My best friend has Fibromyalgia

Hello

This is the first time on this forum.  I am usually on the band or Illinois forums. My best friend was just diagnosed. She tells me she's in pain all of the time.  I never know what to say to her.  I just try to be here and listen to her.  I tell her how sorry I am.  But I feel like I am not doing or saying enough.  If I was your best friend and you were venting what would you want me to say?

What I can tell you guys is that I can tell she is in pain sometimes just looking at her.  She's not the same as she used to be.  I am literally afraid to touch her because I might hurt her, but I don't want her to think I am avoiding her.  It's so sad she is only 38 and she has 4 kids.  I know there are days she just lays in bed cause she hurts and then she feels bad for doing that.  What are some of the things I might expect as this disease progresses?  I know I can read up on this but I feel like it's better getting it straight from the horses mouth...

Thanks for anything you guys can let me know. 

What a wonderful friend you are!!! Just being there for her to vent to will help. We having a saying here "gentle hugs" cause we still need those hugs just do it gently! There are many things you can do to help her maybe take a meal over sometimes, offer to help with house work, offer to run errands for her, just anything to lighten her load. Of course the biggest thing is just be a sounding board for her and assure her you know she hurts because so many people will treat her like she's faking. I would urge both of you to study up on the disease and get her to a rheumatologist and/or a pain specialist to get on meds that will help. The meds usually don't take all the pain away but they can help lessen the pain, hopefully. We here are always happy to answer any specific questions you may have and most important just be there for her and don't be afraid to ask her what she needs. Gentle hugs to all!

You can help by:

1) Believing her when she says she is in pain.
2) Not comparing your pain with hers or finding explanations for her pain.
3) Understanding when she does not feel like "doing" anything or going any place.
4) Offering to run errands, cook meals, etc
5) Continuing to be her friend.