I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Fibromyalgia & am in pain all the time im varying degrees.?

When people ask how I'm feeling I get fed up with saying things like "awful", "I'm in a lot of pain" etc. How do I reply, letting them know how bad I feel but not sounding like I'm being negative? Although it's hard not to be when you feel like this.

If you're going to mention "positive thinking" - think again and go away

I ususally just say 'surviving' or 'getting by'


the trick is not to drone on and on specifically about each problem-i know someone that does that-(her pain is only because of her lifestyle-not a disease like FMS)-everyday she 'volunteers' how this is causing pain and that is causing pain and teh weatehr is causing pain and her job and her fmaily ........

As long as you are not doing that-you are okay-

keep the topic of your poor health short-and then change the subject-let people know you have mroe interests (TV show-their activities, etc) than just your health

I think that you have the right to explain how you feel and although you feel negative you should be able to answer honestly. A more gentle way to put it may be, i have been having trouble managing my pain symptoms lately and am looking for other ways to deal with it.

You have said that you are in pain and are looking at ways to sort it out, that is more positive than just saying i am in pain all the time and it is never going to end.

Have you tried marijuana, there has been alot of research done in that regard for pain management, but with CFS it would be trial and error. You can certainly try many alternative therapies, join support groups where you all have the same symptoms and you know why you are there. Venting in a supporting environment may help you to be better able to deal with the question asked casually.

At the end of the day i think that when people ask you how you are they should be prepared for the truth or not ask it at all. I am forever tired and get sick of saying the same thing but if that is how I feel that is what I say so...,. don't ask if you don;t want to know I think :)

Hope you feel better soon.

Tell people you're fine, as a positive outlook can work wonders for you. Focus on areas of your life that you're happy with, rather than the negative. If this seems impossible, you may be suffering from depression. Some experts believe that the brain chemical serotonin is in short supply in people with fibromyalgia which also contributes to depression. Go back to your GP and explain how you feel.

EDIT: There is no need to be rude. Did you actually read the rest of my post? You asked a question, I answered it.

There are two parts to this question.

When someone you barely know asks you how you're doing, the only "right" answer is to say fine, or great, or good, and then ask how they are. It's like saying hello, it's not really an inquiry into your health, but a form of greeting. They don't really want to know if you have a pain in your hip, or if your back is hurting, or whatever...just like you don't want to know if they have the worst pms ever, or a pimple on their butt that their underwear is rubbing raw, etc...

If a friend or relative, basically someone who is familiar with your health issues, asks you how you are, then they really care and you can tell them what's wrong. They're your support cushion and won't condemn you for being honest. Even then, I don't tell my friends or family how I'm feeling unless there's something they can help with. It will only make them feel bad for me. Sometimes I don't even tell my husband. He can sometimes tell when I'm not doing well because he'll notice how stiff I am when I get up from sitting for a while, or he'll see me limping, but I don't make a point of telling him. My dad has chronic health problems and I remember how gloomy it made our family feel always hearing about them and being unable to help. I don't want to do the same to my family.

Nothing is for ever dear


Programs that combine a variety of treatments may be effective in improving your symptoms, including relieving pain. These interdisciplinary programs can combine relaxation techniques, biofeedback and receiving information about chronic pain. There isn't one combination that works best for everybody. Your doctor can create a program based on what works best for you.

I also have the same problems, But you can deal with it by trying dark chocolate, check the following webb, www.chocolatewithricardo.com he does have a product that will make the diference, I Is not just any chocolate but i have noticed a decrese on the pain on about 60%, good luck.

Hey,my cousin suffers a severe case of fobromyalgia.She is on pain patches and spends most days in bed.They have done everything and told her she has to live with it.Then they fill her full of narcotics and on her way she goes.
I feel for you cause I see her pain.
God Bless you Billy

I have it too. Cymbalta helps but does not cure it. Have you tried it? It takes some getting used to. I think it was about a month before I felt better.

No one understands.

I'm sorry someone didn't like my answer....
I'm not here to please people.
I was trying to use humor... that is how I deal with my FM.

i understand what your talking of, my dear mama was diagnosed with parkinsons disaese some years ago and just by looking at her face and body shape i can tell she is having a bad day and suffering alot.
I took my mama for a foot massage and after she said she felt relaxed and pain free, it was actually the only time in a couple of years that she had walked faster than me.
And you know mam, if people cant accept your in pain and give u rude replies, just tell them to shut up and think before they talk, cos its most likely it would be those such rude and arrogant people who complain even if a pin was to prick them. Stuck up people are just not worth anyones time.
I hope you feel better soon. rest well and dont lift heavy things. take a warm bath with some radox or some nice luxerie soap suds.
this question reminds me of my mama so much.. i should fly home and see her soon. thanks for making my day.