I just turned 24 and yes, often I do feel like my circumstances are unique because I can relate very well to those who are older in terms of their aches and pains but not really with those who are my age. It adds another element to the whole "invisible disability" problem because I'm so young and look healthy. The social imbalance feels very isolating at times (I can't drink with friends, can't do certain activities, can't have a crazy day without suffering a flare the next). I try not to compare myself to people my age who are living their life to the fullest and look like they have everything under control. If you're a perfectionist like me, we can be pretty hard on our selves. The anxiety heightens as I being to think about how i should be having a job, how I should be at a certain point in life, because I am 24. To combat some of this unfairness, I started to focus on self-projects. I am focusing on starting a cooking blog, and very slowly I work on it each day. I tell myself, If I can just conquer cleaning my house this week, then I can make the space in my head to focus on my blog the next week. Hope fibro gives you a break sometime soon <3

Everyday is a hug challenge, you do what feels best for you.. Just remember don't overdue because you will pay for I the next day.. I fought for disability for 4yrs and received it .. They community, just doesn't understand this monster. We live with . And sometimes I don't either.. Hugs

Hi, I am Nicole. 25. I have also suffered majority of my life. Add me and we can talk more. 😊

Hi my symptoms first started at age 12 ....I am now 55 and was only officially diagnosed 3 years ago... over the years I have been told different things by different Drs...including Osteochondritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (always tested negative) and Ankylosing Spondylitis (positive test but not positive diagnosis) they then decided it was Fibromyalgia....I cant really remember ever being without pain of some sort...

I was diagnosed in my 20's. I am in my early 50's now. It is very hard to deal with and don't get better. I was working full time all those years but, only one or two days a week now. It hurts to be on my feet all day. I am in pain for days after one day on my feet. I hope that I can get disability for the fibro and Anxiety disorder. I can't go like this much longer