Can you live with this? Absolutely. BFS is not going to kill you. Will you have a high quality of life? No reason why not, but it depends upon the severity of your symptoms, the efficacy of any treatment you receive, and your emotional state. We all have a different threshold for coping with stress and illness. Frankly, a lot of this condition is mind-over-matter. Anxiety over the symptoms also tends to escalate the symptoms severely, which of course, generates a vicious cycle. We've seen folks with severe fascics and debilitating cramps whom have lived joyful, productive, blessed lives; and we've seen some with only minor symptoms who have felt miserable and hopeless. Each person is different. The degree to which one person copes better than another has nothing to do with one's fortitude, strength-of-character, or tenacity. It is highly subjective, random, and individualized; however, there are things that ALL of us can do to improve our outcomes. To the extent that you can take control of your thoughts and perceptions, you MUST do so. The body will do what the body will do, but your thoughts are the epicenter of all, I believe. If you can learn not to obsess over the symptoms and just go about your life, you will find this much easier to deal with. It is also imperative for both your physical and mental well-being that you get yourself on a regular program of physical activity. It doesn't have to be strenuous, but it does need to be consistent. Walking, running, zumba, pilates, yoga, swimming, what-have-you; plus some form of strength training are really essential for keeping the body and mind on an even keel. A balanced diet, stress-management, sufficient rest, exercise; the prescription for ALL human beings as we bump through this life, of course apply here as well. Do what makes you feel as whole and healthy as possible, and set solid boundaries to preserve what is most sacred to you. That's all any one of us can really do. Blessings, Sue
