Hi there. I can tell you that coping for me in the beginning was difficult because I became sick on my 21st birthday, exactly. Right when I was supposed to be out having fun and enjoying life I was stuck at dr's office's, hospital's, and ER's. From then on that was my life and it was forever changed. I had no idea how to cope with this new life because I was always an independent person and now I was completely helpless. Everything changed, I had to move back home and depend on my parents to help me with everything. But after awhile I realized things happen, and I cant change it, but I can my attitude towards it. I was still my strong self. I wouldn't let my illness take over my life, although it's hard sometimes. So I decided to do things that would make me happy. I decided to take up my hobbies i full force again. Like photography which would allow me to go outside which I love. Take up my scrapbooking, collecting my favorite animal which are dolphins, get back into my art. And then I discovered something on the computer one day and it was a volunteer opportunity. So the more things I did for myself that I loved that made me happy it helped me cope with every Dr. appt, with every hospital stay, and with every bad day.

I agree as you get older it is harder to cope but still carry on each day hoping tomorrow will be better.

One day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time--- can't change past or future, live in the present.

Absolutely. The first thing I do when I open my eyes in the morning is assess my pain...where it is and how bad it is. Lately , I consider it a good day if I only have joint and muscle pain with NO headache. The migraines are the worst. I can't work, have a hard time getting up and moving, and just fighting the fatigue and body pain. It has been a good 5 years since I had a pain free day. Can't even imagine what that felt like. I'm waiting for results from a lab testing my blood for Lyme. It is progressing😡.

I cope by trying to get outside and walk, keeping a journal, spending time at home where I have no pressure to do anything. I have hobbies and causes that keep me busy thinking about others. It's not always successful but I keep trying.

Hi Dkeenan,Thank you for answering my post,you sound a very strong lady,I try very hard not to let things overtake me but admit it wins sometimes. I keep busy as much as I can,painting,read ing and gardening in small doses.As you say we are still here to fight another day and each one is a new one. How is the ,weather where you are,it is beautiful and sunny here at the moment and the trees are wonderful colours,being a bit of a watercolour painter I REALLY APPRECIATE THEM. Take care and hope to hear from you soon.