A lot of people here have given you a lot of good advice, but how you're feeling right now, I know it's hard to think anything can help. I still get to that place at times, but I know it will cycle back up. I had a bad flare last month where for two days I barely spoke. The fog was so thick, the pain was awful, but then it got better again. It always does.

You said exercise is impossible, but you're probably thinking like EXERCISE exercise. Here's the deal. When you're in pain, your body contracts all the muscles in defense. Your body thinks it's being attacked, like you're being beaten up, and it just goes into that tense fight-or-flight mode without you thinking about it. The more tense, the more pain.....the more pain, the more tension. It's a vicious cycle that just goes downhill until you're one big knot.

I have had times when I've gotten into whole body pain to the point that I had nerve pain and shocks and prickles through my entire body, from scalp to toes, so I quit what I had been doing and started working it out.

Try this: clench all the muscles in your body for a few seconds, then release them and don't think about it. I'll bet that within 5 - 10 seconds, all those muscles will be tense again. It's your body doing what it does best in trying to protect you and itself.

What I have found to work the best to get back on the road to less pain is to do stretching.....just easy, gentle stretching. Around here, No Pain, No Gain is BAD, BAD, BAD! Keep it easy and gentle at first. Remember that you're doing this for you. You can stand, sit, or even lie down and stretch. Stretch, hold to the count of five, and release, then go to the next area. What this does is makes the muscles work AND lengthens them. As the muscles work, they lose tension and as they get longer, they quit pulling so hard on ligaments and tendons, and consequently, other muscles and bones.

Muscles in pain will shorten over time and stretching is the way to "reset" their length. But go slow and don't stretch too far.

What you're doing is reversing the tension-pain cycle. As your muscles start to lose tension, they become a bit less painful and your body says, oh boy, I'm not under attack as bad, so I can relax a little more. Try to remember what your body is telling itself and that it doesn't ask your permission about what to do! You CAN guide it, though, in the right direction.

This won't make it all better instantly, but if you start a little at a time, the next day will be easier, and the day after will be easier yet. You just start and keep working at it. Be persistent and don't give up. In the meantime, doing something for yourself will lift your spirits and make you feel like you have control, which you do. You just have to grab it!

I've also heard that soaking in a warm/hot bath with Epsom Salts helps some people with the pain. I have the Epsom Salts, but haven't cleaned out my tub yet to try it.

Please don't think this has been easy for me. I just want you to know that every one of us struggles with this, and is, or has been, and will continue be at moments, where you are right now. It helps to have understanding and support from others, hugs are great, tears are a good release, and we all get lonely at times.

AngelBooze is right.....let go and let God. Just say you can't deal with it anymore and you're giving it into His hands to carry for awhile. Try it. It works.

Bless you, Sweetie. Take good care. We need you around here! ......hype

I really understand how you feel. I was diagonsed 1 1/2 yrs. And I don't mind telling you or anyone here. "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." I'm not trying to be rude but life is sad. I've not had pain meds. since September. But I love this group and it's such a help to realize I'm not alon on my pain. Thank you guys so much. PDW