Many of us with fibromyalgia are so fatigued (and sometimes in so much pain and so foggy), that it takes every ounce of energy we have just to get through the day. We have to focus on the basics, and often, as our illness progresses, the ability to get out and socialize becomes more and more difficult.
For me, I first started declining invitations for social events on the days that I worked, knowing I would be too exhausted to attend. As my illness progressed, I often felt too tired to go out other weekday evenings, and then on weekends you would likely see me on the couch. My immediate family was very supportive, but extended family members were not so understanding. I think they just didn’t understand how fibromyalgia can make you feel.
It takes creativity, some courage, and some time to stay connected to friends and family when you have a chronic illness. But the payoffs can be great. I encourage you to share a bit about what you are dealing with your close friends. Work on ways to stay in touch (Seeing them for lunch on the weekend instead of dinners? Having a potluck to connect instead of trying to pull off an entire meal?).
Electronic media can be great. It can keep you up to date on what is going on, you can stay connected with friends, and you can participate in discussions when you feel like it (and from your couch). It can really brighten your day. But there is something uniquely special about interacting with a live human friend.
When I started to improve and began to return to the social scene, I realized how much fun it is to feel well and be with people. Until you are on a healing path, keeping your connections can lift your spirits and make it easier for you to jump back into the game when you are ready.