My life changed 20yrs ago after an auto accident. After 1yr of PT for a collarbone injury & frozen shoulder, I was still in pain. 1yr later I was diagnosed w/Fibromyalgia. FM affects the brains nerve signals that tell your body that you are in pain w/normal everyday activaties. It also affects REM sleep, interrupting your sleep patterns. Waking up often w/"Fibro Fog", never able to get enough rest. I wake up daily w/tight muscles & need to stretch for 15-20min before getting out of bed. Sitting or standing long periods of time can be painful. Very cold & damp weather can also cause bad days. Sometimes after doing something very physical you may not feel the full effects for 2 days. The best way to explain FM pain is to compare it to the aches & pains of a very bad flu. Imagine having this pain to look forward to almost every day! This can trigger anxiety & depression. It is not fatal or progressive, but can affect your job, daily life & your family. Over the yrs I learned to accept my FM. I begin to listen to my body, putting myself 1st for once. I rest & sleep when needed, run errands 1 day at a time & spread out my chores thru the week. Traveling or driving for long periods, I stop & stretch often. It took me yrs to learn how to say "NO" to things that can cause stress & pain. In 2007 taking control of my life w/FM became easier after I retired. I embraced my new life w/Yoga, Tai Chi, & QiGong. Recommended a healthy weight & diet, I changed to organic foods. After many diets over the yrs, in Jan 2007 at 185lbs (5' 5" tall) I tried Jillian Michaels & I am now at 165lbs. Losing 1-2lbs a week w/20lbs to lose for a goal weight of 145lbs. Exercise is necessary for FM, but can be very difficult when you are in pain. I try walking 1-2 times a week 15-30min & stretch daily. Attending a monthly FM support group has also helped. All in all I take it one day at a time, try to see the positive & funny side of things, smile & tell myself - “It could be Worse!”