Dear Fibromyalgia

Tag: chronic pain

A comprehensive guide on chronic pain, its causes, symptoms, and effective management strategies to improve your quality of life.

  • What is Link Between Bladder Problems and Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and interstitial cystitis (IC) — a painful bladder condition — frequently occur together. Women may be up to 10 times more likely than men to develop it.

    Having IC alone can impose a lot of restrictions on your lifestyle and, like fibromyalgia (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or ME/CFS), it’s linked to depression. Also, like FMS and ME/CFS, IC can be difficult to diagnose, treat and manage.

    Some people have good luck with basic treatments and dietary changes, while others may need more intensive treatments or even surgery.

    Overview

    Interstitial cystitis (IC) is abdominal or pelvic pain related to your bladder getting full, often accompanied by other urinary symptoms, but with no infection or other obvious diseases. The cause of IC is unknown. Frequently, doctors misdiagnose it as a urinary tract infection, and most people have IC for about 4 years before they’re diagnosed correctly.

    Symptoms

    You’re most likely to develop IC in your 30s or 40s, but it’s also possible to get it earlier or later.

    Why the overlap? Good question! Problem is, we don’t have an answer. Researchers are still trying to puzzle out the causes and underlying mechanisms of all these conditions, and until they can, we probably won’t understand why they overlap.

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    Some possibilities exist, including:

    • Researchers suspect chronic infection could play a role for all 3 diseases
    • The pain of all 3 is believed to originate in the nerves
    • Chronic pain from IC may lead to the central sensitization suspected in FMS and ME/CFS
    • Research released in early 2009 suggests that some patients with IC have a systemic syndrome and not one that’s confined to the bladder

    Because all 3 conditions are far more common in women, hormonal or anatomical differences may be at work as well.

    An emerging umbrella term for conditions involving central sensitization is central sensitivity syndromes.

    Diagnosis

    IC is diagnosed primarily based on symptoms. Before diagnosing IC, your doctor will need to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms. Tests include:

    • Bladder biopsy
    • Cystoscopy (endoscopy of bladder)
    • Urine analysis & culture
    • Urine cytology (for detecting cancer and inflammatory diseases in the urinary tract)
    • Video urodynamics (which shows how much urine it takes for you to feel the need to urinate)

    To confirm an IC diagnosis, your doctor may perform a hydrodistention, in which your bladder is filled with water. That helps your doctor view your bladder walls for possible hemorrhages common in people with IC.

    IC isn’t well recognized or easily diagnosed, so if you think you have it, mention it to your doctor.

    Treatments

    There’s no cure for IC, and treatment needs to be tailored to the individual. It can take a lot of trial and error before you find the right combination of therapies and lifestyle changes.

    Your doctor may prescribe one of the several medications for IC:

    • Elmiron (pentosan)
    • Opioid painkillers, such as Vicodin (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) or Percocet (oxycodone-acetaminophen)
    • Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil (amitriptyline)
    • Vistaril (hydroxyzine)

    Other treatments include:

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    Dietary changes also can help manage IC. The Interstitial Cystitis Association has information about dietary changes that may help.

    Combining Multiple Treatments

    If you’re being treated for IC and FMS or ME/CFS, you should talk to your doctor and pharmacist about any possible drug interactions.

    For instance, you shouldn’t take SSRI/SNRI-type antidepressants, which are common treatments for FMS and ME/CFS, with tricyclic antidepressants used for IC. Also, the FMS treatment Lyrica (pregabalin) doesn’t mix well with prescription pain medicines.

    However, the tricyclic antidepressants prescribed for IC work well for some people with FMS or ME/CFS, and other IC treatments such as physical therapy and biofeedback may provide a cross-over benefit. You may also have food sensitivities that exacerbate more than one condition, so an elimination diet could really help you.

    Because pain from other conditions can make FMS symptoms worse, you’ll really benefit from finding a good treatment regimen for IC.

    Coping

    Any one of these conditions is hard to live with, so when you have them in combination it can take a big toll on your life. Limitations imposed on your life by pain, fatigue, and urinating possibly dozens of times a day often can lead to depression, loss of social life, unemployment, and other problems.

    It’s important to find and follow a treatment regimen that works for you, and to seek out support either from people in your life or support groups, online or in your community.

    Here are more resources to help you learn about, manage, and live with IC:

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

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    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 Chronic Pain Leads to ‘Appointment Fatigue’

    Breaking the Cycle of Appointment Fatigue in Chronic Pain Management

    Living with chronic pain means navigating a constant balancing act—managing symptoms, medications, work, relationships, and self-care. At the core of this juggling act lies an unspoken burden many patients face: appointment fatigue. This term refers to the emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion that comes from attending endless medical appointments, undergoing tests, meeting new specialists, and often, repeating the same explanations of symptoms without seeing long-term improvement.

    For individuals dealing with persistent pain, medical visits become a routine, yet their frequency can slowly wear down one’s motivation and hope. What begins as a path to healing may transform into a cycle of burnout, disillusionment, and disengagement from healthcare altogether.

    This article dives deep into the phenomenon of appointment fatigue, what causes it, how it impacts chronic pain sufferers, and how patients can reclaim their autonomy in the face of healthcare overload.

    Understanding Appointment Fatigue in the Context of Chronic Pain

    Chronic pain is not simply a lingering ache. It is a long-term condition that can stem from various sources including autoimmune diseases, nerve damage, past injuries, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal disorders. Unlike acute pain that resolves with treatment, chronic pain persists beyond the typical healing window and often requires ongoing care from multiple providers.

    As a result, patients may attend appointments with:

    • Primary care physicians
    • Pain specialists
    • Physical therapists
    • Psychologists
    • Rheumatologists
    • Occupational therapists

    Each of these visits involves waiting times, transportation planning, paperwork, billing concerns, and sometimes disappointing news. The repetitive nature of these experiences, coupled with limited improvements or inconsistent care, builds up over time. This accumulation can give rise to a deep sense of frustration, helplessness, and a strong desire to simply stop showing up.

    Common Signs That Indicate Appointment Fatigue

    Recognizing appointment fatigue early can prevent further deterioration in one’s healthcare engagement. Some common signs include:

    • Canceling or rescheduling appointments frequently, even when not sick or physically unable
    • Feeling dread, anxiety, or anger when thinking about medical visits
    • Becoming emotionally numb or indifferent during consultations
    • Not following through with referrals, tests, or treatment plans
    • Avoiding contact with healthcare providers or clinics altogether
    • Declining in health due to untreated symptoms or complications

    It’s important to understand that appointment fatigue is not laziness or irresponsibility. It is a valid response to an overextended emotional bandwidth in an already stressful healthcare experience.

    The Emotional Toll of Navigating a Fragmented Healthcare System

    For chronic pain sufferers, the road to diagnosis and treatment is rarely straightforward. Often, it involves seeing multiple specialists who may offer conflicting advice. Patients may be forced to re-explain their pain journey at every appointment, recount failed treatments, or defend their need for pain management, especially amid growing stigma around opioid use.

    All of this contributes to a feeling of being unheard, unvalidated, and overly medicalized. Instead of feeling supported, patients may feel reduced to a list of symptoms on a chart. This emotional toll erodes trust and contributes to appointment fatigue.

    Financial and Logistical Strains Amplify the Burden

    The cost of chronic pain management is another contributor. Even with insurance, copays, transportation costs, unpaid time off work, and prescription expenses add up quickly. If appointments don’t deliver tangible results, the perceived cost-benefit ratio becomes unfavorable. Patients begin to question, is this really worth it?

    Logistical hurdles like coordinating care between specialists, scheduling appointments months in advance, and finding available practitioners who truly listen can become overwhelming. These tasks consume energy that patients would rather use for daily life or symptom management.

    Healthcare Inequities Worsen the Experience for Some

    Those from marginalized communities may experience even deeper levels of fatigue due to systemic barriers. Language differences, implicit bias from healthcare providers, lack of nearby specialists, or financial instability can all lead to fewer options and worse experiences. Appointment fatigue for these individuals often includes an additional layer of distrust or previous medical trauma, further discouraging engagement.

    How to Cope and Break Free from Appointment Fatigue

    While appointment fatigue is real and challenging, it doesn’t have to become a permanent obstacle. There are steps chronic pain patients can take to regain control over their healthcare experience.

    Prioritize Appointments Based on Value

    Not every follow-up is essential. Patients can work with a trusted provider to identify which appointments are crucial and which can be delayed, reduced in frequency, or combined. Prioritizing value over volume gives patients more control over their time and energy.

    Set Clear Goals for Each Visit

    Approaching appointments with a purpose can help reduce frustration. Write down specific questions, concerns, or goals beforehand. If possible, share these in advance with your provider to focus the conversation and avoid wasted time.

    Use Telehealth When Available

    Virtual appointments eliminate travel time, reduce scheduling stress, and may be more manageable on bad pain days. While not ideal for every visit, they are a helpful tool for routine check-ins or medication management.

    Track Symptoms and Share Concisely

    Using pain journals or digital symptom trackers can streamline communication during visits. When providers see patterns and progress laid out clearly, appointments tend to be more productive and less repetitive.

    Build a Core Care Team You Trust

    Rather than relying on multiple specialists, try to work closely with a few key providers who understand your history and goals. A coordinated team reduces duplication and provides more personalized care.

    Take Mental Health Seriously

    Psychological support is vital. Seeing a therapist familiar with chronic illness can help process the emotional exhaustion that feeds appointment fatigue. Therapy can also provide strategies for setting boundaries and communicating more effectively with medical professionals.

    Reclaiming Your Voice in a Complex System

    Chronic pain does not just impact the body; it infiltrates every aspect of a person’s life. When medical care starts feeling more like a burden than a support system, it’s a sign that the balance needs to be restored. Patients have every right to advocate for themselves, to ask for care that meets their needs, and to opt out of what is not serving them.

    This might mean switching providers, taking breaks between appointments, or even re-evaluating which symptoms need professional management versus home care. The most important thing is for patients to feel like active participants, not just subjects of an endless medical routine.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. What is appointment fatigue?
    Appointment fatigue refers to the mental and emotional exhaustion experienced from attending frequent medical appointments, particularly when managing chronic illnesses like chronic pain.

    2. Is appointment fatigue common among chronic pain patients?
    Yes. Many people with chronic conditions report feeling overwhelmed by the frequency and burden of medical visits, especially when results are minimal or progress is slow.

    3. Can appointment fatigue lead to worse health outcomes?
    Avoiding or skipping appointments can result in missed diagnoses, unmanaged symptoms, or complications, potentially worsening a patient’s condition over time.

    4. How can I talk to my doctor about appointment fatigue?
    Be honest and specific. Explain how the frequency of visits impacts your life and ask whether some appointments can be spaced out or handled differently, such as via telehealth.

    5. Are there ways to manage my care with fewer appointments?
    Yes. Coordinating care through a central provider, using digital symptom logs, and setting clear health goals can reduce the need for frequent appointments.

    6. Should I feel guilty for needing a break from medical visits?
    Absolutely not. Taking a step back to recover emotionally and mentally is valid and may ultimately improve your engagement and outcomes in the long term.

    Conclusion

    Appointment fatigue is a real and often overlooked side effect of managing chronic pain. It affects motivation, emotional well-being, and the overall healthcare journey. Understanding this phenomenon allows patients to take proactive steps toward regaining control, creating more meaningful medical interactions, and protecting their energy for healing. Empowerment begins when patients recognize they are not just their symptoms—they are people who deserve respect, rest, and choices in how they pursue wellness.

    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

  • How Dare You Judge my Handicap Sticker

    Having to go to appointments with my doctor here in Rhode Island, so we can again fill out the form for the state to confirm that I still qualify for a handicap sticker for me, causes a humiliating and heartbreaking feeling to have to be reminded that I have two incurable conditions. And yet, I have to get that signature to confirm that I am still dealing with this future.

    And then, when I am not in a wheelchair, thus appearing normal, I also have to deal with those of you out there who feel so free to judge people like me, despite possessing no knowledge of conditions that require the need for this. So many jump to the conclusion that I probably do not deserve any special compensation.

    So what has brought this judgment by others towards those of us with the handicap placard? It reminds me of the unpleasant memories back in elementary school where one classmate would do something stupid, the teacher would ask who was responsible, not one would rat on that person nor would the person give themselves up.

    The result would be the entire class had to face the punishment. It always stuck with me that punishing the many for the sins of a few as being overly punitive and unfair, and here we are now as grown-ups still facing that type of attitude. Thanks to those few out there, that have abused a handicap placard, you have given the green light for other people to assume that if we look normal, then we must have no need for these limited privileges.

    I think most of the abuse comes from individuals somehow obtaining a family member’s card and using it like their own. I agree that is wrong but it should not reflect on the legitimacy of those of us who need this capacity to park close to stores or businesses in which walking a significant distance presents an obstacle. It doesn’t delete the majority of us that truly need this ability to park close to be able to enter a store. 

    Also, some states make it much easier to abuse the placard. Talking with people from other states, I realize that each state has different requirements to obtain a handicap placard. For instance in California, all you need is a note from your doctor and when it expires,  you just reapply.

    So we clearly need to make the process of obtaining the placard more uniform across the country and also seriously consider two types – one that doesn’t expire for those of us with permanent incurable conditions and another type that would be a temporary situation for need. And both should require a visit to the doctor confirming either situation.

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    So, let me share just a few stories of disabled people that have been approached with judgment and what they are facing daily with their conditions:

    • A person living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a painful incurable connective tissue defect you are born with. This individual endured over twenty surgeries, many on the legs, to only be judged as they walked into a store, for the first time, instead of using the wheelchair they lived in for four years thanks to numerous surgical leg repairs and long hours of physical therapy. Instead of the joy of this hard earned accomplishment, this person was judged from using a placard by a person that didn’t see a wheelchair so therefore there must be no need for a sticker?
    • An MS patient returning to their car, walking proudly but with tremendous strength and caution to then being reamed for taking the space away from a “real person” needing this help. Would someone like to walk in their shoes to the terror and horror this condition can cause to their lives and body?
    • The cancer patient that comes to the car to a note on the windshield that they are being rude for taking up a space. This person is terminal, lost their hair and facing frequent chemo treatments leaving them weak. And someone else gets to judge their need instead of their doctor?
    • Then there is the woman with Turner’s syndrome gets approached in a parking lot of a mall for “abusing her placard” – this woman faces daily issues with hearing loss, fatigue and the threat of an aortic dissection and then gets judged like this?
    • Or how about a woman not able to walk far due to her medical issues that wrote to me: “Truly, I have put off getting my plaque because i don’t have the patience to be nice when a complete stranger comes up to me to berate me. And, i just don’t want that experience.” How sad is that that judgement being done by others is going far enough to prevent this person, who deserves this help, to not want to go through the process for fear of the possible judgement. You may say, why would she do that to herself, but trust me, when you live with a life altering disability, you don’t always have the determination and strength to keep fighting the injustices you face. It can take all the starch you have in your body to just get through your day.
    • And just reported today, a young college woman, upon arriving to campus parking, was interrogated by a security guard. He asked her whether she was using a placard that “belonged to someone else, or it’s not your grandmother’s, right? And if I look up your information, I’m going to find YOUR name?” She responded “yes, it’s my placard. I have chronic illnesses” Walking away from this insult, she was almost late for class and on the verge of unnecessary stress overload. This young woman lives with a life in an out of a wheelchair, tubes, pump bags, copes with not only chronic pain and fatigue from CRPS, joint hypermobility syndrome, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysautonomia. And here that one day she was able to attend without the wheelchair, she had to face and be confronted by this cruel judgement!

    Tips for Those that Tend to Judge Others:

    • You should never judge a book by its cover, ever!
    • Don’t approach someone with rude comments – you are most likely attacking the person that truly needs this card. It is threatening and emotionally hurtful. You have no idea what they have been through and am going to continue to go through. Believe me, you don’t dream of having this card hanging on your car to look cool!
    • Just because someone doesn’t look handicapped, does not mean they are not dealing with a difficult condition. The words Invisible are used for a reason – you and I can’t see inside someone to truly understand what they are facing.
    • Your lack of understanding makes you a discriminating person who needs to learn to have an open mind when it comes to people living with disabilities. Just because you can’t see what is wrong doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
    • Do you realize all you do in life is being observed by your children or even grandchildren. We should be teaching our children to never judge others and be accepting of others, no matter their race, religion or disability! Where do you fit in?

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    Tips for those that need to use a handicap sticker:

    • Although it is terribly hurtful to be approach, try hard to be the bigger person and try to see if you can use this uncomfortable moment to educate them, although you owe them nothing.
    • Consider putting a small list of some of the things you face with your condition on the windshield to be read while you are not there to educate them.
    • Consider having in the car a small card about your condition you can hand to them and then walk away if talking is not in order
    • Do not get into it with them and if need be, report them either to the store staff or even the police if you feel you are not safe.
    • Remember, as much as it hurts and angers you, try to remember they are the people with problems – they are hurtful, discriminating and setting a terrible example of humanity and I bet you would rather deal with what you are facing then live in their shoes and be that person.
    • If you get lucky with your health and no longer need the placard, then be the better person and return it to help keep the need appropriate and not abused!

    The intent of this article is to inform and educate in an effort to attempt to begin a process of examining our collective attitudes toward the handicapped with the goal of increased public understanding of the challenges faced by the truly handicapped. You can’t judge a book by its cover. Many people live with invisible illnesses. Why not turn this around and believe what a person tells you, trust first, instead of jumping to judgment. With my condition Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, I can be walking a short distance one day and then be back to a wheelchair for some days, depending on sub luxing of the hips, tibia, and fibula. It is heartbreaking when things slip backward, and then to have to add your judgment too?

    Let’s try to be kinder, more tolerant, and work towards becoming an understanding society.

    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 Myofascial Pain Syndrome and How it is affiliated with Fibromyalgia.

    Fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome often go together. Because of the frequent overlap and some similar symptoms, they’re often mistaken for the same condition and, as a result, people with both are sometimes only diagnosed with and treated for one.

    That’s a real problem, for three major reasons:

    1. they require different treatment
    2. MPS’s trigger points can be eliminated
    3. MPS pain can exacerbate FMS, and lowering MPS pain can calm FMS symptoms considerably

    Some researchers use the name “chronic myofascial pain” (CMP) instead of myofascial pain syndrome because of evidence it’s a disease, not a syndrome. (A “syndrome” is a set of symptoms without a known cause.)

    Overview

    In MPS, muscles and connective tissues (which make up the fascia) develop what’s called a trigger point (TrP). These are not the same as FMS tender points.

    A trigger point is a small, hard knot that you can sometimes feel under your skin. The knot itself can be painful, especially when poked, but it often causes pain in another area, which is called referred pain.

    Trigger points typically form as a result of trauma to the tissue. Experts don’t know why damage that heals normally in most people causes TrPs in others. However, studies suggest that muscle injury in some people leads to abnormalities where the nerve cells connect to muscle cells. This suggests MPS is a neuromuscular disease.

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    Association

    Why people with MPS frequently develop FMS isn’t yet clear, but a growing body of evidence shows that, in some people, chronic pain can make changes to the central nervous system, resulting in central sensitization. If theories are correct, early treatment of MPS may help prevent FMS.

    An emerging umbrella term for FMS, MPS and other conditions involving central sensitization is central sensitivity syndromes.

    Symptoms

    Some symptoms associated with MPS are similar to symptoms associated with FMS, while others are linked to only one of them.

    The symptoms they have in common include:

    Symptoms associated with MPS but not with FMS include:

    • numbness in the extremities
    • popping or clicking joints
    • limited range of motion in joints, especially the jaw
    • doubled or blurry vision
    • unexplained nausea

    Symptoms associated with FMS but not with MPS include:

    For more fibromyalgia symptoms, see The Monster List of Fibromyalgia Symptoms.

    Diagnosis

    Referred pain makes MPS especially hard to diagnose and treat. Typically, a doctor says, “Where does it hurt?” and then looks where you point. To treat MPS, you and your doctor need to examine your symptoms and figure out where your trigger points are.

    Your doctor can find trigger points by feel or based on symptoms.

    Tests such as magnetic resonance elastography and tissue biopsy may show abnormalities in TrPs, but their roles in diagnosing MPS still aren’t clear.

    By contrast, no test or scan reveals abnormalities in the tissues where people with FMS experience pain.

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    Treatments

    You have several options for treating MPS:

    • Trigger-Point Injections: The doctor inserts a needle directly into a TrP or in several places around it to loosen up the taut bands. The doctor may inject a pain-relieving medication, such as corticosteroids or lidocaine. (Note: some doctors believe corticosteroids can exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.) When no medication is used, it’s called dry needling.
    • Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice similar to dry needling. While studies of its use in MPS are limited they are promising, and many patients and practitioners report good results.
    • Physical Therapy: A special kind of therapy called spray-and-stretch is common for treating MPS. A physical therapist guides you through stretching exercises while spraying a numbing substance on your muscle. The therapist may also use certain massage techniques to loosen your muscles and TrPs. In addition, a therapist can work with you on factors such as poor posture that may contribute to MPS.
    • Medications: Common drugs for MPS include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve (naproxen) or ibuprofen-based drugs like Advil and Motrin, and tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, doxepin, and nortriptyline.

    MPS Treatments vs. FMS Treatments

    Here again, there is some overlap but also important differences. Treatments used for both MPS and FMS include:

    Studies show trigger-point injections are not effective at relieving fibromyalgia tender points, and NSAIDs are not effective at treating FMS pain.

    For more on fibromyalgia treatments, see Treating Fibromyalgia – A Multidisciplinary Approach.

    Coping

    With significant differences in their symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment, it’s clear that fibromyalgia and myofascial pain syndrome are not the same conditions. However, it can be extremely difficult to determine which condition is causing which pain when a person has both of them.

    By working both on your own and with your doctor and/or physical therapist, you may be able to figure out where you have trigger points and how best to treat them without exacerbating your fibromyalgia. Relieving the myofascial pain is likely to quiet your fibromyalgia symptoms, so you could well see a double benefit.

    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

  • Sensory Overload: How Noise Can Affect You in Fibromyalgia

    Sensory Overload: How Noise Can Affect You in Fibromyalgia

    Sensitivity to environmental stimulation, including bright lights, loud noises, and even certain smells, can make living with fibromyalgia particularly challenging. You might wake up each morning wondering what new trigger may exacerbate your fibromyalgia symptoms.

    “I deal with everything on a day-to-day basis,” says Stephanie Parker of Dover, Del., who believes her symptoms are consistent with fibromyalgia but has not yet been formally diagnosed. The symptoms keep her from participating in daily family activities, such as watching her kids’ ballgames in the afternoons.

    Tina Pringle, who was diagnosed 16 years ago with fibromyalgia, says that her fibromyalgia symptoms have been overwhelming at times. “The symptoms all merge together, and because of the fatigue and brain fog, everything becomes a maze of sheer confusion,” explains Pringle.

    The United Kingdom resident says her eye doctor identified her light sensitivity, but it’s her sensitivity to sound that’s most troubling. “Loud bangs, a child crying, loud music, shouting, dogs barking, and my worst annoyance, whistling, are all an issue,” she says. “The noises resound in my head like a clanging cymbal and cause my whole body to tense up.”

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    As her tension grows, so does her fibromyalgia pain, and she has to retreat to a darkened room to relax. Her reaction is particularly problematic at home, where her teenage daughter often loves to play loud music and behave in typically boisterous adolescent fashion.

    Noise is just the beginning of the sensory anguish that might be contributing to your fibromyalgia pain. People living with fibromyalgia report:

    What’s Going On Inside Your Head

    This heightened sensitivity may be difficult for you to understand, much less explain to friends and family members who see no outward problem. The uncomfortable and painful sensations of fibromyalgia may be part of your brain’s unusual way of processing pain, suggests fibromyalgia researcher Benjamin Natelson, MD, a neurology professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and author of Your Symptoms Are Real: What to Do When Your Doctor Says Nothing Is Wrong.

    According to a study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation that compared and analyzed reports from women with rheumatoid arthritis, women with fibromyalgia, and women without a pain syndrome, those with fibromyalgia were much more likely to report intense, unpleasant responses to sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile sensations.

    Another study, published in the journal Pain Research and Treatment, suggests that changes in brain chemistry among people with fibromyalgia may be linked to sensitivity to stimuli such as sound and smell. Imaging studies have provided visual depictions of this altered response to sensations. In some respects, the brains of people with fibromyalgia may be hyper-responsive to even the possibility of pain or discomfort, Dr. Natelson says.

    Researchers have also tested tissue samples and found elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the skin of people with fibromyalgia — which may be linked to hypersensitivity to touch. Touch sensitivity is real for people like Pringle, who says that there are times when even holding hands with her partner is too painful to bear. Clothes that are too tight, massages, and even light touches all ratchet up her pain and stress. To make matters worse, Pringle says she occasionally even flinches involuntarily when touched by others, which can be hurtful to those around her.

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    What to Do About Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    How can you address a problem that might stem from your brain’s wiring? Here are some practical steps you can take to manage these sensory symptoms:

    • Work with a supportive doctor. “If your doctor doesn’t believe you have fibromyalgia, get a new one,” stresses Natelson. Pain treatment will be most effective, he says, when you and your doctor are on the same team. Three prescription medications have been approved for treating fibromyalgia and could help you manage your fibromyalgia pain and reduce your hypersensitivity.
    • Be active. A review of exercise as part of fibromyalgia treatment, published in the journal Rheumatology International, showed that aerobic exercise may offset pain and minimize tender point sensitivity. Natelson advises gentle physical conditioning. His prescription: “Walk for 30 minutes every other day at about 1.5 to 2 miles per hour.” This increases blood flow to the muscles and tissues. Very gradually, increase your pace to about 3.6 mph. This level of activity “seems to downregulate pain perception,” Natelson explains. Walking outside is ideal, but if you’re sensitive to temperature changes, light, smells, and other sensations, start a walking program inside your home or at the gym.
    • Avoid your triggers. As much as you can, control your environment so that you limit potential causes of discomfort
    • Ventilate your home well to remove strong smells.
    • Consider earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to minimize or eliminate loud sounds.
    • Take care of your skin and reduce irritation by using gentle products and avoiding temperature extremes, such as very hot or very cold water.
    • Wear loose-fitting clothes and dress in light layers that you can remove if the weight of your clothes starts to irritate your skin.
    • Set boundaries. When her sensitivity to light is especially intense, Pringle simply explains to family members that she can’t watch TV with them right at that moment.
    • Create a retreat. On particularly difficult days, a comfortable, cool, darkened room might be a soothing place to relax and recharge.
    • Wear sunglasses. Inside or out, if you feel sensitive to light or certain patterns, put on some shades and give your eyes a break.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • If You’ve Ever Been Called Overly-Emotional Or Too Sensitive, This Is For You

    Emotional: a word used often nowadays to insult someone for their sensitivity towards a multitude of things. If you cry happy tears, you’re emotional. If you express (even if it’s in a healthy way) that something is bothering you, you’re sensitive. If your hormones are in a funk and you just happen to be sad one day, you’re emotional AND sensitive.

    Let me tell you something that goes against everything people have probably ever told you. Being emotional and being sensitive are very, very good things. It’s a gift. Your ability to empathize, sympathize and sensitize yourself to your own situation and to others’ situations is a true gift that many people don’t possess, therefore many people do not understand.

    Never let someone’s negativity towards this gift of yours get you down. We are all guilty of bashing something that is unfamiliar to us: something that is different. But take pride in knowing God granted this special gift to you because He believes you will use it to make a difference someday, somehow.

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    This gift of yours was meant to be utilized. It would not be a part of you if you were not meant to use it. Because of this gift, you will change someone’s life someday. You might be the only person that takes a little extra time to listen to someone’s struggle when the rest of the world turns their backs.

    In a world where a six-figure income is a significant determinant in the career someone pursues, you might be one of the few who decides to donate your time for no income at all. You might be the first friend someone thinks to call when they get good news, simply because they know you will be happy for them. You might be an incredible mother who takes too much time to nurture and raise beautiful children who will one day change the world.

    To feel everything with every single part of your being is a truly wonderful thing. You love harder. You smile bigger. You feel more. What a beautiful thing! Could you imagine being the opposite of these things? Insensitive and emotionless?? Both are unhealthy, both aren’t nearly as satisfying, and neither will get you anywhere worth going in life.

    Imagine how much richer your life is because you love others so hard. It might mean more heartache, but the reward is always worth the risk. Imagine how much richer your life is because you are overly appreciative of the beauty a simple sunset brings. Imagine how much richer your life is because you can be moved to tears by the lessons of someone else’s story.

    Embrace every part of who you are and be just that 100%. There will be people who criticize you for the size of your heart. Feel sorry for them. There are people who are dishonest. There are people who are manipulative. There are people who are downright malicious. And the one thing people say to put you down is “you feel too much.” Hmm.

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    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

  • Daith Piercing & Fibromyalgia – Does it Help Migraine Pain?

    If you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance you experience migraines too. They can be quite debilitating. Mine sent me to the ER once, but not because of pain. It’s because the migraine effects were mimicking a seizure in many ways. And migraines can hit you whether you have fibromyalgia or not. So what can you do about them? Well, there are medications, of course. You can also just ride them out. Or you can try alternative methods like acupuncture which has proved highly effective at relieving migraines. Many people are turning to a seemingly related alternative called a Daith piercing.

    A daith (pronounced “doth,” but apparently “daith” like “faith” is acceptable too) piercing goes through the ear’s innermost cartilage fold. It’s kind of close to a tragus piercing.  Many people swear by them for alleviating migraines. Others say they are useless. Most seem to think to pierce that location on the ear is related to acupuncture’s use of pressure points. So what exactly is the deal? And does it really work or not? More importantly, should you get one?

    Daith Piercing: Is it Like Acupuncture?

    When we talk about acupuncture and pressure points, we are essentially talking about what is usually referred to as Chinese Medicine. There are traditional forms, classical forms, and many others. I am not an expert in this field. But I have studied a number of books, documentaries, and other resources about or related to Chinese medicine. I’ve even written about it in academic settings. I also have a spouse who has completed nearly half the training required just to understand Chinese medicine, not even to practice yet. Thus, I can tell you with absolute certainty: it is based on a highly complex system that is literally thousands of years old. And it’s definitely effective, no question there!

    Chinese medicine (sometimes called Eastern medicine) is rooted in a much different understanding of the body than Western medicine. Here in the West, we tend to focus on alleviating symptoms, rather than looking at the system as a whole. Chinese medicine looks not just at the main organs, but their delivery systems, energy channels that run all throughout, and much more. Acupuncture uses very specific points on the body that target highly specified organ systems and functions, all of which are connected. Have you been to an acupuncturist or at least seen the needles they use? They are ultra-fine and bend easily. But they are just the right size because the targets are so small.

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    About that Earring….

    Think about how thick a traditional earring is compared to one of those needles. Now, an acupuncturist is trained to hit the exact spot on your ear to relieve migraine pain. Thus, if a piercer who has never been trained in Chinese medicine pierces your ear in that innermost cartilage fold, what are the odds that they will hit the very spot to relieve migraines? Pretty slim, don’t you think? I mean, it’s hit or misses, right?

    Does that help you understand a possible (and highly likely!) reason why some people say that Daith piercings work great to relieve their migraines, but others say it does nothing?

    Is Daith Piercing Safe?

    A Daith piercing is just that: a piercing. It’s as safe as most piercings are, which means it still has the same risk factors as other piercings too. Most notably, infection. Other than that, there’s one other risk factor that is noteworthy but based entirely on the individual: pain threshold. While the ear cartilage is not necessarily dangerous for piercing, it can definitely hurt. And if you suffer from fibromyalgia, then you are already abnormally sensitive to pain.

    So the ultimate question is: should I do it? If you want to relieve migraines through a Daith piercing, the chances of it being effective are about 50/50 according to anecdotal reports. In fact, you may be surprised to learn that there is not a lot of research on migraines. But there are a lot of people out there who have gotten a Daith piercing in an attempt to relieve their migraines. Check out their stories before making your decision.

    A Few Words of Caution

    Let’s reiterate: it may or may not work. If you have fibromyalgia or a heightened sensitivity to pain, then I would advise against this piercing. Because even those folks with several piercings and a high threshold for pain tend to agree – this is a particularly painful spot. But if you want to do it regardless, just because it looks good, then go for it. Note that it can get infected and often hurts for a while during the healing process. Also, be cautious because some people have adverse reactions or allergies to certain metals. This could be related to an excess of- or some sort of- toxicity in your body. At any rate, it is something to keep in mind.

    If you are looking for ways to relieve your migraines, I highly recommend finding a quality acupuncturist before trying the Daith piercing. And if you have fibromyalgia too, tell the practitioner. They need to know about pain sensitivities because they can modify their plans according to what they can handle. Talk with them about getting a Daith piercing to treat your migraines. You might find that they choose other points on the body to treat your migraines much more effectively than that one spot on your ear.

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    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

  • Link Between Allodynia and Fibromyalgia

    Have you ever tried resting in bed, but the sheets are somehow painful enough to keep you awake? Have you ever been outside on a warm day only to have a cool breeze or gust of wind hurt your body all over? Or how about this one: has the elastic on your sleeves, pants, or socks bothered you so badly that you just had to change clothes or go naked for a bit? If you’re reading this and don’t have fibromyalgia, these scenarios may sound absurd. But the struggle is real, folks, and it’s called allodynia.

    Allodynia and fibromyalgia often go together. For example, I’ve literally had to get up in the middle of the night a few times in life just to shave my legs because the irritation and pain from my pajamas or sheets touching the hair was keeping me awake. So I’ve been shaving every day of my life for years now just to avoid that sensation.

    The best way I have found to help people understand what I’m dealing with is to say, “Think about the most sensitive places on your body. It could be your lips, fingertips, tongue, or whatever. Now imagine that your whole body and even your muscles are made from the same nerves that are found in those places. Then think about how it would feel if it was overly stimulated all the time. That’s a lot like what I experience when the wind blows and even sometimes when I’m gently touched by my partner or pet.”

    Just What is Allodynia?

    Researchers at the UK-based Cardiff University explain that “neuropathic pain is caused by damage to- or dysfunction of- the peripheral and central nervous system, rather than stimulation of pain receptors.” If you’ve done any reading at all about fibromyalgia, then these are ideas you should definitely be familiar with. In fact, they add that “neuropathic pain commonly results in ‘spontaneous’ pains. Some of these sensations appear to have a ‘life of their own and are bizarre.” Bizarre and spontaneous sensations and pains? Sounds like an average day when you’re dealing with fibromyalgia, doesn’t it? Well, allodynia is one of those spontaneous pains.

    You see, allodynia falls into a category of “evoked pains” which are “usually exaggerated responses to innocuous events that do not cause pain in people with ‘normal’ pain pathways.” Ok, now we’re getting somewhere, aren’t we? This explains why those without fibro usually have no concept of what this is like. Allodynia is specifically pain that comes from simple contact which isn’t usually painful. Like blowing wind, unshaven legs, and sheets touching your skin.

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    Kinds of Allodynia

    There are three forms of allodynia. First is touch or tactile, meaning the pain that comes from the touch of, for example, clothing against the skin. Second is mechanical allodynia which is caused by movement across the skin from things like towels used for drying off, the brushing of bed sheets, and yes, even the wind. Lastly is thermal or temperature-related allodynia. That’s referring to hot or cold temperatures that are not extreme enough to damage your tissues. Indeed, the temperature may be rather. But with allodynia, it feels extreme so we might refer to it as temperature sensitivity.

    You can actually have just one form or any combination of allodynia, and even all three. As you can see from the personal examples I shared, I obviously have the first two kinds. The third is hit or miss for me, but it’s definitely a problem. And your fibro experience may be similar to mine or very different. Nevertheless, allodynia and fibromyalgia go hand-in-hand as should be evident by now.

    Treating Allodynia and Fibromyalgia

    Allodynia is a type of pain commonly associated with fibromyalgia. It can be really difficult for non-fibro people to understand. And unfortunately, like fibromyalgia, allodynia cannot be cured. Rather, they must be managed. One treatment often recommended to help the muscular pain associated with fibro is massage. However, I have to use this method sparingly and in short bursts. My allodynia keeps me from enjoying a massage for longer than 45 minutes if I’m lucky. So be mindful that massage therapy can make it worse, but it also helps to simply know your limitations and tell the therapist when you’ve had enough.

    Some fibro patients get allodynia pain relief from topical creams like Tiger Balm, Aspercreme, Lidocaine, or BioFreeze. Certain drugs used for the moderate treatment of pain have helped some fibro patients deal with their allodynia as well. Medications such as Tramadol, Lyrica, and Gabapentin are effective for treating a number of symptoms, including the pain from allodynia and fibromyalgia.

    Have you found a particular treatment, method, or remedy for allodynia and fibromyalgia that works for you? Please share it with us because every little bit helps in this community!

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

    Click here to Visit Fibromyalgia Store

  • Fibromyalgia Supplements | How Nigella Sativa Can Helpful for Fibromyalgia Patients

    People with fibromyalgia have chronic pain that results from inflamed muscle and tissue.  Fibromyalgia causes painful and achy spots in the muscle and can prevent people from being active.  Pain can range from mild to severe, and some people who have fibromyalgia have a hard time getting out of bed.

    Aside from chronic muscle pain, fibromyalgia can also lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, and others due to the pain endured by sufferers.

    As a treatment, people try various different methods including massage, acupuncture, drug treatments, homeopathy, stress relief exercises, meditation, exercise, and others.  There are many lifestyle changes that people with fibromyalgia pain must make.

    People with fibromyalgia often suffer from fatigue and have a hard time sleeping.  Even when they first wake up, they may feel tired and not rested. Therefore, it is important for people to manage their stress levels, and to work to try to avoid depression and isolation.

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    There are different drug treatments used to ease the pain of fibromyalgia.  Corticosteroids and NSAIDS are treatments that can ease pain, but they can also have adverse side effects.

    Many people are seeking alternative methods of healing, including homeopathic and natural/alternative medicine.  These methods use natural substances to treat conditions and diseases.

    One natural method to ease fibromyalgia is taking colloidal silver (2-4 ounces per day).  Proteolytic and digestive enzymes can be taken to help dissolve fibrin.

    Other natural supplements that may help include curcumin, magnesium, Nigella sativa (black seed oil), and herbal oleander.  All of these work with the immune system.  Nigella sativa may help fibromyalgia.

    It has been estimated that 80-95% of people with fibromyalgia are magnesium deficient. Magnesium is a necessary nutrient for over 300 biochemical functions in the body.

    Colloidal silver has been very effective in helping to treat fibromyalgia symptoms.  Herbal oleander is a powerful immune booster and can be helpful in relieving fibromyalgia.  This should be taken in a proven supplement form, as it can be toxic in high doses.

    Vitamin D3 is an immune modulator and D3 deficiency has been linked to immune disorders. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and is an immune modulator that relieves pain and inflammation.

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    For More Information Related to Fibromyalgia Visit below sites:

    References:

    Fibromyalgia Contact Us Directly

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

    Click here to Get the latest Chronic illness Updates

    Fibromyalgia Stores

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  • Fibromyalgia Diagnosis | Is Fibromyalgia Genetic? How do I know if I have fibromyalgia?

    People with fibromyalgia often ask, “Is fibromyalgia genetic?” It’s a hard question to answer, especially when little is known about how fibromyalgia works. But it’s something that could be relevant to getting the best possible treatment. So let’s look at the evidence.

    Is fibromyalgia genetic?

    If you have fibromyalgia, there’s a good chance that you know someone in your family who also has it. According to research, fibromyalgia does tend to run in families. And that implies that there is a genetic component to the disease.

    The fact that fibromyalgia might be genetic means that the genes that are responsible for so much about the way your body works are passing along fibromyalgia.

    But that also means that if someone in your family has fibromyalgia, then you are also likely to develop fibromyalgia.

    What does that mean for you?

    Because we know that fibromyalgia is genetic, we know that having a relative with fibromyalgia is a red flag when it comes to the possibility of being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. So if someone in your family has the disease, you should keep on guard for the signs that you are also developing it.

    Fibromyalgia can’t be cured, but it can be treated. And there’s no reason to spend years suffering without any treatment at all from mysterious aches and pains because you didn’t realize you had the disease.

    After all, many people with fibromyalgia can go years before finding out that the cause of their pain is in fact, fibromyalgia.

    So with your knowledge of the fact that fibromyalgia is genetic, you can have a better chance of catching it early.

    How do I know if I have fibromyalgia?

    There are a few warning signs of fibromyalgia that you should watch out for:

    If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Tell them if fibromyalgia runs in your family. This will alert them to the possibility that you have fibromyalgia and they should begin tests.

    Just remember that the best way to deal with fibromyalgia is to be proactive about managing your symptoms. And get a diagnosis as soon as possible.

    Fibromyalgia is a difficult disease to live with. It causes chronic fatigue and pain all over the body. And people who have fibromyalgia often find it hard to find a treatment that works for them. That’s why it’s important to get a diagnosis early so you can get effective treatment as soon as possible. There are a few early signs of fibromyalgia that you should look for to tell if you have fibromyalgia.

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    What Are The Early Signs Of Fibromyalgia?

    Fibromyalgia can be difficult to diagnose. And in the early stages, the first signs of fibromyalgia can be very different for different people. One of the best symptoms to look for early on is chronic fatigue. People with fibromyalgia often feel like they can’t seem to get a good rest no matter how much they sleep. And to make things worse, sleeping can be very difficult by itself.

    Just feeling tired all the time is probably worth a trip to your doctor, as chronic fatigue is a symptom of many different conditions.

    In addition, the most obvious symptom, and the one that doctors use to diagnose you is widespread pain. Fibromyalgia pain is located along 18 different points on the body. These are usually in the joints of the limbs and back. A doctor will test you to see if you have pain in 11 of these points, which is sufficient to prove that you have fibromyalgia.

    This pain is typically what causes fibromyalgia patients to visit a doctor, as it is difficult to manage.

    What Should You Do If You Think You Have Fibromyalgia?

    If you have these early signs of fibromyalgia, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If possible, it’s best to see a doctor who specializes in fibromyalgia. You can contact the National Fibromyalgia Research Association for a list of fibromyalgia specialists in your area. And a doctor who treats fibromyalgia regularly will be more aware of the early signs of fibromyalgia and better equipped to recommend an effective treatment.

    Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms as it will help the doctor make the best diagnosis possible.

    What Are Some Treatments For Fibromyalgia?

    There are a number of drugs that doctors prescribe to treat fibromyalgia. Often these are anti-depressants, like Lyrica and Cymbalta, that increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin helps calm the nerve pain associated with fibromyalgia.

    But there are also other drugs that are new when it comes to treating fibromyalgia but show promise. Drugs like naltrexone offer new hope to people with treatment-resistant fibromyalgia.

    And doctors are rapidly testing new drugs and making advancements in the study of what causes fibromyalgia. Meanwhile, many find that the standard treatments are at least partially effective.

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    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