Hi Lisa, I don't know if I can help you or not, but I've been diagnosed with fibro since 1993 and it's been a struggle for a long time. Every day I still learn something new.

As far as determining if you are actually sick with something or if it is fibro, you have to use your gut instinct. If your nose is running, eyes watering, sneezing, you might have allergies or a cold. If your body is aching until you can't stand it, all over, it probably means it is fibro.

The fog comes and goes. Some days it will be worse and then some days you will realize you are able to think without stumbling over your words in your head and out loud. Be happy and glad on those days it lifts. I feel very frustrated on those days when I can't get my words out. Usually, it happens when I am talking to my older sister on the phone. She's on the other end going, "Are you there?" I'm trying to get out, "Yes!" so she doesn't hang up. It happens to ALL OF US. Don't think you are the only one. We all hate this symptom.

As far as permanent pain and stressors...I don't know the answer to that. Lord, I hope not or we are all up a creek without a paddle. Stress does make our pain worse, definitely. If you can do Tai chi, yoga, or any sort of exercise to help you relieve stress that will help you. Personally, I want to run from exercise because I hurt as it is i don't want to add to my pain with exercise. If I think about exercising I feel a charlie horse coming on.

If you have anymore questions, feel free to contact me. I hope you have a great Thursday. Gentle hugs.

I would be happy to help you if I can. my email is my with @rcn.com. I am on facebook so you can message me. If I can help, I"d be happy to!

How can i tell if i am sick or if its Fibro? This fog I live in does it ever lift? Does each stresser increase my pain perm? ... so many questions ...