HopelesslyJoan

You may be a man or woman who has fibromyalgia. Next, your brother or sister may have fibromyalgia, you daughter has it; you even suspect that your mother has it as well, although she has been diagnosed with it just yet. All the key women in your family have fallen victim to fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Just when you though that it could nor get any worse, your best friend is also experiencing some signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia that sound an awful lot like the ones that you and your relatives all share; Widespread pain, fatigue, sleep difficulties and other common symptoms of fibromyalgia.

So what’s the big picture? Almost anyone can develop fibromyalgia, even you. As frightening as this very well may be, it is just as important to recognize that there are general patterns among the people who are most likely to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia. For example, women are between 7 to 10 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia (Although men can and do have fibromyalgia) Secondly, adults are more prone to being diagnosed with fibromyalgia than are children. Finally, as we revealed earlier fibromyalgia does not discriminate against age and gender; the same holds true for race and socioeconomic status.

So, could you be the next victim of fibromyalgia? Maybe you’ve already fallen to this chronic condition for all these years without even knowing that you had it. If that may be the case, the best advice that I can give you is to educate yourself as much as possible regarding what fibromyalgia means for you. Gather as many resources as possible through support groups, associations, books and even doctors who may be able to diagnose you to determine if you have fibromyalgia. Knowledge and education are power; in this case they may be clues to a better quality of life.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a condition that strikes millions of men and women. Although not a disease process, Fibromyalgia is an often-times debilitating condition with symptoms such as wide-spread pain, and non-restorative sleep, A diagnosis of Fibromyalgia may well accompany a diagnosis of another condition, such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or auto-immune disorders.

Fibromyalgia is usually diagnosed by Rheumatologists, although any MD can perform the tender-point test used to diagnose it. The tender-point test is often wrongly referred to as a trigger-point test for Fibromyalgia. Trigger points refer to the pain associated with myofascial pain syndrome, not Fibromyalgia.

Physicians are often quick to misdiagnose Fibromyalgia as depression or hypochondria; it is not either condition. People with Fibromyalgia have more Substance P, the neurotransmitter for pain. This causes a decreased pain threshold, which is often disconcerting for the patient, as they have no idea why a small injury, for instance, may produce severe pain.

Proper sleep is imperative for Fibromyalgia treatment, as people with Fibromyalgia syndrome often do not reach stage four sleep. Healing from things like normal small muscle tears, takes place during stage four sleep.

Another common complaint of people with Fibromyalgia is fibrofog, otherwise known as brainfog. Studies suggest that this is caused due to the over-burden on the brain dealing with the constant pain a victim of Fibromyalgia suffers.

Although the Fibromyalgia prognosis isn’t terminal, many people that suffer from it do seem to report that Fibromyalgia progression is common; progressive in terms of people feeling worse. This is an issue of much debate in the Fibromyalgia community.

Many with Fibromyalgia find Fibromyalgia support groups either on the internet or through their Fibromyalgia physician. One such support organization is at http://www.fibrofoglights.org

At this time, there is no Fibromyalgia cure. Yet many are learning to control the associated pain and sleep problems with proper medications and other treatments. You are not alone, and it’s not all in your head.

Copyright 2005, All rights reserved

Fibromyalgia is not a disease. Rather it is a syndrome that is characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of the muscles, tendons, and joints. Although, it is not new, awareness is now growing rapidly. While difficult to diagnose, fibromyalgia has been found to affect 2-4% of the population, women more often than men. Fibromyalgia is one of the most common diagnosis in rheumatology clinics.

Symptoms

Symptoms will often vary, and as a result are often confused with other diseases and conditions. Fibromyalgia can be aggravated by unrelated illnesses and changes in the weather. Most often symptoms will begin to appear between 20-55 years of age, but can occur as late as 65 years of age. People afflicated with fibromyalgia may see their symptoms diminish or disappear for periods of months or years. Fatigue may result from chronic pain , which is why a person diagnosed with fibromyalgia may also be diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Treatments

Treatment programs for people with fibromyalgia are highly individualized. The majority of treatments include a regime of self-care guidelines that can improve fibromyalgia symptoms and general health. Since there is currently no permanent cure, most treatments will focus on easing the symptoms of this syndrome. These can include nutritional alterations and supplements in order to manage pain, improve sleep quality, and increase energy levels.

In summary, fibromyalgia is not a new syndrome. Often misunderstood and even unrecognized, fibromyalgia is a disorder that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness. Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting (chronic) condition with no cure. If you suspect you may have fibromyalgia, you should contact your doctor.