Dear Fibromyalgia

Year: 2023

  • Should You Try Cannabis Creams for Pain Relief?

    Cannabis-infused sports creams claim to offer muscle relief. We spoke to experts to see if they’re worth a shot.

    Chances are you’re no stranger to muscle aches. Well, what if we told you that cannabis creams might help provide relief?

    Yes, there’s a new type of topical ointment on the market, and it’s infused with cannabidiol (CBD) from marijuana. Manufacturers claim it can help alleviate acute pain and muscle soreness. CBD is similar to THC, except it’s non-psychoactive, meaning some researchers view it as the golden child of medicinal use.

    Science has confirmed that cannabis is an effective pain reliever, reinforced in a massive new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. But there’s a big difference between ingesting cannabis or its individual chemicals orally and absorbing it through your skin. Here, the lowdown on this new crop (no pun intended) of pain relievers.

    What exactly is a CBD-infused topical cream?

    The ointment is made from infusing high-quality cannabis flowers in some kind of quality oil—coconut or olive typically—which extracts the active compounds, either CBD, THC, or both depending on the type of hemp used. This oil is then blended with other therapeutic herbs, like arnica or lemongrass essential oils, which are well-known pain relievers.

    If you read the ingredient list, often everything in the jar is straight from mother earth. As long as that’s indeed the case with the cream you have your eye on, the formula is immensely safe, chemically, says Gregory Gerdeman, Ph.D., neurophysiologist who researches cannabinoid biology and pharmacology at Eckerd College in Saint Petersburg, FL. And since they’re formulated to be topical—absorbing into the top layer of skin—and not transdermal—which would pass through the skin and into your bloodstream—there’s no risk of getting high.

    “When it comes to cannabis-based topicals for muscle soreness or other pain relief, there’s absolutely no reason why it should be a big deal to try,” he says.

    They may be safe, but there’s one massive problem: There’s practically no scientific data to support the idea that a CBD-infused topical cream is any more effective than other topical pain relievers, like Tiger Balm, BenGay, or Icy Hot. Michelle Sexton, a San Diego-based naturopathic doctor and medical research director of the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy says that her patients do seem to have a great interest in CBD ointments, and roughly 40 percent of them have indeed tried one. However, these people are in her office now because the topicals didn’t work for them. “As a medical professional, my opinion is there’s little evidence to back up the claims being made—it’s all marketing for now,” she says.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    How it works

    There is an argument to be made for the simple fact that science hasn’t caught up to the trend (and laws) of 2017 yet. And there are doubtlessly researchers testing the efficacy of CBD–infused creams for pain relief as we speak.

    The theoretical logic is there, Gerdeman says. What exactly is that thinking? Well, there are a few different ways CBD could help regulate pain—by increasing your natural endocannabinoids, decreasing your inflammatory response, and desensitizing your pain receptors (although it’s still unclear whether this stands when absorbed topically compared to orally).

    Let’s start simple: Endocannabinoids are natural signals in your body that help maintain homeostasis by detecting and regulating hunger, pain, mood, and memory. CBD helps elevate your natural levels of pain-relieving endocannabinoids by blocking metabolism as they’re moving around your body.

    The second method of pain relief centers around the damage you do when you work out. When you strength train, you create micro-tears in your muscles, which is why you feel sore as you heal. Once your immune cells detect damage, they release inflammatory mediators in order to repair the tissue. CBD, though has the ability to limit the release of some proinflammatory signals, thereby helping with pain without thwarting the healing entirely, Gerdeman explains.

    Finally, you have receptors called TrpV1 that detect and regulate your body temperature. When activated, they put out heat, soothing your pain receptors. Using this channel, CBD makes these pain receptors hyperactive for a period of time, causing them to get hot, desensitizing them, and downregulating those pain–sensing nerve endings.

    What science says

    Phew—enough of that biology lesson. The real problem here is that all of this has yet to be proven in scientific studies on humans.

    A study analysis in the Journal of Pain Research confirms that topical use of certain cannabinoid topicals can reduce pain in animals with inflammation or neuropathic pain. And science has found topical creams with THC and CBD help relieve pain for conditions like multiple sclerosis. But for the vast majority of chronic pain—and most certainly for acute pain like post-workout—the scientific jury is 100 percent still out. “There’s a little bit of data in support of CBD for pain relief, but to go from animal to human is a giant leap,” Sexton says.

    “The pain and stiffness that comes post-workout or from overexertion certainly has a pro-inflammatory component to it, so it’s reasonable to think CBD or other cannabinoids might have benefits, but we have no research to support this yet,” Gerdeman adds.

    The other issue? Topical creams will treat anatomical structures within 1 centimeter of the skin—and the muscle where your actual soreness is located is going to be deeper than that, explains Ricardo Colberg, M.D., a physician at Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center in Birmingham, AL.

    The fatty tissue can only hold so much oil, so, theoretically, if you apply enough of a CBD–infused topical cream to your skin it might leak down into your skeletal muscle just out of diffusion, Sexton adds. But there’s no study to show this, and that means you’re going to be rubbing on a whole lot of the stuff.

    This takes us to the next problem: There is no regulation around how much active CBD or THC is in each cream or how much of the compound is needed to see relief. Read: “If you have three products that say 1 percent CBD infused in coconut oil, one could be great and the other two could be crap—that’s the reality of cannabis medicine right now,” Gerdeman says.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    So I shouldn’t try it?

    That’s not to say CBD–infused creams definitely won’t reduce your acute pain or muscle soreness. That’s because pretty much all of these creams on the market right now have other scientifically-proven analgesic compounds, like menthol, camphor, and capsaicin which are also found in other, non-CBD topical pain relievers.

    “Any cream with a heating or cooling sensation desensitizes the nerves to pain by distracting them with stimuli on top,” Dr. Colberg explains. Plus you’re often massaging the area as you apply, which improves circulation and reduces muscle spasms, he adds.

    So do you need CBD? All our experts agree that until we have more peer-reviewed research, all claims are marketing hype and not evidence-based.

    But there is an argument to be made for simply believing the CBD adds that special something. “Scientific literature says there’s a 33 percent chance of the placebo effect helping people, so for some, just using a cream they believe can help will provide some relief,” Dr. Colberg adds.

    The short of it: Science hasn’t confirmed creams with CBD will have any greater benefit than those without, but there’s little-to-no risk in trying it out (other than wasting your money, of course). And if you believe in the power of CBD–infused creams, that may be enough to score some relief.

    Want to give it a shot?

    If your state has legalized both compounds, look for a cream with 1:1 CBD to THC as well as another cannabinoid BCP (beta-caryophyllene) if possible, which manufacturers have seen better results with, Gerdeman suggests. Try Apothecanna’s Extra Strength Relieving Creme ($20; apothecanna.com) or Whoopi & Maya’s Medical Cannabis Rub (yes, that’s Whoopi Goldberg’s line), which was designed specifically for menstrual aches and pains (whoopiandmaya.com).

    If you don’t live in a legalized state, you can typically still get CBD–infused creams. Since there’s no regulation or standardized testing, your best bet is to find trustworthy brands that use creams free of toxins but with additional pain relievers like menthol, capsaicin, lemongrass, or camphor. Try Mary’s Nutritionals Muscle Freeze ($70; marysnutritionals.com) or Elixinol’s CBD Rescue Balm ($40; elixinol.com).

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Endocannabinoid Deficiency Suspected As Cause For Fibromyalgia

    For decades, since fibromyalgia disproportionately affected women, those who suffered from its often debilitating effects were often labeled as “hysterical women.” Many doctors would not even acknowledge that it was a legitimate physical disorder and called women hypochondriacs. It was often referred to as a “psychosomatic disorder.”

    Over the decades, the medical community has finally recognized it as a physical disorder but has only speculated as to its underlying cause. The conventional Western medical treatment consisted of 3 pharmaceuticals, none of which helps with the symptoms but produces plenty of side effects. The 3 drugs are Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella.

    Of the 41 qualifying conditions in the Illinois MCPP, fibromyalgia is the most common disorder of those who have applied for a card. Medical cannabis has been anecdotally shown to reduce many of the symptoms of fibromyalgia including pain, fatigue, sleep problems, digestive problems, and mental fog.

    With no relief provided by pharmaceuticals, many desperate fibromyalgia sufferers are turning to medical cannabis as a last resort and have been ecstatic with the results. I know patients who have been so incapacitated by fibromyalgia that they were unable to get out of bed, let alone work. Many have resumed activities that they never expected to do again in their lives, including working and exercising. It has been literally a “lifesaver” for many.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    The question is why does cannabis seem to work so well? The answer, according to Dr. Ethan Russo, medical director of PHYTECS, is that those who have fibromyalgia suffer from Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency (CED). When you replenish the depleted endocannabinoid system with the necessary cannabinoids, the symptoms disappear.

    Think of it in similar terms of someone with a Vitamin B deficiency feeling much better after taking supplements. For those who have studied the endocannabinoid system (ECS), you will know that its main function is to help the body maintain homeostasis.  When the body is in homeostasis, it is free from disease.

    The ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors, C1 and C2, which are found in the brain, spinal cord, nerves, stomach, and other organs. It also controls many of our physiological processes such as pain, mood, memory, and appetite. Our bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids, similar to those in cannabis. That keeps our ECS functioning properly. When the endocannabinoids are depleted, we experience disorder and disease.

    Those with severe fibromyalgia know, only too well, all the symptoms of this disorder. Pain is typically the worst, coupled with incapacitating fatigue. Irritable bowel syndrome and migraine are also very common symptoms. Russo is convinced that this is an indication of ECS deficiency. He purposed this theory as far back as 2001. Recent research studies support this theory with evidence of cannabis usage decreasing pain, improving sleep, and relieving gastric distress.

    CED is based on the theory that there is a link between brain disorders and neurotransmitter deficiencies. Think dopamine shortage with Parkinson’s disease and serotonin and norepinephrine with depression. The best evidence for the CED theory is from an Italian migraine study.

    The results showed reduced levels of anandamide, an endocannabinoid, in the cerebrospinal fluid of chronic migraines sufferers versus healthy control subjects. The ECS is known to regulate the transportation of food in the digestive tract as well as the release of digestive juices to break down food and inflammation. CED would account for digestive disorders like IBS which almost always accompany fibromyalgia.

    There is much anecdotal evidence but little research evidence to substantiate Dr. Russo’s theory. He would like to conduct randomized controlled trials to prove or disprove the existence of CED. MRI and PET scans may one day be able to detect endocannabinoid levels in patients. That would allow a comparison of endocannabinoid levels in fibromyalgia patients versus healthy control subjects. That possibility may not be far away.

    https://teespring.com/stores/fibromyalgia-6
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Prevalence of Fibromyalgia Increases with Age, Linked to Poor Quality of Life, Study Says

    The prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) may increase with age, according to results obtained in a study with Turkish patients. The study shows that elderly adults with fibromyalgia experience poor quality of life in terms of pain, sleep, social, and emotional functions.

    The study, “Prevalence Of Fibromyalgia In Turkish Geriatric Population And Its Impact On Quality Of Life,” was published in the Turkish journal Agri Pain.

    Most studies on fibromyalgia include young or middle-aged patients, mostly women, but little is known about the prevalence and impact of fibromyalgia among the elderly.

    Researchers followed 100 patients ages 65 to 80 who were divided into two groups, FM and non-FM, according to diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

    Researchers analyzed several parameters, such as the tender point count (TPC), common symptoms, disease severity (using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire, or FIQ), quality of life (using the Nottingham Health Profile, or NHP), and pain severity (measured with the Visual Analog Scale, or VAS).

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Of the 100 patients, 31 were included in the FM group, and 69 composed the non-FM group.

    Fibromyalgia patients presented significantly higher scores in pain, sleep, social isolation, and emotional reactions in the quality of life score compared to the non-FM group. No difference was found in terms of gender on the TPC and disease severity measures, but these parameters were reduced with increasing age — the older the patient, the worse the result.

    Results also indicated that disease severity and TPC were linked to pain and emotional reactions as tested in the quality of life score. However, no correlation was found between disease severity and TPC and the patients’ physical mobility, sleep, energy, and social isolation.

    Together, the results indicated that not only does the prevalence of fibromyalgia increase with aging, but the disease also brings a poor quality of life to these patients.

    “Although FM is thought to be a disease seen among young and middle-aged women, its prevalence increases with age,” researchers wrote. “Accompanying osteoarthritis in elderly patients may cause a delay in the diagnosis of FM and as well as its treatment. In case of severe pain which is incompatible with the clinical and radiological findings, diagnosis of FM should be taken into account.”

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Can Topical Magnesium Help With Your Fibromyalgia Symptoms?

    A recent clinical study looked at the effects of topical magnesium on forty female patients who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

    We’ve covered a lot of topics on this website about fibromyalgia, both the symptoms and possible ways to treat it. But if you’ve spent time researching fibromyalgia, you know it’s not often that you come across good news. That’s why some of the information coming about the use of topical magnesium for treating fibromyalgia is so exciting. It actually seems to have a significant impact on symptoms.

    So, what exactly is topical magnesium? And how can it help treat fibromyalgia?

    Topical Magnesium

    Magnesium is an element that plays an important part in the way your body functions.  It helps your body create many of the proteins you need and plays a role in the regulation of DNA. It also helps regulate muscle and nerve functions.

    Generally, you can get all the magnesium you need through your diet. Nuts, leafy greens, and grains are all high in magnesium and can provide the 300-400 mg that the average adult needs. The problem is that it can be tough to eat a healthy diet, and many people don’t take their magnesium levels into account when planning their meals.

    And if you go a long time without magnesium, it can lead to serious problems. The most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency are fatigue, weakness, and vomiting.

    It usually takes a significant amount of time for people to develop the condition, and most people with low levels of magnesium will probably never experience it. But if you have other health problems, like impaired kidney function, your odds are much higher.

    The most common way to treat the condition is simply to take magnesium supplements. And there are two options as far as supplements go: oral and topical magnesium. Oral magnesium supplements are taken through the mouth, and topical supplements are applied directly to the skin.

    Research has shown mixed results as to which form is better. Some have seen more of a benefit with the topical supplement, possibly because it enters the bloodstream faster. But other studies have noted that the difference isn’t really large enough to say that it’s definitely better than the oral route. And some have suggested that because the purpose of the skin is to keep things out, the argument that it is absorbed better through the skin isn’t well-founded.

    Science is still out on the subject. And ultimately, it probably doesn’t matter how you take the magnesium. The good news is that studies done on topical magnesium specifically have shown that it has benefits for people with fibromyalgia.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Topical Magnesium And Fibromyalgia

    A recent clinical study looked at the effects of topical magnesium on forty female patients who had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Participants were asked to spray a magnesium supplement at the site of their fibromyalgia pain twice a day for four weeks. At the end of the four weeks, they had the patients fill out a questionnaire about their symptoms.

    The results showed that the patients who used the magnesium solution had a significant improvement in their symptoms.

    Obviously, we need more studies to fully understand what the benefits of magnesium are for people with fibromyalgia. But these early results are promising. They suggest that a simple, over-the-counter supplement like magnesium can actually have significant benefits for people suffering from fibromyalgia.

    We aren’t sure why magnesium helps with fibromyalgia, as the study suggests it does. It could be that magnesium helps regulate nerve function in people with fibromyalgia, which seems to be a condition that affects the nervous system. And while there’s no evidence that fibromyalgia is caused by magnesium deficiency, it could be that keeping healthy magnesium levels leads to real benefits in symptoms.

    Of course, like all supplements, there are some things you should be aware of before taking magnesium. While rare, it is possible to take too much magnesium, resulting in abdominal pains and cramping. In very high doses, it can even lead to heart problems. Always be careful about how much you’re taking. This can be a special concern when it comes to topical magnesium.

    Unlike oral magnesium, it can be hard to tell exactly how much you’re taking with topical magnesium. Follow directions carefully and always consult with a doctor before taking any supplements. It may also be a good idea to get regular blood tests, so your doctor can monitor your magnesium levels both before and after treatment.

    So, let us know. Do you take magnesium? Do you take it orally or topically? Does it seem to help with your fibromyalgia symptoms? Tell us in the comments.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Dysautonomia Syndrome in People with Fibromyalgia

    Unfortunately, many fibromyalgia sufferers experience at least one form of dysautonomia syndrome and it can be a very serious problem for them.

    What Happens with Dysautonomia Syndrome

    Your body is constantly working. It does a long list of amazing things without you even thinking about it consciously. You breathe efficiently even while you’re sound asleep. When your nose itches, you automatically reach up to scratch the itch. Blood flows through your veins effortlessly.

    You process food through your body, discard waste, and mount a defense against viruses and other unhealthy intruders. You burp, pass gas, cough, sneeze, and hiccup effortlessly. Your body even maintains body temperature automatically.

    Imagine if your body started to malfunction with some of those automatic processes. This is what happens to an estimated 70 million people around the world when they develop Dysautonomia syndrome.

    This may look like a long medical term that is difficult to understand, but it’s simply a group of medical conditions that impact the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS).

    The ANS allows your body to complete all of those amazing tasks automatically. It’s the reason you’re alive because it controls your blood pressure, breathing rate, and many other functions that you need to regulate in order to live.

    It also controls automatic movements that allow you to remain mobile and fully functional in daily life. When parts of this system start to break down or are damaged, you can face serious medical conditions known as Dysautonomias.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Dysautonomia and Fibromyalgia

    It’s common for fibromyalgia sufferers to experience at least one form of Dysautonomia syndrome. We know that with fibromyalgia, there is a dysfunction in the ANS. For many with fibromyalgia, it appears as a delayed and inflated response to stressful situations. The fibromyalgia sufferer may go through a stressful situation without releasing the stress hormones that are typically produced automatically.

    Once the stressful encounter is over and the sufferer is able to relax, the release of those stress hormones is triggered. The sufferer is flooded with stress hormones and experiences the anxiety and energy that others felt during the stressful situation, only the sufferer experiences it to an extreme degree long after the stress has subsided. This delayed reaction may make it appear that there is no cause for the sudden onset of severe alarm and discomfort.

    There are other ways that fibromyalgia patients can suffer from Dysautonomia syndrome. Just as fibromyalgia can produce different symptoms in different people, the forms of Dysautonomia can vary from one person to another.

    Symptoms of Dysautonomia

    Here are some of the most common Dysautonomia symptoms:

    There are many other possible symptoms that could go on this list, depending on the parts of the autonomic system impacted by the Dysautonomia. For instance, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) can lead to dizziness, nausea, and even fainting when you try to stand up. It’s caused by dysfunction in the regulation of the heart rate when you go from sitting to standing position, and it’s a common form of Dysautonomia for fibromyalgia sufferers.

    In some cases, problems with the autonomic system can lead to death. This may occur when the condition interferes with those essential automatic processes that you need to live, including your heart rhythm. If you think that you may suffer from any form of Dysautonomia, it’s important to seek medical help immediately.

    Those of us with MCS also can have a greater propensity to this kind of syndrome in the CNS because of the effect of environmental toxins on the body and the effect on various systems of the body including the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • When Fibromyalgia Makes Me Feel Like an Inadequate Mother

    “I can only hope that I will continue to cope with it all as I do now.”

    My son is just over 2 years old. Anyone who has a toddler knows how much energy they exude at seemingly all hours of the day. I go through a constant grieving and acceptance stage with my fibromyalgia diagnosis because I feel like less of a mother for not being able to play with my toddler the way my husband can.

    I watch them wrestle and tickle each other while crawling around and feel so overjoyed at the love they share, while also simultaneously feeling as though I am failing him.

    I should be able to chase him up and down the hall as he laughs without my back seizing up. I should be able to wrestle with him without fear of being bumped in just the right spot to make me double over in pain.

    I think about when he’s a teenager and has to make excuses for me to his friends as to why I’m not at a game of his and it almost breaks my heart.

    I think of where I’m at now with my pain and I wonder what my quality of life will be like in five, 10, 15 years and how that will affect my son. I can only hope that I will continue to cope with it all as I do now. Taking it day by day.

    I cry when I’m sad and laugh and smile through the pain. It’s all I can ask of myself. To continue being who I have always been and hope that it shines through everything else.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • 10 Times Fibromyalgia Was Featured on a TV Show

    Although fibromyalgia is estimated to affect 10 million Americans and three to six percent of the global population, it is rare to see the illness featured in popular media. Unfortunately, there are still many people (medical professionals included) who don’t believe fibromyalgia is a “real” illness, or perhaps think it’s just a “catch-all” diagnosis for when nothing else seems to be wrong. There is also a great deal of misinformation about what fibro is and how it affects people, which can lead to hurtful judgments.

    Featuring fibromyalgia on TV shows can be a great way to increase recognition and raise awareness of the disease – when it’s represented accurately. We asked the Mighty community which shows have depicted fibromyalgia, and what they thought of the portrayal. Hopefully, more television shows will shed a light on the reality of the illness to promote a better understanding of those affected by fibro.

    1. “House”

    In the pilot episode of “House” (season one, episode one), Dr. Gregory House meets a patient in the clinic who believes he has either fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. House brushes off the patient’s concerns as the result of aging. He replaces the pills in a bottle of Vicodin with mints, which he then gives to the patient as a placebo. House keeps the Vicodin for himself, and the patient later returns for a refill of “Vicodin.”

    “On ‘House,’ a patient came into the clinic complaining of fatigue and tiredness and said it might be fibromyalgia. House, annoyed, prescribes him eight hours of sleep and dismisses him,” Marck Andrew Calaway explained. “That’s the only time I think I’ve seen a portrayal of fibro in the wild.”

    Zee De Beer wrote, “It was the first episode, and probably intended to show how much of an ass House is. It also honestly reflects many doctors’ attitudes toward conditions like fibro which can’t be detected on tests and people who read too much WebMD. Let’s face it, fibro is a controversial diagnosis because it’s viewed as a catch-all for unexplainable symptoms. I watched that episode the other day and I actually laughed when he gave him sweets instead of actual meds and the guy comes back for a refill. It mocks the placebo effect and quite frankly reflects my personal experience with doctors who don’t consider it real. ‘Here take some paracetamol and ibuprofen and… good luck?’ You may as well give me sweets, they taste better.”

    “I heard a lot about fibromyalgia on ‘House.’ I loved the show to that point, but hearing House degrade fibromyalgia sufferers and insist that my pain is made up… Honestly, it destroyed me. It is awful to know that so many people actually believe that fibromyalgia is a lie even though it is an official ICD classified disease,” Mikki Ingram told us.

    2. “Haters Back Off”

    The Netflix series “Haters Back Off” featured a character who claimed to have “undiagnosed fibromyalgia.” Miranda’s mom, Bethany (Angela Kinsey), frequently tells people she has undiagnosed fibromyalgia, wears wrist braces (despite the fact that fibromyalgia generally includes all-over body pain), talks about having fibromyalgia so she doesn’t have to lift heavy boxes at work, and gets sympathy from the man she’s dating due to her condition. Ultimately, though, Bethany reveals she has a kidney condition.

    Maria Tydd said, “The only time I’ve ever seen fibro portrayed aside from ‘House’ is in ‘Haters Back Off’ where her arm brace-wearing mom tells everyone about her ‘undiagnosed fibromyalgia’ and it’s kind of used as a shorthand for the fact that she’s lazy and/or a hypochondriac. She was later found to have something like kidney disease for an emotional effect like ‘oh, it’s OK guys, she has a real illness, you can all feel sorry for her now.’ I enjoyed the show, I just don’t like real illnesses being used as a byword for ‘this person isn’t really ill so they made an illness up.’”

    “Fibromyalgia is featured on the TV show ‘Haters Back Off!’ The mom says she has it, acting as every little thing hurts her, but it is obvious she’s a hypochondriac (it says so in the character description). It’s horrible to use fibromyalgia for this because we are constantly considered hypochondriacs when we are seriously in pain,” wrote Danielle Petilli.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    3. “The Healer”

    The TLC show “The Healer” features “energy healer” Charlie Goldsmith and chronicles his efforts to treat patients living with chronic conditions. In episode two of the first season, Goldsmith visits “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards who is seeking alternative treatment for her fibromyalgia. He asked Richards to close her eyes while he focused his energy on her biggest pain spots, her neck, and shoulders. Richards said she felt a warm, tingling sensation going through that area.

    4. “Criminal Minds”

    In season 10, episode four of “Criminal Minds,” the Behavioral Analysis Unit is searching for a suspect they believe to have delusional parasitosis, which causes him to believe he is infested by bugs. The team hypothesizes that the suspect spends time around others who support and believe him, rather than dismiss his concerns as “all in the head,” so Dr. Spencer Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) asks their technical analyst, Penelope Garcia, to check for local support groups for “debated and controversial diseases.” He then specifies fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, recurrent Lyme disease, and Morgellons.

    Arria Deepwater explained, “Once an episode of Criminal Minds was focusing on a real psychological disorder, delusional parasitosis. While referring to it, one of the lead characters lumped it in with ‘other controversial or delusional diseases’ like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and recurrent Lyme disease. In fact, every time I ever hear CFS referred to in the news it is tagged with the label ‘controversial diagnosis.’”

    5. “iZombie”

    In the first episode of the second season, “Grumpy Old Liv,” Liv Moore (Rose McIver) and her friend Ravi, a medical examiner, investigate the death of a 77-year-old man named Wendell Gale. At the crime scene, Wendell’s sister-in-law arrives and reveals that Wendell was not well-liked in the community, as he had been a “cantankerous son of a b*tch for the last 30 years.” Liv asks what happened 30 years ago, and the sister-in-law explains that was when the fibromyalgia set in. “He went on disability, became embittered. His wife left him, took the two kids with her,” she says.

    “iZombie showed a really old cranky man with fibromyalgia who constantly yelled at young people and was racist due to his condition and had isolated himself from the world in contempt and lived in squalor,” said Zoë Peat. “To say the least I was a little upset as I’m 19 years old, and not a hermit who hates people. Yes, I cannot do as much as other people or go out as much but I’m not like how they portrayed him.”

    6. “The Dr. Oz Show”

    In a December 2015 episode called “Pain Pain Go Away: Do You Have Fibromyalgia,” Dr. Oz speaks with Dr. Jennifer Caudle, a physician who had been treating fibromyalgia patients for nearly 10 years. In one segment, Dr. Caudle explains how everyday pain or exhaustion is different than fibromyalgia. She describes the constellation of symptoms a person with fibromyalgia may experience, including widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog, and how doctors believe fibro pain is a result of “abnormal pain processing.”

    In a second segment, Dr. Oz and Dr. Caudle share an at-home questionnaire you can use to get an idea of whether you might have fibromyalgia. There are two questions: 1) the number of pain points you have and 2) if you have overlapping symptoms. Dr. Caudle goes on to describe several of the treatments available for fibromyalgia, including FDA-approved medications and lifestyle changes.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    7. “Glee”

    In season two, episode 11 of “Glee,” Coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch) is planning out the routine her cheerleaders (“Sue’s Cheerios”) will do for the regional cheerleading competition. She wants to fire one of the cheerleaders, Brittany, out of a cannon but needs her to sign a consent form. Coach Sylvester pressures her into doing so by asking her to remember that the cannon has “two little baby twin cannons at home and one more on the way. And if you refuse to sign this, well, those little baby cannons might just go hungry. And the momma cannon, she has fibromyalgia so she can’t work. Do you want us to win, or don’t you?” Brittany proceeds to sign the contract.

    8. “This Morning”

    Jade Smith is a woman with fibromyalgia who cosplays as a china doll to cope with her fibromyalgia pain. She was interviewed on “This Morning” where she explained that she was diagnosed at age 5, then began dressing as a doll at age 11 after discovering the trend at an anime cosplay convention. “It makes me feel happy and helps distract me when I’m in pain,” Smith said. “It’s a really good relief because there’s no cure and most pain medications don’t work for it. My only hope is that they find a cure eventually.”

    Kelly Wilkins told us, “I saw an interview with a woman on the daytime TV show ‘This Morning.’ She dressed in doll-like clothing to take her mind off her pain. While I completely get that she’s found her comfort in dressing up, I found that the interview didn’t cover the illness properly and many assumptions were made. It also felt like it was trivialized a bit.”

    Contributor Sophia Dayne-Eccleston also wrote a powerful essay addressing those who judge Smith for cosplaying. “I know what some people may be thinking,” she says. “With so much pain, a fibro patient shouldn’t be able to do all this, right? That simply isn’t true. Yes, dressing up is painful and yes it is fatiguing. But it can give us something infinitely precious: The will to keep fighting and keep hoping.”

    9. “Face Off”

    Nicole Chilelli has fibromyalgia and was the season three winner of “Face Off,” a SyFy show where special effects makeup artists compete to win a grand prize. She was open about her illness on the show and hoped to use her cash prize to help care for her mother, who also has fibromyalgia. In an interview with The Fibro Show, Chilelli said that doing makeup helps distract her and takes her out of the mental state of thinking about what her body is doing. She gets so fully involved in the creative process that she doesn’t focus as much on the pain.

    “There was a season of ‘Face Off’ a few years ago where the girl who won the competition talked about her fibromyalgia,” said Shani Bane. “It was so refreshing to see that as a younger person.”

    10. “Dr. Phil”

    In a March 2014 episode, Dr. Phil shares the story of Crystal – a woman with fibromyalgia who struggles with chronic pain and fatigue and is experiencing marital issues as a result. “I don’t feel like I’m really living. I feel like I’m existing,” Crystal says. Dr. Phil also speaks with Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, the Chief Medical Officer of Pfizer, who talks about the symptoms of fibro and offers tips to families of those with the condition.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Why Do People Get Confused? Fibromyalgia is Actually Not an Autoimmune Disease

    You may have seen some conflicting information regarding fibromyalgia and autoimmune diseases. Some people will tell you it is considered to be an autoimmune disease, others will tell you it’s not. However, you must know that physicians do not consider fibromyalgia to be an autoimmune disease.

    The cause of this debilitating disease is not known and individuals who have other diseases could be much more likely to be affected by it. Diseases that make an individual more susceptible to fibromyalgia are ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Typically, the symptoms of fibromyalgia are the same as those in some of these autoimmune diseases, which makes diagnosing much more difficult.

    Why is Fibromyalgia not Considered an Autoimmune Disease?

    At this point in time, fibromyalgia is not considered to be an autoimmune disease. Further research could change this, but that doesn’t seem likely right now. Though some cases of fibromyalgia do involve a dysregulation of the immune system itself, this is much different than the dysregulation caused by an autoimmune disease. Right now, researchers have been unable to totally understand the nature of the dysregulation caused by fibromyalgia.

    Autoimmune Diseases Explained

    As mentioned before, autoimmune diseases include ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Nowhere in this list will you find fibromyalgia autoimmune disease. So, though fibromyalgia does exhibit the symptoms of an autoimmune disease/disorder, it is not considered to be one.

    What are the Symptoms of an Autoimmune Disease?

    There are many symptoms of autoimmune disease– many of which are the same or almost the same in those who have fibromyalgia. Following are some of the symptoms that occur with autoimmune diseases that could also point to fibromyalgia.

    Greater Susceptibility to Infections– frequent bladder infections, colds, ear infections, yeast infections, sore throat, and sinus problems are very common among both fibromyalgia patients and those patients with autoimmune disorders. Additionally, you will experience a much slower recovery time if you have an autoimmune disorder.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Common Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    – Pain All Over the Body– this is aching, throbbing, stabbing/shooting, burning pain deep within the muscles.

    – Fatigue– feeling completely drained of energy (can be one of the most debilitating of the symptoms).

    – Difficulty Sleeping– this includes both falling and staying asleep. You will not be getting adequate sleep, so you feel quite deprived of sleep upon getting up.

    – Brain Fog– problems with focusing/concentrating on things, retaining information recently learned, etc.

    – Stiffness Upon Waking in the Mornings- muscles feel sorer in the early mornings and individuals feel stiffer than they usually are. Typically, gently stretching your muscles and taking a warm shower/bath helps to loosen them up.

    – Knotting, Cramping, Weakness in Muscles- no matter how much you do to relax the muscles, they still feel very tense. The pain that is caused by fibromyalgia itself could be a source of muscle weakness.

    – Digestive Disorders- abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, nausea, diarrhea, gas, IBS, and more are very common with fibromyalgia. Also, slow digestion and acid reflux are common.

    – Migraines/Headaches- these are typically present at least twice per week and are rated as severe pain- usually with a migraine component. The pain is partially due to trigger points located in the head, neck, and shoulders.

    – Problems with Balance- typically, individuals afflicted with fibromyalgia have trouble walking and their odds of falling down are increased.

    – Burning/Itching Skin- you may have itchy/red bumps or your skin may be completely clear and it burns like when you have been sunburned.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    Compare Fibromyalgia and Autoimmunity

    Though some of the symptoms are quite similar- and even exactly the same in some cases- the research into fibromyalgia has not found a link to autoimmunity.  There have been no inflammatory markers that have been elevated consistently, there have been no antibodies discovered, and researchers have not observed the damage that is typical of autoimmune activity within the body.

    However, there has been a significant overlap that has been observed between specific autoimmune conditions and fibromyalgia that shows the possibility that those who have autoimmunity are susceptible to developing fibromyalgia. These are:

    Why Do People Get Confused?

    The fact that people misunderstand the meaning of ‘autoimmunity’ greatly contributes to the misunderstanding between the two. Additionally, it could be to the similarities between the two.

    For example, both fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders have fatigue, pain, and several other very common symptoms; both fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders can be quite difficult to diagnose and can take a long time to sort out; a common poor understanding of the two- even those in the medical community don’t always understand fibromyalgia and autoimmune disorders, so they lump them all together because, on the surface, they appear the same.

    However, you must understand the difference between the two because though they appear to be the same, the treatments are very different. You don’t want to be treated for one if you have the other- the treatment would not be successful.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • 10 Celebrities Who Have Spoken Out About Their Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia is a chronic, incurable condition that can cause a variety of symptoms such as widespread pain, fatigue, and brain fog. It is estimated to affect 10 million people in the United States and between 3 to 6 percent of the global population – and celebrities are no exception.

    Although fibromyalgia is more common in women, it can affect anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, or class. Celebrities may have more money and resources for expensive treatments, medications, or alternative therapies, but that certainly doesn’t mean they are immune to the debilitating symptoms the condition can cause. Their platform does, however, offer them the opportunity to raise awareness and donate to research so better treatments (and potentially a cure) may one day become available.

    The following celebrities have opened up about living with fibromyalgia, but hopefully, more will step forward and speak up to help break down stigmas and contribute to a better understanding of the condition.

    1. Lady Gaga

    After being open about her struggles with chronic pain for many years, Lady Gaga confirmed in September 2017 that the cause of her pain was fibromyalgia. Previously, the musician and performer said she tested “borderline positive” for lupus and that she dealt with chronic pain after breaking her hip.

    In her Netflix documentary “Gaga: Five Foot Two,” released on September 22, Gaga gave her fans a behind-the-scenes look at her struggles with pain and opened up about the challenges of finding treatments and coping techniques to help manage her symptoms.

    “My pain does me no good unless I transform it into something that is. So I hope people watching it who do struggle with chronic pain know that they’re not alone. It’s freeing for me… and I want people that struggle with it to hear me,” Gaga said.

    2. Morgan Freeman

    In 2008, Morgan Freeman was involved in a car crash that left him with multiple injuries, including a broken arm, a broken elbow, and shoulder damage. He revealed in a 2012 interview with Esquire that he continues to experience “excruciating” nerve pain and now lives with fibromyalgia.

    Freeman has also been spotted wearing a single compression glove on his left hand due to nerve damage, most recently at the 2018 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards. The compression glove helps his blood flow since he can’t move his hand.

    In 2015 he told The Daily Beast he treats the pain with marijuana. “I have fibromyalgia pain in this arm, and the only thing that offers any relief is marijuana,” Freeman said. “They’re talking about kids who have grand mal seizures, and they’ve discovered that marijuana eases that down to where these children can have a life. That right there, to me, says, ‘Legalize it across the board!’

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    3. Sinead O’Connor

    Sinead O’Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who stepped away from music in 2003 because she was struggling with fibromyalgia and wanted to take care of her children.

    “Fibromyalgia is not curable. But it’s manageable,” O’Connor said in a 2005 interview with HOTPRESS. “I have a high pain threshold, so that helps – it’s the tiredness part that I have difficulty with. You get to know your patterns and limits, though, so you can work and plan around it. It is made worse, obviously, by stress. So you have to try to keep life quiet and peaceful.”

    However, O’Connor’s retirement was short-lived and she returned to the music scene in 2005. She said she hopes to continue singing and doing what she loves but stays out of the parts that cause her excessive stress, which can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.

    4. Mary McDonough

    “The Waltons” actress Mary McDonough has been very open about her battles with fibromyalgia, lupus, and Sjogren’s syndrome. She believes she developed the conditions after having an adverse reaction to breast implants she had inserted in an effort to reinvent herself following the series’ end.

    “Within 24 hours I broke out into a rash all over my back and my chest,” McDonough told Smashing Interviews Magazine. “But over the course of the 10 years, I just couldn’t put my finger on that. I just didn’t feel right. The chronic fatigue set in, the rashes, the rash across my nose and the bridge of my face which we now know is like a lupus rash, the joint pain, the muscle stiffness, eventually being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, and then the collagen disorder called Sjogren’s syndrome, my hair fell out and I would be tired all of the time.”

    McDonough is now a public speaker, author, and workshop leader, often talking with young women about their struggles with body image and self-esteem.

    5. Kyle Richards

    “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards said she first became sick while her mom was sick with cancer, but was initially told she was depressed because her mom had passed. “I was like, I’m just not buying that I’m just depressed. Why am I having all these crazy symptoms?” she said on an episode of TLC’s “The Healer.”

    A friend told her she might have fibromyalgia, so she went to a doctor who specializes in the condition who confirmed her diagnosis. “All of the sudden I felt like I had an answer and I felt better because it causes so much anxiety [not knowing],” Richards said.

    Richards has since sought out alternative methods for treating her fibromyalgia pain — on “The Healer,” she worked with Charlie Goldsmith, an “energy healer” who aims to help people reduce their chronic pain.

    6. Rosie Hamlin

    The frontwoman of the group Rosie and the Originals, best known for their 1960 hit song “Angel Baby,” Rosie Hamlin was active for several years before settling down to start a family in 1963. She continued performing revival concerts until 2002 when she had to officially retire from performing due to advanced fibromyalgia.

    “I’ve always been extremely energetic and very, very busy,” Hamlin said in a 2011 interview. “It’s taken me a couple of years now to have to deal with fibromyalgia, and have to re-think my life, re-organize, and realize – just having to realize that I’m so limited now. I don’t like it, but I have to deal with it.”

    Hamlin was the first Latina to be honored by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She passed away at age 71 in 2017 of undisclosed causes.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    7. Janeane Garofalo

    Actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo has been very open throughout her career about her struggles with fibromyalgia as well as mental and emotional issues, including anxiety and depression. She has even incorporated her fibro into her stand-up routine, using humor and laughter to cope with the pain she experiences.

    “I had no idea I was chronically dissatisfied,” she said about being prescribed an antidepressant for her fibromyalgia.

    8. Michael James Hastings

    Michael James Hastings, known for his role as Captain Mike on “The West Wing,” had to retire from being a school teacher at age 35 due to fibromyalgia. It was his chronic pain that led him to move to Los Angeles to pursue a part-time acting career.

    Hastings has said that he copes with the symptoms of fibro with natural means, such as supplements, exercise, massage therapy, acupuncture, and visits to the chiropractor.

    “I also have learned to accept that some days I am not going to be able to keep up with my schedule or other peoples’ schedules and I just need to rest and ‘lighten up,’” he said in an interview with the website Back Pain Relief.

    9. Jo Guest

    English glamour model Jo Guest has appeared in a wide range of British “top shelf” magazines and even appeared as a Page 3 girl in “The Sun.” In 2008, she revealed on the television show “This Morning” that she had been struggling with a “mystery illness” for over a year, and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia several months later.

    A guest has since talked about how difficult it has been for her appearance to change due to illness but hopes to one day be back on back.

    “I used to love wearing sexy clothes and short skirts, but I don’t enjoy dressing up anymore. The spark has gone out of life. It’s hard to feel good about yourself or like a sexy woman when you feel so ill,” Guest told Daily Star in a 2008 interview. “But I am positive about it. I really believe I am going to get better. I will not give up.”

    10. A.J. Langer

    Actress A.J. Langer, best known for her role on “My So-Called Life,” “Seinfeld” and “Three Sisters,” was diagnosed with fibromyalgia as a teenager but continued to pursue acting. After filming “Three Sisters,” Langer took a break to figure out how to manage her symptoms and put her health first. She has experimented with a number of alternative therapies to help her cope with fibromyalgia, including surfing, yoga, and meditation.

    In an episode of the Aches and Gains podcast with Dr. Paul Christo, Langer said, “There are different levels of learning you go through with fibromyalgia… One is I’m all alone, you know, no one else understands this pain. And then there’s a point you can get to where it becomes universal and you understand that everybody’s got something. I’ve come to terms with the fact that my body has a fragile ecosystem and I’ve gotta tend to it.”

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • What Is It? Lupus or Fibromyalgia? What You Need to Know

    Among all the syndromes of our days, there are two that excite a continuous fascination on researchers and doctors around the world: Lupus and Fibromyalgia. Both of these medical conditions have long been researched and on both of their causes, many theories have been built. Still, up to now, there is no absolute and complete answer to the questions both doctors and their patients pose about Fibromyalgia and Lupus.

    In both of these cases, determining the actual cause behind it is almost impossible, mainly because they show a lot of random symptoms that can differ a lot from one person to another. On Fibromyalgia, the main theory states that it is caused by the abnormal levels of neuro–chemicals in the human brain, which lead not necessarily to pain itself, but to feeling the pain more stringent.

    Other theories claim that environment and genetics are important in determining what actually triggered the Fibromyalgia syndrome, but up to now, no conclusive evidence has been brought.

    There are even theories that are based on how the number of vessels in the extremities of the human body can change the way the brain perceives pain. How the other symptoms of the syndrome occur and how they can be so varied and affect multiple parts of one’s body – this still remains a complete mystery.

    As for Lupus, things are not clearer either (not even by far, actually). Its causes may be related to a lot of things, including environment and stress (like in the case of Fibromyalgia), but not limited to it. Lupus does seem to “run in the family” and stress does play an important part, but there are other causes behind it as well.

    Among these, you can often find infections with CMV (cytomegalovirus), a parvovirus, Hepatitis C virus, and the Epstein-Barr one. Also, exposure to UV light, trichloroethylene (and other chemicals), and certain types of antibiotics (such as the penicillin-based ones) can be causes of the development of Lupus.

    The mystery behind the causes of Lupus and of Fibromyalgia is not the only thing that these two medical conditions have in common. Also, some of their symptoms may overlap a lot to the point where misdiagnoses (and thus, poor treatment) occur. Some of the symptoms they have in common include painful joints, swelling of the extremities (in the case of Fibromyalgia only the sensation may occur), fatigue, photosensitivity, and rapid, unexpected shifts in weight can occur.

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    One thing that is quite particular to Lupus though is the fact that patients can develop butterfly-shaped rashes on various parts of their skin, which is not found in the case of Fibromyalgia. However, a lot of Lupus patients show no such symptom as well.

    Furthermore, Lupus can be mortal (and Fibromyalgia cannot directly cause the death of anyone), especially when it gets to affect serious very important parts of the human body. Quite frequently, it can get to affect the kidneys (leading to kidney failure), lungs, the Central Nervous System, the heart, and it can make one’s body more prone to acquire infections or even to develop Cancer.

    So how can medical professionals distinguish between Lupus and Fibromyalgia?

    A thorough analysis of a patient’s state is key when trying to put a diagnosis and having to choose between Lupus or Fibromyalgia. A series of inquiries will be made by the doctor, as well as a series of examinations to establish how many parts of the body are affected and how they are damaged.

    In the case of Lupus, medical professionals will start by analyzing the patient’s symptoms and they will run a series of basic blood tests to determine if he/she has anemia or lacks certain elements in the blood. Furthermore, the doctor will also run an ERS (an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) which can determine the presence of autoimmune disease in the body. If the red blood cells settle faster than the usual during this examination, then the patient will become a Lupus or an autoimmune disease suspect.

    Other tests that may be run by a doctor to determine exactly if it is Lupus or not that he/she is dealing with include testing the kidneys and the liver (to see if certain enzymes are present or not), testing the urine (to see which is the level of proteins and which is the level of red blood cells in it) and testing for Syphilis (to check the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies).

    In the case of a patient who is rather a suspect of Fibromyalgia, the medical professional will start out by testing the pressure points on the patient’s body. According to a set of guidelines, if the doctor is testing 18 such pressure points and the patient finds them painful, then the chances of Fibromyalgia are quite high.

    Further on, the doctor will run a blood test that is very good in diagnosing this syndrome. This test is called FM/a and it can determine whether or not certain markers are present in the blood cells (markers which, apparently, are present in all the patients suffering from Fibromyalgia).

    Other than that, there are not many tests that can clearly determine the presence of Fibromyalgia, although doctors may choose to investigate the patient for other Fibromyalgia-related diseases as well (Arthritis, Hypothyroidism, renal diseases, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and so on).

    Diagnosing correctly Fibromyalgia and Lupus is essential for the improvement of the patient’s health. Although the two medical conditions do show common things, their treatment may vary a lot and it may not be “transferrable”.

    For instance, in the case of Lupus, measurements will be taken to avoid serious complications, while in the case of Fibromyalgia other than pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs will not be administered (and, according to each case, anti-depressants and sleeping pills will be prescribed). In the case of Lupus, the same range of drugs may be used, but the dosages and the exact type may vary, according to each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and severity.

    https://fibromyalgia-6.creator-spring.com/
    https://www.teepublic.com/stores/fibromyalgia-store

    Click Here to Visit the Store and find Much More….

    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

    Click here to Contact us Directly on Inbox

    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store