Dear Fibromyalgia

Category: Fibromyalgia Pain

A comprehensive look at Fibromyalgia pain, its symptoms, triggers, and effective strategies to manage and alleviate discomfort.

  • Fibromyalgia and Herpes virus: Is there a connection?

    Despite the instant negative reaction to the thought of the Herpes virus and the association with sexually transmitted disease, there are a number of different Herpes viruses, including those responsible for Chicken Pox, Shingles, and Epstein Barr (mono).

    Even the ones with the most negative stereotypes are much more common than people believe; around 90% of people have been exposed to HSV-1 (oral herpes, or cold sores), and the numbers for genital herpes are pretty close to the same. Once exposed to any of these viruses they can lie dormant in your body, reactivating at any time, usually as a response to stress. So, is there a connection between Fibromyalgia and Herpes?

    Given the overlap in symptoms between Fibromyalgia and Epstein Barr, it’s not surprising that researchers would consider a possible connection; I know that I certainly did.  I had mono when I was a junior in High school. I don’t remember much about it other than that I felt tired a lot. What I do remember was later (over the next couple of decades) that I would have what I referred to as “recurring mono” despite multiple doctors telling me that you can’t get mono more than once (something that has since been severely questioned by many doctors and researchers).

    My throat would get sore, my lymph nodes would get swollen, I would feel achy (like the flu), and worn out. This was usually after I’d been running on full steam for several weeks, and I saw it as just my body crashing after I’d pushed it too hard.  Back in 2006 when I was fighting strep infections every couple of weeks I actually managed to get a doctor to test me for Epstein Barr and low and behold I tested positive for an active infection (so much for not being able to get it more than once). Blood work has come a long way in two decades. 

    Fibromyalgia, to me, feels a lot like those episodes of mono, sometimes even including the swollen glands and low-grade fever that were common with the recurring mono.  So, it’s understandable why I might question whether or not there may really be a connection between the two.

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

    Research regarding the overlap of Fibromyalgia and Epstein Barr goes all the way back to (at least) 1987. Buchwald, Goldenberg, Sullivan, and Komaroff examined 50 patients with Fibromyalgia and tested them for Epstein Barr. The levels of the virus in their systems were not significantly different than those of the healthy and unhealthy controls.

    The methods used to diagnose Fibromyalgia, at this time, were much less stringent than the 1990 guidelines called for, and probably more similar to the currently accepted guidelines. Two control groups were used for this study, one group containing healthy controls, the other patients who had been diagnosed with at least one chronic illness. 

    A large number of the patients (27%) reported frequent sore throats, as well as many of the other symptoms common to mono, but not common to Fibro.  Testing showed no significant differences in the levels of EBV antibodies between the Fibro group and the health or unhealthy controls.

    VCA-IgG indicating that the person has had the virus at some time existed in almost all participants (regardless of group). It’s important to note that many people can have Mono and never show any symptoms. VCA-IgM without EBNA antibodies indicates a recent infection; none of the Fibro patients tested positive for VCA-IgM.

    EBNA antibodies indicate a past infection; this was found in most participants regardless of group.  Given the results, it’s almost impossible to say that Herpes isn’t related to Fibro, or that it is. Since they tested against healthy (and unhealthy controls) and all showed evidence of past infections, it’s possible that their healthy controls were not as healthy as they thought, that the unhealthy control group may have had overlapping issues that were not diagnosed, and a number of other things, including limitations in the blood tests at that time.

    Side Note – one really interesting thing in this study that jumped out at me was that even back in 1987 Rheumatologists were reporting that they believed Fibromyalgia patients may make up the largest percentage of their patients. This is back before the original diagnostic criteria were set, and long before most doctors really even believed Fibromyalgia existed.  Evidently, the three doctors involved in this study did believe in Fibromyalgia. Perhaps, Fibro patients sought them out for that reason.

    In 2012, Hedberg reported that latent Epstein Barr virus has been connected to many different auto-immune disorders including MS, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, RA, Sjogren’s, Chrons, and a number of others that are often seen as overlapping disorders with Fibromyalgia.  He also reported on a genetic mutation found in the blood that allows Epstein Barr to increase and maintain itself, possibly leading to autoimmune issues.

    A great deal more research has been done regarding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS); both Epstein Barr and Herpes Virus 6 have been connected to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; as many as 70% of those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia are also diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and there is much debate as to whether Fibro and CFS may be two separate entities or two ends of the same spectrum.

    Of course, all of that brings us to the recent findings of Dr. Duffy and Pridgen at the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!). They have been researching the possibilities of treating Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and IBS using a combination of anti-virals usually used to treat HSV-1 (cold sores). They stumbled upon this potential treatment almost accidentally and are now on their way to stage-3 trials.  This could be the thing that ties the Herpes virus to Fibromyalgia (and related conditions) and may provide significant relief for many of us.

    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

  • 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

  • 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

  • The Self-Doubt That Creeps In With Fibromyalgia

    The Self-Doubt That Creeps In With Fibromyalgia

    One thing that continuously surprises me about fibromyalgia is self-doubt. We’ve all heard about fibromyalgia patients dealing with medical professionals who don’t believe their pain is real or who face disbelief from their friends and family around the validity of their diagnosis. But I didn’t expect to have to continually battle doubt within my own mind.

    I think perhaps it has to do with the tenuous nature of the diagnosis. There isn’t a blood test or an x-ray we can point to as proof of our illness. Instead, we’re asked subjective questions that are really hard to answer.

    “On a scale of one to 10, how tired are you?”

    What is pain? Is it tenderness, a dull ache, or a sharp pain? How much does it need to hurt to be considered pain? Do you mean according to my definition of pain now, or my definition of what pain was five years ago?

    “When I press these spots, do they hurt?”

    They’re sore but not excruciating. If you’d asked me three years ago, I would have said it hurt, but now it just feels tender. So, is that tender or painful? On a scale of one to 10, is that a five or an eight?

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

    I remember leaving my rheumatologist’s office after just such an appointment with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. In the following days and weeks, I was overcome with doubt. Did I answer the questions correctly? If I’d answered differently, would I still have the same diagnosis? What if I’d exaggerated unintentionally?

    Underlying the self-doubt, I’m sure, was a kernel of hope that my problem was fixable, that a few trips to a physical therapist could sort it out.

    But self-doubt makes it really difficult to accept a diagnosis and that in turn makes it easy to push too hard and end up in a push/crash cycle.

    It took me over a year to accept my diagnosis and I still find the doubts creeping in. Am I really sick or am I just being lazy? Am I really unable to make dinner tonight, or do I just not feel like it? That person with fibromyalgia is doing more than I am, so perhaps I’m just being overdramatic and could be doing a lot more. Maybe if I just exercise more, or take that particular supplement or change my diet…

    Self-doubt makes an already overwhelming experience even more devastating because, not being able to trust even your own instincts, you feel particularly lost.

    I really didn’t understand how much pain I was in until I experienced a particularly odd migraine. It was one of those marathon migraines and, unusually, it ended with an aura. While I had the aura, I had absolutely no pain. It lasted for a few, blissful hours and it was such a revelation to me – that this is what a normal person feels like.

    For just a little while, the sandbags fell off my limbs and the pain, tightness, and stiffness lifted. I felt grateful for that brief respite, mostly because it made me realize the full truth of my situation. I have fibromyalgia. I have chronic pain and fatigue.

    I’m finding the path of acceptance is one we all have to travel and discover on our own –  naming our illness, recognizing our limitations, defining our needs, and then figuring out the balance between a healthy (for us) level of activity and the rest we need. It’s not an easy journey and no one can give us a map to lead us through. Fortunately, through forums like this, we can support each other on our travels.

    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

  • To Everyone Who Lives Pain-Free, From a Girl With Chronic Pain

    To Everyone Who Lives Pain-Free, From a Girl With Chronic Pain

    I didn’t ask for this and believe me, I don’t want it. I know you roll your eyes, even when you try and hide it. I know you think I’m exaggerating or being dramatic. But this is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

    You’re used to seeing me work and cook, clean, walk, go shopping, and even out with friends. I don’t often complain because if I complained every time I was in pain, I would have nothing else to say. If I’m complaining, just know it must be really severe.

    But the truth is, I’m living a double life. I do all these things with a smile on my face because I have no choice. The only other option would be to wallow in bed and watch life pass me by. You see me take my pain meds and wonder if I’m addicted.

    I take my pain meds and wonder how I will function if they are taken from me. I don’t get high, I get normal. I take those meds to feel as good as you feel when you have a cold. They are the reason I can work, cook and do all the other things you see me doing every day.

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

    The truth is, I’m so sick of the relentless pain that I cry when you’re not looking. I wake up in the night writhing in pain while you’re sleeping. I clench my teeth when you ask me to do something physically daunting while you don’t even give it a second thought. I do 100 things a day that you don’t notice because I hide it. I hide my pain, I hide my fatigue, I hide my guilt and frustration.

    The truth is, I watch you and wonder what it’s like to feel like that – to be able to do all these things without pain and fatigue. Sometimes I want to break down and scream and cry. Sometimes I get so angry I want to smash everything around me. Sometimes I wonder if I can keep going like this.

    But the part that’s worse than the pain? Knowing you probably don’t believe me. Knowing that no matter how much I try and tell you, you just won’t understand. So, I keep it to myself and even when I’m surrounded by people, I’m still alone with my pain.

    I’m not helpless. I don’t want you to feel bad for me. I don’t want special treatment. All I want is some empathy. Don’t get mad at me when I can’t do something. Don’t get frustrated when I can’t go somewhere. Don’t judge me when I take my meds. Don’t think I’m lazy when I sleep more often (especially since I haven’t slept the past four nights). Please just don’t make me feel guilty for having this disease.

    Even if you don’t, just say, “I understand.” That’s all I want.

    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

  • Young people reported worse fibromyalgia symptoms

    Fibromyalgia is referred to as a worse chronic pain condition due to which a person’s muscles and tissues have painful tenderness and achiness. It can be shown up in the age between 20 to 30s, but most people can have this condition later in life.  Moderate to severe pain can arise in multiple areas of the body due to this chronic pain.

    Young people find it difficult to deal with fibromyalgia because it can be very painful and devastating. The whole social life of a young person is disturbed. They start facing fatigue and might not get into being social and active anymore.

    Young people should try their level best to get in touch with their social life and continue to indulge in the activities as possible and also involve in hobbies that can relieve stress and add joy and happiness in life, even if diagnosed with fibromyalgia.

    Young people can have unbearable pain due to which they are unable to go out of the house and work all day. Fatigue, depression, and anxiety could be there in young people. These symptoms are serious and can be difficult to fight with like depression.

    There should be extra energy reserves in young people so that they can use that energy to maintain their healthy social and personal life that makes them feel fulfilling. Going out with friends and family and maintaining a social circle is good for mind relaxation and not just for the condition.

    If one doesn’t feel or want to get out of home and socialize for fun should find some other activities in which they have interest and that can help them in relaxing their mind. Such activities can give hope, like some art activity, some painting, or sketching. It could be listening to music. Every individual possesses different tastes and interests in chilling out and having fun.

    A variety of symptoms of fibromyalgia is there in young people that cause early diagnosis. Widespread muscle pain, deep achy pain in muscles and tissue are included in these symptoms. More common symptoms include fatigue and tiredness.

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

    These symptoms arise differently in different people. Some people face more intense pain than others have. Flare-ups arise and then go at different times. We can never have this idea of how much pain a person is bearing because fibromyalgia symptoms are all internal.

    It feels so difficult to explain your condition to your friends, coworkers, and family. They think you are fine and good, just seems tired. Those who are experiencing it can only know how hard it is to face this fatigue and pain.

    Other symptoms include:

    An accompanying condition of fibromyalgia is fibro fog that affects memory and focus.

    The presence of these symptoms can be so discouraging and disheartening to young people, as they can feel hopeless and lonely. That is the reason why young people should maintain their social life as possible as they can and should make them busy to be normal in their life.

    There should be a scheduled routine that doesn’t seem overwhelming, just to manage their pain from fibromyalgia. Their schedule should include rest and refreshing activities. Different activities are there for young people for enjoyment and fun.

    Going to a movie can give pleasure to someone or going to get a happy drink with friends can give pleasure also. So many options are there but the point is how you choose them to make your life relaxing and positive.

    It is a moment of discouragement when you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia at an early stage. Of course, there could be a way to live a satisfactory life with fibromyalgia. All you need is positivity, planning, and responsibility. Prevent yourself from getting overtired and burdened. You should cancel a plan if you are not feeling okay.

    You can get a fulfilling life with proper management. All you need to do is stay positive and calm.

    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

  • Etiology of Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia is a condition that is still a mystery and doctors as well as individuals suffering from it get confused. No cure for fibromyalgia has still been found. Doctors don’t know the actual cause of fibromyalgia.

    The belief of some doctors is that some circumstances cause this condition. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread severe pain all over the body. Those who are having fibromyalgia suffer physically and emotionally. More than 6 million people are suffering from it and more women are having fibromyalgia than men. Still, there is no cure.

    Fibromyalgia symptoms

    Evaluate the signs and symptoms that arise with fibromyalgia, if you feel like you are having this disease. Keep this thing in mind that these signs have to be present for a longer time period, 6 or more months to consider it as fibromyalgia. A number of signs indicate that fibromyalgia is there in your body. Some of these include:

    The doctors need to rule out other diseases before they determine that it is fibromyalgia because a lot of people are suffering from other diseases as well along with fibromyalgia-like some kind of allergies etc.

    Different people have different symptoms and the effect of symptoms is different in different people. For a fibromyalgia sufferer, some days can be better than others. A person must have pain for more than 6 months to have fibromyalgia. The doctors should also perform many tests and exams as well.

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

    Things to do if you have fibromyalgia

    If you think that you are suffering from fibromyalgia, it is must consult your doctor for the diagnosis as well as get the right treatment. a lot of tests and procedures will be taken to ensure that you have fibromyalgia. The treatment will depend on the type of symptoms you have encountered.

    Support groups are also good. They can be found locally, online or there can be a family member to support you. You can get help from them in a lot of ways. If you feel like you are not alone, this idea of feeling is even worth it and there can be a difference in your treatment. Your life can get easier with a few tips and tricks.

    Sometimes pain medications are prescribed by the doctor to treat fibromyalgia and sometimes anti-inflammatory medications are also prescribed to reduce swelling and other symptoms as well. This depends upon the severity of pain you are having. Evaluation of your condition is important in giving you the right treatment.

    Moreover, exercise is also good for the condition. It should be added to your daily routine. Fibromyalgia can make your life even worse than you have ever imagined and you may also find difficulties when it comes to physical activities. But if you add up exercise, it can actually reduce the severity level. You can consult your doctor about different exercises that might help you and which exercise you should give preference to. By doing this, you might not let fibromyalgia win the battle.

    Rest should also be endorsed in your lifestyle. No doubt, there are a lot of things that you want to do but are unable to perform due to your condition. Do the things day by day. Try to avoid doing things together. Do not try to push yourself up to the limits on days you feel worse. Do that thing on days in which you are feeling good.

    Fibromyalgia and diet

    Changes in your diet can help you in reducing pain. The doctor might recommend you change your diet. You might be deficient in the vitamins and nutrients to stay healthy if you are not taking the right food. Include fruits and vegetables in your diet. You have to make some changes to your diet. Various foods can be cooked for a fibro-approved diet and they should be on the menu.

    Bottom line

    It is true that no cure has been discovered for fibromyalgia but there are some treatments that can help you in easing the symptoms and pain. If you are a fibromyalgia sufferer, you should consider these things to help to get yourself back to normal life. It is a new condition for the medical world. You can live with fibromyalgia if you know what you should do. don’t allow fibromyalgia to dominate your life.

    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

  • Chronic Pain and the Shapes It Can Take

    The pain that remains consistent for almost three to six months is commonly known as chronic pain. This is a very common pain. Chronic pain affects millions of people every year. The pain affects various parts of the body like joints, head, back, or shoulders.

    The pain can have various patterns; sometimes a person can have various shapes of the pain and at times the pain exists in a similar manner. This random pattern makes it difficult to diagnose.

    We should have sound knowledge about various types and forms of chronic pain.

    The two typical types of chronic pain are:

    The nerves that are in charge of the brain for perceiving various sensations, including pain are called nociceptors, the pain caused by them is called nociceptive pain. While neuropathic chronic pain is usually caused by a malfunction of the nervous system. The nociceptive chronic pain can be superficial, deep somatic, and intuitive. On the other hand, neuropathic pains are tangential or central.

    1- Fibromyalgia

    The root causes of Fibromyalgia are still unknown after a lot of research and study. There are multiple documentations on its causes but it’s still unclear whether to categorize it as nociceptive or neuropathic pain.

    The disorder is caused by an imbalance of the chemicals in the human brain which affects the pain perceiving the process of the brain in a dysfunctional way. This is so far the most accepted theory about this syndrome.

    The conditions are responsible for causing these imbalances are still a mystery. Somehow fibromyalgia is related to neuropathic chronic pains because most of the studies and research relate it to the physical or emotional stress or injuries suffered by the patients.

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

    2- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

    Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are many alike disorders with very similar symptoms that they are often misunderstood by each other. The various common symptoms may include sleeping disorders, muscle, and joint pain, and the state of fatigue and anxiety.

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome can vary due to the discomfort of enlarged lymph nodes and sometimes the extremities can actually become swollen.

    3- Arthritis

    The most common pain that particularly affects older people is the pain of arthritis. It has normally two kinds:

    The former slowly deteriorate the cartilages of the joints while the second one causes the lining of the joints to inflame and then destroys them.

    Pain, stiffness, warmth, and redness in the joints are the typical symptoms of the disorder. As the pain in joints is one of its symptoms so it is also sometimes mistaken with fibromyalgia. A complete and thorough analysis will easily clarify that which chronic pain-related medical condition is present.

    4- Polymyalgia Rheumatica

    This type of Arthritis that can cause muscle pain in two or more areas of the body at the same time is called Polymyalgia Rheumatica. The pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, as well as limited range of motions, fatigue, loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, and even fever, are symptoms a person can face who is affected by this disorder. People older than 50 years have less probability for this disorder. Again due to similar symptoms it is mistaken with fibromyalgia sometimes.

    5- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

    One of the most painful long-term syndromes that can exist is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and it has two types. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is caused by some sort of illness or injury that has not affected the working of the brain directly. It is caused by injuries that have directly affected the nerves.

    A very high level of persistent pain, swelling in certain affected areas, sensitivity to extreme temperatures, changes in the temperature of the skin, atrophy of the muscles, and stiffness in the joints are the typical symptoms of this medical condition.

    6- Irritable Bowel Syndrome

    The causes of this disorder are not properly identified. The abnormality in the movements of the intestines is the overall knowledge that is known about this defect. The usage of foods such as dairy products, soda, certain fruits and vegetables, and coffee may act as promoters in such medical conditions.

    Stress is another vital cause that develops the conditions which lead to Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The most significant symptoms of this disorder are diarrhea, urination problems, severe stomach aches, fatigue, anxiety, sleeping issues, bloating, backache, headaches, and unpleasant taste in the mouth. Its symptoms are similar to that of fibromyalgia so due to the overlap of the symptoms, it is mistaken with fibromyalgia.

    There are various disorders that are characterized by chronic pain. Due to the similarity in most of their symptoms, it becomes difficult for specialists to diagnose the problem. When you get a feeling of any of the symptoms, consult the doctor as soon as possible in order to properly start the treatment after a clear diagnosis.

    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

  • Usage of Fibromyalgia Scales

    One of the biggest challenges that fibromyalgia faces are the difficulty of diagnosing it in the first place. There does has been a long history of generating skepticism and the tendency to think it’s all in the head. So, doctors need to understand and be able to identify the syndrome before treating it. It is important to have such methods of diagnosis that are reliable.

    However, fibromyalgia has symptoms that seem similar to the other disease’s symptoms. The major symptom of fibromyalgia is widespread pain and it is also a symptom of many other diseases. Fibromyalgia is still a mystery that needs to be solved due to this it is difficult to know that patient has the condition.

    No simple test is available for the condition. We don’t know what to test for; all we do is judge our symptoms. A wide variety of things often come along with fibromyalgia. So doctors have to rule those other things to properly diagnose fibromyalgia.

    This syndrome hurts all over the body, and this is the major one. Unfortunately, it is not necessary that if one person says “it hurts all over” means the same thing as another person. The main focus of diagnosis is on tender points that arise with fibromyalgia. 18 tender points are connected with fibromyalgia. If the person is suffering from widespread pain for three months and 11 out of 18 tender points are having pain, it means that the person is having this syndrome.

    However, it has been always difficult to count all these tenders. It might be possible that a person experiences pain in 11 tender points in one examination, but he might experience pain in fewer tender points on the next examination.

    The criteria of tender points were developed for research studies, and it is still used for selecting purposes of candidates. However, the conditions might be strict for clinical diagnostic purposes. There might be some people who have fibromyalgia but don’t meet all the criteria. Besides, many general practitioners find it uncomfortable to do tender point count. More ways are being in research for a while.

    In newer research, two scores of combination from different scales are used to make a diagnosis. One is the widespread pain index and the other is the Symptom Severity Scale.

    Widespread Pain Index

    The points where the patient has encountered pain during the last week are 19 points of different areas of the body. The scoring of WPI is the total areas indicated by the patient. It is recommended to check that how the patient felt last week and how he or she felt about treatments and medication to get an accurate score. Moreover, it is also recommended to check for other conditions you know you might suffer from that, which causes pain. Areas of consideration for the index are:

    • Shoulder girdle (between neck and shoulder), left and right
    • Upper arm, left and right
    • Lower arm, left and right
    • Chest
    • Abdomen
    • Neck
    • Upper and Lower Back
    • Hips, left and right
    • Upper leg, left and right
    • Lower leg, left and right
    • Jaw, left and right

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

    Symptom Severity Scale

    The three symptom areas of the patient are measured on this scale. It includes sleep that fails to give you rest, cognitive function issues, and chronic fatigue. There is a ranking from 0 to 3 in four areas for a possible total of 12. Areas include fatigue, waking restless, cognitive issues, and other symptoms. 0 is “no problem” and 3 refers to “severe”. You need to check how the patient felt the previous week, just like WPI. Other symptoms are:

    Good results arrived from the new approach and it is considered that it will discover more than 88% of the cases. Some practitioners and organizations have been showing some unwillingness to remove the tender point criteria. Because, tender points have been a definitive feature of fibromyalgia, so eliminating it is causing concerns.

    However, this might indicate that we are going in the right direction. It is good to argue or have a discussion. There is hope that this will diagnose the syndrome. If you feel like you are having fibromyalgia, a record of all the details of your pain will be kept. You should record all the things like severity, duration, and circumstances. The doctor will then find it easy to understand the symptoms.

    These indexes are taken into account for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. A patient has chances that he is having fibromyalgia if any of these indexes are satisfied and the patient is having symptoms for more than three months

    • WPI score greater than 7 and SS score greater than 5
    • WPI score between 3 and 6 and SS score greater than 9

    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