In the case of illness, acceptance often means restructuring life to accommodate the illness.

Because fibromyalgia is an invisible illness (the FMS patient looks healthy), friends and family members are unable to see the horrible pain and fatigue.  It is difficult for them to understand this syndrome and thus the FMS patient often feels isolated and alone.

Even as the FMS patient grieves his/her losses, his/her familly and friends also grieve the loss of the life they had before the onset of the illness. The FMS patient's role in their lives has changed. It is a change they didn't want, and one they feel helpless to control.

The FMS patient, family and friends grieve differently and at different rates.  Unfortunately these differences in the stages of gieiving process cause friction. The extra stress on a family can be substantial.  The family relationships require regular attention to remain strong.

Taken from:  Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia by Julie Kelly and Rosalie Devonshire





Email a friend about this web site



See "Family Support For FMS" for Support Suggestions.



.




Midi Music - Unchained Melody