The Reality of Fibro: A Life Changed Forever

Living with Fibromyalgia: My Everyday Battle and Strength

Hi, I’m Amanda Shults, a single mom to three beautiful daughters (25, 24, and 3.5), and I’m learning every day what it means to live with fibromyalgia. It’s an invisible battle—one that most people don’t see, but one that affects every part of my life.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

Before I was diagnosed, I knew something wasn’t right. The constant aching pain, exhaustion, and brain fog weren’t just from stress or lack of sleep. No matter how much I rested, I never felt refreshed. My body hurt in ways I couldn't describe, and I felt like I was carrying a weight that no one else could see.

When I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia, part of me felt relief—at least I had an answer. But the other part of me felt fear. How do you fight something that doesn’t have a cure?

What Fibromyalgia Feels Like

Imagine waking up feeling like you ran a marathon in your sleep—your muscles ache, your joints are stiff, and even the softest touch can feel like a bruise. Some days, I can push through. Other days, the pain is unbearable, and even getting out of bed feels like climbing a mountain.

Then there’s the fatigue—not just being tired, but an exhaustion that seeps into your bones. And let’s not forget fibro fog, where my brain feels like it’s stuck in molasses, making even the simplest conversations or tasks a struggle.

The Challenges of Everyday Life

Being a mom is my greatest joy, but mothering with fibromyalgia is a different kind of challenge. I push through pain to keep up with my little one, and I try not to let the guilt consume me when I need to rest. I’ve learned to listen to my body—some days, I can do more, and some days, I need to be gentle with myself.

But what makes fibromyalgia so hard is that it’s invisible. People don’t see the pain. They don’t understand why I cancel plans or why some days I seem "fine" and others I don’t. The hardest part is explaining a pain that never fully goes away.

Why I’m Sharing My Story

I started this blog because I know I’m not alone. Fibromyalgia is real, and it affects millions of people who, like me, are just trying to make it through each day. I want this space to be one of support, awareness, and connection—because even when we feel isolated, we are not alone.

Finding Strength in the Struggle

Fibromyalgia has changed my life, but it hasn’t taken away who I am. I am still strong. I am still a mother. I am still me.

If you are living with fibromyalgia, I want you to know:
💜 You are not lazy.
💜 Your pain is real.
💜 You are stronger than you think.

This is just the beginning of my journey with this blog, and I hope to share more about coping strategies, personal experiences, and ways to navigate life with chronic illness. If you relate to my story, drop a comment or share your experience—I’d love to connect.

Thank you for being here. Together, we are unbreakable. 💜

Imagine waking up every day feeling like you've been hit by a truck. Imagine your body constantly fighting against you, even when you're just trying to get through the day. This is the reality for millions living with fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, and a host of other debilitating symptoms

It often starts subtly – a nagging ache here, a wave of fatigue there. But over time, it intensifies, spreading throughout your body until it becomes a constant companion. We didn't get to decide when or how this would happen; it just did.

Remembering what it was like before Fibro is bittersweet, like a movie you can watch but never enter. We didn't chose to lose our carefree life, or active lifestyle it just vanished one day.

Because fibromyalgia is often invisible, we're often met with skepticism and disbelief. People assume we're exaggerating, lazy, or just seeking attention. They don't understand that we're fighting a daily battle against a body that's turned against us. We didn't choose to be misunderstood, but we are.

Living with chronic pain and fatigue takes a huge emotional toll. We struggle with depression, anxiety, and a deep sense of grief for the lives we've lost. We often feel isolated and alone, even when surrounded by loved ones. We didn't choose these feelings, they're a natural consequence of living with this relentless illness.

Next time you see someone struggling, remember that you never know the battles they are fighting. A little kindness goes a long way. We didn't choose this, but we can choose how we respond.