Dear Fibromyalgia

Tag: fibromyalgia pain

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

  • Fibro Flare: Pain is such a barrier

    Obviously trying to do anything with a migraine is stupid, necessary, but stupid. However, struggling to get through the day with that sort of pain makes me rather forget how painful the fibromyalgia pain can be. Today was an extra special pain day where I got both. The migraine was consistent but not bad enough to seriously disrupt my thinking. Some would find that statement hard to believe knowing what a migraine is… but you get used to what you have to get used to. Such is the life, eh? Put that on your resume…’ superhuman pain tolerance’, ‘won’t call in sick for severe pain or run of the mill illness, only for mind-blowing scary-ass nasty pain’… but don’t mention how often that occurs or you’ll never land a job!

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    The FMS pain had to be triggered by the storm we had, but who knows? Sometimes a flare is just a flare, with no reason to be named for it. It started mid-morning with an ache in my knees and a sort of stiffness in my legs. Like zombified. Call me lurch. That sort of level of pain is normal. FMS pain shifts around to different muscles and ranges from mild to moderate on a daily bases, excluding days when I do my intense workout (12 minutes of yoga). It got significantly worse until my knees and ankles were in severe pain and my legs felt like the current running between them. Now it is at that level where it is hard to walk and it damn well hurts enough without moving. Seriously, it is insane how intensely FMS pain can hit for no reason. I get that if I walk too far, do exercise, or whatnot I can expect there to be consequences, but man does it suck when it just comes out of the blue like that. There is just something about spring and early summer that my body loathes and so I get more FMS flares and migraines as a result. Seriously is there somewhere in the world where the temperate is always moderate with lows are -10 and highs are +20 and it is always cloudy? Let me know. I was to move there.

    But sometimes I wonder about the normal baseline FMS pain. I think to myself I live a sedentary lifestyle and weak muscles will hurt. So maybe some level of pain is just normal. That is until I have a chat with someone and realize, nope, so not normal. A co-worker of mine is on this diet which is doing wonders for her and she routinely exercises as well. I joke about my yoga efforts and my pathetic limits and muscle pain. She said she had bad muscle pain after a workout (of good cardio by the way, as if I could do that!) but that she was told to stretch before and after the work out which eliminated that pain. I did not say anything about my FMS situation because why bother when it would take too long to explain and make me sound more of a cripple than my chronic migraines do.

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    But it made me think about what I do and the level of pain. I know FMS makes it so my body has a low threshold to feel pain, with more intensity and for longer durations… but what she is able to do (and seriously I am impressed with her willpower and determination) is nothing compared to what I can do and I really feel the consequences. But exercise is something I know will cause pain and I do a minimal amount when I can just because I think I should. Not enough that I can shed the weight I gained. Not enough to give me any more muscle endurance. So pain is a barrier to creating a routine in that aspect, but I don’t let it be a barrier to stop me from trying.

    Nonetheless, realizing how crippled I am today, body pain is just as much of a barrier as migraine pain but in a different way. Body pain when it gets severe limits my mobility, and my ability to be comfortable, and sleep and is also a distraction. While I can push through work, and mental stuff, with a nasty ass migraine I cannot force my body to do anything when in an FMS flare. The pain just explodes in intensity when I do. Of course, this is why I knew at a very young age I was destined for a desk job. I have had flares that made a ten-minute walk to school take a very long forty minutes. I vividly remember most of those worst ones. I do not remember much about the situation, all that is vague and hazy, but I remember the single-mindedness of needing to get through what obstacle was directly in front of me so that I could get home. I remember that intense focus of ‘just a little farther. Just a little longer Then there were times when the pain gets so insane your body simply says nope, no further, and gives out. That happened sometimes when I had summer jobs where I stood for eight hours, the moment I would sit down I was screwed because my legs would not let me stand after. This is also by the way why I prefer not to hold babies… I’m just saying, my arms can’t hold much weight either before they tremble, ache and then just give out. And dropping babies is never a good idea. So ‘just muscle pain’ does not quite define how nasty FMS can be. In some ways it might be less invisible than migraine pain because while I can mask both quite well when FMS gets to the crippling point I cannot walk well at all, just shuffle very slowly (I need a scooter or an old lady walker). Can’t hide that and damned hard to find a reason for those not in the know.

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    References:

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    Official Fibromyalgia Blogs

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  • How to find meaning again when fibromyalgia and chronic illness upends your life

    You’re sitting in the doctor’s office, being told you have an incurable illness. Maybe you have to leave your career, or pull back on your workload, with set accommodations. You can’t live up to being the involved wife, parent, sister, or daughter you planned on being. Travel becomes difficult, athletic ability falls off, and favorite hobbies or pastimes become more challenging. But mostly you just don’t feel like you. A period of grief ensues over your previous life, and it crashes over you in waves.

    Eventually, you start asking the big questions. Can you live a good life despite pain? How do you find meaning again amidst all the change?

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    I don’t have THE answer, but I did find some answers. I had to understand what I’d found meaningful in life Before Fibro (B.F.). And then I had to find the meaning behind the meaning- why is something sustaining, nourishing, enjoyable? Finding meaning is epitomized by the quote “A life well lived is a life fully experienced.”

    I was a very career-focused B.F., finding satisfaction in the field of global health (HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment). Once all that stopped, I felt stuck and lost. The one thing I had been certain of, my “calling”, was gone. Making a difference throughout my career had given me a sense of purpose.

    Travelling was my favorite activity. I came to realize that experiencing different cultures and ways of life was important to me because it had made my own worldview expand. Broadening my horizons made me feel vital and alive.

    How to replicate that feeling from my couch at home? An answer came surprisingly from the podcasts and audiobooks I listened to during my enforced rests. I found I enjoyed learning about history, as a way to travel from my armchair. Learning feels like time well spent, whether it’s listening to a historical mystery or an episode of a podcast on ancient Egypt. After all, curiosity keeps your brain healthy and young. What do you geek out about? It can be anything, from an academic subject to a hobby, to DIY project techniques. Intentionally find ways to learn about things you find interesting, from online classes, podcasts, audiobooks, or just connecting with interesting people online and asking them questions. The time that feels spent on rewarding things makes meaning.

    Over time I came to see that there is a lot of life to live here, in ordinary life, without globetrotting or being career-driven. I never appreciated that B.F., assuming everyday life was boring and humdrum. But in learning to be mindful and still, I’ve found how much I missed before, and how much being present enriches my life. Being on autopilot, or always looking ahead, meant I whizzed past sunsets, birdsong, long hugs, savored meals, belly laughs and so many other moments. Connecting to the beauty and wonder all around us via our senses is possible, even while in pain, even at home. Finding ways to feel that makes life more worthwhile. Mindfulness as a practice, or just realizing the need to be present, means showing up for moments big, and small. Choose to stay with an experience instead of reaching for a distraction.

    And the difficult experiences of chronic pain, surviving the limitations, still mean that you are living fully. I’ve grown in strength, resilience, compassion, self-confidence, and patience in ways I never would have before my illness. After all, what else really is the point of life other than to become a better, wiser version of ourselves on this journey? This is another way to have a purpose in life. I’ve come to value growing as a person as one of my most important accomplishments, instead of getting promotions, keeping up with the Joneses, or any of the other markers we are taught to measure our success by. Without fibro, I would have let external factors determine my self-worth. It’s not that I’m grateful for fibromyalgia, or that I’m glad I have it, but I have found a way to make meaning out of it, and find a silver lining. I’m developing as I go; it’s a work in progress, but a worthwhile one.

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    I’ve written before about the critical importance of our happiness of self–expression and contributing to something greater than ourselves. We are often taught that the only way to do this is to work and be a “productive citizen.” However, there are so many other ways to find connections, such as sharing your story and finding online relationships, to learn from and support others. Writing on my blog and now writing as a freelancer, has transformed my life. Volunteering, supporting others online, teaching, mentoring, and sharing your experience are all ways to contribute, big and small.

    Fiction writing has engaged me again in a new way through imagination. (I’m writing a historical mystery set in Niagara Falls during the American civil war when the area was a hotbed of spies and intrigue). Creativity can be a form of salvation, as a craft, art, music, or interior decoration, in the kitchen, the garden, on the page, or anywhere else. We shift into an active mode, not passenger mode when creating. Yet we also refrain from intellectualizing, analyzing, number crunching, or any other left-brain thinking. Creativity is about engaging intuitively, emotionally, and symbolically with the world, through self-expression, using the right brain. It’s good for your heart; it’s good for your soul. Don’t disparage it as “unproductive” or unimportant, because it is a meaningful source of intrinsic pleasure. It’s meaningful because it’s a way of being open and engaging with the world around you (sensing a theme yet?), via your senses and interpretations, from your own unique perspective.

    We find meaning in our relationships, in our faith, and in our philosophies. But we have to be present, open, and engaged to really benefit from these resources. That doesn’t happen overnight! But tuning in to our senses, our inner strengths, our creativity, our intrinsic interests and sources of pleasure allows us to connect to the world in ways that create and cultivate meaning in our lives. This is a form of strengths-based healing – leveraging your inner resources to create a life fully experienced, and well lived – in spite of adversity.

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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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  • Finding Someone to Treat Fibromyalgia

    It isn’t always easy to find someone to help you because there’s not just one type of doctor who treats fibromyalgia. But it’s important to find a doctor who understands your condition and will work closely with you to manage your symptoms and help you feel better. How do you find the right doctor for you? 

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    Know your options.

    Some people with fibromyalgia are treated by their primary care doctors or internal medicine doctors. However, you may want to ask whether you should see a specialist. Specialty doctors who most often treat the condition are rheumatologists. Rheumatologists treat inflammatory, often painful conditions that affect the joints, muscles, bones, and other organs. Pain specialists and neurologists may treat fibromyalgia, too. 

    There’s no rule as to what type of doctor you should use to help you manage fibromyalgia. However, make sure he or she has an interest in and knowledge of fibromyalgia treatment. 

    Expand your horizons.

    Finding a doctor who can lead your care and help you manage fibromyalgia is your first priority. But you may benefit from working with a team of healthcare providers that can help you manage specific symptoms. The team might include a physical therapist, sleep specialist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, cognitive-behavioral counselor, and others. 

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    Look for a clinic.

    Getting recommendations from friends, family, other physicians and your insurance provider is one way to find a doctor. Another is to see whether you have a pain or rheumatology clinic in your area. Oftentimes, these clinics offer care from several members of the fibromyalgia treatment team all in one location.

    Ask the right questions.

    Just because a doctor or other type of healthcare provider knows about fibromyalgia doesn’t mean he or she is the right doctor for you. A few questions you can ask to help you decide include: 

    Many people with fibromyalgia check out a number of doctors until they find the right one. It’s worth the effort. You can greatly improve your symptoms when you have a knowledgeable and focused doctor, along with your own participation and motivation. In addition to asking your insurance provider, you can search Healthgrades.com for providers who treat fibromyalgia.

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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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  • CRPS and anxiety

    Most people have feelings of anxiety – a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, that can be mild or severe – at some point in their life. Anxiety is an illness from which people cannot ‘snap’ out and it is thought that approximately 8 million people in the UK have some form of an anxiety disorder.

    Anxiety is not the same as stress, and it can persist whether or not there are obviously external factors. The feelings associated with anxiety can be overwhelming, stopping the individual from doing things or making them behave in an unusual way.

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    CRPS patients often experience cognitive changes, anxiety, and depression, and stress can cause a flare-up of CRPS symptoms so it is important to understand and make sense of the illness in the first place before working out how best to manage it.

    Types of CRPS

    There are two types of CRPS:

    • type 1, previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD, and
    • type 2, previously known as causalgia.

    The difference between these two types is whether nerve damage is involved.

    Diagnosing CRPS Type 1 is particularly difficult as there is no damage to the nerves and usually no damage to the bone and little damage to the tissue. The pain is out of proportion to the accident or injury that occurred and the main symptoms are usually allodynia, continuing pain, and hyperalgesia, disproportionate pain to touch, movement or pressure.

    CRPS Type 1 is usually diagnosed if the above symptoms are found as well as some kind of oedema, changes to the blood flow (and therefore temperature) in the affected area and other conditions have been ruled out.

    Type 2 is the rarer of the two conditions. CRPS Type 2, formerly known as causalgia, is a severely painful and chronic condition which develops as a result of an injury to a peripheral nerve. The pain associated with CRPS Type 2 is usually described as an intense burning which doesn’t subside and the pain is specific to the affected area, due to the injury to the nerve.

    CRPS Type 2 is different to Type 1 because of the tangible nerve injury which can be found and also because the pain doesn’t migrate from the original site. Whilst Type 1 may result in pain in the whole limb over time, CRPS Type 2 is a condition which remains specific to the original place that was injured.

    CRPS Type 2 is caused by a trauma to a large nerve in one of the limbs, usually in the peripheral nervous system. CRPS Type 2 can be caused by a simple injury or something more traumatic such as a car accident or a fall from a height. The disease progresses over time and can result in loss of movement and mobility in the affected limb, alongside increased pain.

    The symptoms of CRPS Type 2 are quite similar to those of CRPS Type 1 which is why a full diagnosis needs to be carried out by your doctor who may refer you to further specialists to ascertain the exact root cause of the pain. Symptoms of CRPS Type 2 include the burning pain already mentioned as well as sweating, discolouration of the skin in the affected area and hyperalgesia, extreme pain felt from disproportionate action such as light touch, pressure or movement.

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    CRPS Type 2 can also change the rate at which hair and nails grow and it’s also more common that the joints in the affected area may seize up or spasm.

    Budapest criteria

    The Budapest Criteria is often used to diagnose CRPS and differentiates between ‘signs’ and ‘symptoms’.

    Symptoms:

    • Sensory – Hyperaesthesia (an abnormal increase in sensitivity), and/or allodynia, which is pain caused by stimuli which shouldn’t trigger a painful response. Examples of allodynia include lightly touching the affected limb, perhaps by moving a bedsheet or by a gentle tap on the wrist.
    • Vasomotor – Skin colour changes and/or changes in the temperature of the limb.
    • Sudomotor/oedema – Swelling of the limb and/or an excess of sweat from the affected limb, or changes in sweating swelling of the limb.
    • Motor/Trophic – Decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction, including weakness, spasms, tremors or wasting. Trophic changes include changes to the hair, nails or skin on the affected limb.

    Signs:

    • Sensory: Hyperalgesia (to pinprick), a heightened sensitivity to pain, and/or allodynia to light touch or deep somatic (physical) pressure and/or joint movement
    • Vasomotor: temperature differences between the limb, and/or skin colour changes and/or skin colour changes between the limb
    • Sudomotor/oedema: oedema and/or sweating changes and/or sweating differences between the limbs.
    • Motor/trophic: decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction (ie weakness, tremor or muscle spasm) and/or trophic changes (hair and/or nail and/or skin changes)

    Stress and chronic pain

    The fight or flight response is an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening, and therefore stress overload is common for sufferers of chronic pain. This can be a vicious circle as stress can exacerbate the pain and chronic pain can also cause an increase in stress.

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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

  • Getting a Better Night’s Sleep With Fibromyalgia

    A good night’s sleep is as important to your health as eating right and exercising regularly. That’s especially true when you have fibromyalgia. Getting enough quality sleep can ease the pain of this arthritis-related condition and help you feel refreshed. 

    Fibromyalgia can change your brain wave patterns, which can rob you of slow-wave sleep, the deepest stage of sleep. It can also bring on other problems, such as restless legs syndrome, which can make sleeping through the night a challenge. When you don’t sleep well, fibromyalgia can feel even more uncomfortable. 

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    Don’t let fibromyalgia steal your sleep. There are strategies you can try to help yourself get the rest you need to feel your best:

    • Be as active as possible. Exercising during the day is one of the best ways to help you get a good night’s sleep. It is also one of the best things you can do to treat fibromyalgia. Start with walking. Gradually and over time, try going farther and faster. Avoid working out within three hours of bedtime, though, so you have enough time to wind down. 
    • Darken your bedroom. Light can keep your brain awake, making it harder to sleep. If streetlamps, moonlight, or early morning sun peaks in through your windows, invest in room-darkening bedroom shades. If you get up during the night to use the bathroom, use a nightlight to show the way rather than turning on a bright overhead light.
    • Go to bed at the same time every day. Try to get up each morning at the same time too, even on weekends and when you’re traveling.  
    • Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening. It can keep you from sleeping soundly. As for alcohol, you may be able to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner and still sleep well, but skip the nightcap. Alcohol around bedtime can make you drowsy, but cause you to wake up in the middle of the night.  
    • Nix long naps. For some people, a short midafternoon nap can improve their day, but for others, it’s the recipe for lost sleep at night. If you’re among those who doze off during the day, don’t nap for long. To prevent your nap from affecting your sleep at night, set your alarm for an hour, and get up when it goes off. 
    • Reserve your bed only for sleeping. Watching TV or working on your laptop in bed can make it tough to fall asleep. 
    • Talk with your doctor. If you are having trouble sleeping despite all efforts, ask your doctor about participating in a sleep study. It can help identify any other disorders you have that may be disrupting your sleep. It’s thought, for example, that people with fibromyalgia may experience the same breathing pauses during sleep that affect people with sleep apnea. If this is the case for you, a CPAP machine (which increases air pressure in the throat to hold it open during sleep) may be helpful. Your doctor can also prescribe sleep medicine, if necessary.

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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

  • The Emotional Effects of Fibromyalgia

    Living with fibromyalgia can affect you physically and emotionally. Fibromyalgia is stressful. The pain and stress of fibromyalgia raise your body’s level of cortisol, a stress hormone. Adjusting to the disease and finding treatments that work can be frustrating. This fits with the fact that about 20% of people with fibromyalgia report feeling anxious or depressed. 

    Don’t let fibromyalgia bring you down. Instead, do what you can to reduce the psychic toll of the illness. Integrating various coping strategies can affect how your body responds to the disease and give you the tools you need to feel better emotionally and physically:

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    Daily Time Outs

    Set aside time each day for meditating or deep breathing exercises. These calming techniques can help you manage the stress hormones that make fibromyalgia symptoms worse. You might also try guided imagery, biofeedback, or progression relaxation. You can learn these mindfulness techniques from a trained practitioner, classes, books, and DVDs or audiotapes. Get into the habit of regularly practicing them on your own. 

    Yoga

    A recent study in the Journal of Pain Research found that women with fibromyalgia who practiced Hatha yoga (a gentle form of exercise) for 75 minutes twice weekly for eight weeks felt less pain and stress. Their bodies also produced less cortisol. Overall, the women were more accepting of their disease. 

    Another study revealed physical activity helps reduce depression in people with fibromyalgia.  Whichever form of yoga you try, be sure to modify the poses in response to pain. For instance, don’t hold the pose as long, or use a yoga block for support. 

    Positive Self-Talk

    If you have fibromyalgia, you may find it easy to put yourself down for not being able to do as much as you used to, for depending more on others or even blaming yourself for the disease. But negative self-talk is not helpful. Keep your self-talk as positive as possible. Tell yourself, “Fibromyalgia isn’t my fault,” and “I’m going to do all I can to control the disease.” Focus your self-talk on what you need to do to get better, not on what might have possibly caused your illness. 

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    Therapy

    If you are overwhelmed by the illness, consider seeing a therapist who practices cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This type of therapy can be helpful for people with fibromyalgia. It focuses on helping you think positively and redefining your beliefs about illness, to help you feel more hopeful.

    Music

    In one study involving 22 fibromyalgia patients, those who listened to the music of their choice were able to function better physically than patients who didn’t. The study found that music can boost mood enough to overcome the perception of pain, especially before doing something physically taxing. If you don’t have one already, invest in a portable device so you can listen to your favorites at home and on the go.  

    Support Groups

    Getting feedback from others with fibromyalgia can give you the inspiration you need to manage your illness better. Blogs and message boards can be safe places for you to get ideas and talk openly with others in the same situation. What are they doing to cope that you might try? How are they managing to get tasks done? What are they doing to thrive despite their condition? 

    Ask your doctor if there are support groups in your community that you can visit. You can also search for a support group online. The right support can give you the tips and encouragement you need to focus on feeling better.

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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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  • 6 Tips for Coping With ‘Fibromyalgia Fog’

    Managing Fibromyalgia’s Effects on the Brain

    Doctors often focus more on the physical symptoms of fibromyalgia, such as pain, fatigue, and stiffness. However, many people with the condition also have trouble focusing, concentrating, or thinking quickly in everyday situations. In a recent study, women with fibromyalgia ranked so-called ‘fibro fog’ among their five top complaints. Openly discussing these symptoms and how they affect you can help you and your doctor address them. Here are other ways to reduce the impact of fibro fog on your daily life.

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    Take note of any thinking or learning problems you have. You may want to write down when you experience them—and how severe they are—on a chart or calendar. Share this with your doctor. Together, you may be able to pinpoint what makes your fibro fog better or worse and develop strategies to minimize it.

    In addition to easing pain, therapy for fibromyalgia often helps with brain-related symptoms, including depression. Your doctor may write you prescriptions for pain medications or antidepressants. When you have less pain to deal with, you can focus more on living your life and doing things you enjoy. Alternative and mind-body therapies, such as massage and tai chi, also show promise.

    Trouble sleeping counts as a primary symptom of fibromyalgia. But the more restful your slumber, the clearer your thinking. Most adults need seven hours of restorative sleep to perform their best. Take steps to reach this goal by keeping a regular sleep schedule. Avoid alcohol and caffeine late in the afternoon and at night. Try to go to bed and get up at around the same time every day. And avoid daytime naps, especially in the afternoon. If you must take them, limit them to one hour.

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    Moving your body helps ease pain and stiffness—and also may benefit your mind. After working out, you may feel sharper and more alert. Physical activity also improves sleep, if you time it right. Schedule your gym session in the morning or during the day, if possible; working out at night can keep you awake. If you do work out later in the day, aim to finish about three hours before hitting the sack. This gives your body enough time to wind down.

    Some studies suggest people with fibromyalgia perform just as well on memory tests that involve one problem at a time as do people without the condition. That means minimizing multitasking could boost your brainpower. Try and focus on completing one task at a time. Along with tracking your symptoms, make a ‘to-do list and update it every day or so to help stay on track. Each time you complete a task, cross it off the list and congratulate yourself. Take it one step at a time.

    • 6. Make changes at work.

    Many people with fibromyalgia can continue to work. But there may be times when you struggle with balancing work when you have chronic pain. You might find that working fewer hours or having flexible hours helps you better handle the demands of your job. Or you might need to switch your role to one that plays more to your strengths than your weaknesses.

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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

  • The Truth About Fibromyalgia Tender Points

    The phrase “tender points” isn’t something you hear every day. But if you have fibromyalgia, you may be familiar with those words. In fact, your doctor may have used tender points to diagnose you.

    What Are Tender Points?

    In 1990, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) introduced criteria for diagnosing people with fibromyalgia. Part of the criteria included 18 possible tender points throughout the body. Tender points are small spots located around your neck, shoulders, chest, hips, knees, and elbows. 

    To be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, patients had to experience pain in at least 11 of those 18 sites when their doctor pressed firmly on them. In addition to tender points, you had to have pain in all four quadrants of your body (left side; right side, above the waist; below the waist) lasting longer than three months. 

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    The Problem With Tender Points

    A lot has changed since the original ACR criteria for diagnosis were released. A 2010 study found that approximately 25% of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia didn’t satisfy the ACR’s criteria for having the disease, even though their doctors believed they had fibromyalgia based on their other symptoms. 

    Tender points posed a significant issue for doctors and patients alike. For example, if a person experiences improvement and no longer has as many tender points, does that mean he or she no longer has fibromyalgia, even if the person still has other symptoms like widespread pain? The pain is often described as a dull, constant pain in the muscles. 

    New Ways of Diagnosing Fibromyalgia

    In 2010, the ACR updated its criteria for diagnosing people with fibromyalgia. Among several changes, it removed tender points from the criteria. Today, diagnosis relies more on patients’ self-reported symptoms than a doctor’s physical examination of the tender points. 

    In addition to pain, doctors consider symptoms that weren’t included in the original criteria, such as fatigue, sleep problems, and cognitive issues like trouble concentrating. They also use a tool called the symptom severity scale. The scale acknowledges that with a chronic pain condition like fibromyalgia, your symptoms may change with time. Pain can be more or less severe under different circumstances, such as how tired you are, your stress level, and your level of physical activity. 

    As a result, making a diagnosis no longer relies on a fixed set of criteria, such as tender points, and gives more weight to your personal experience with the condition. The symptoms of fibromyalgia resemble other chronic pain conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. For this reason, doctors may use specific blood tests and other evaluations to rule out these conditions before making a fibromyalgia diagnosis.

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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

  • 4 Conditions That Can Mimic Fibromyalgia

    If you have symptoms that point to fibromyalgia but haven’t been diagnosed, you are not alone. Many people spend years working with doctors to rule out other diseases. That’s because a number of other conditions share fibromyalgia’s primary symptoms—chronic pain and fatigue.

    Ruling Out Similar Conditions

    Wouldn’t it be a relief if there was a simple lab test that could identify fibromyalgia? Unfortunately, there are no tests or X-rays available to diagnose the condition. As a result, doctors often look at conditions that share the same symptoms. Learn what other conditions can be mistaken for fibromyalgia and why finding a clear diagnosis is so important.

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    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis may seem similar to fibromyalgia because pain is a primary symptom of this disease. But there are a lot of differences. Unlike fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the body. And some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are visible. For example, people with the condition may have swollen or deformed joints. 

    Doctors diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by a physical exam, blood tests that look specifically for rheumatoid factors and signs of inflammation, and X-rays to look for joint damage.

    Lupus

    Lupus, a chronic disease that also causes fatigue and painful joints, can be difficult to diagnose because there is no specific test for it. But certain factors make it possible to differentiate it from fibromyalgia. For example, unlike fibromyalgia, lupus causes inflammation, arthritis, skin rashes, and damage to tissue and organs. 

    Doctors make a lupus diagnosis by taking into account your symptoms, medical history, and a series of lab tests. 

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 

    Chronic fatigue syndrome is a complex disorder that some medical experts believe is closely related to fibromyalgia. People with chronic fatigue syndrome have many of the same symptoms as those with fibromyalgia, including pain, fatigue, brain fog, difficulty sleeping, headaches, and more. 

    The main difference is that severe and overwhelming fatigue is the primary symptom of chronic fatigue syndrome, while pain is the dominant symptom of fibromyalgia. 

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    Hypothyroidism 

    Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones the body needs to regulate metabolism and other functions. An underactive thyroid can cause a number of symptoms similar to fibromyalgia. These include fatigue, joint pain, and more. However, unlike fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism can be confirmed with a blood test and treated with thyroid hormone.

    When Conditions Overlap 

    Although it can be frustrating to take the time to rule out other conditions, it’s very important to do so. Not only is having a correct diagnosis vital to getting the right treatment, but it may also shed light on a bigger health picture. That’s because fibromyalgia not only mimics other conditions, it tends to overlap them. This means you may have fibromyalgia as well as another condition, like rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, you are at higher risk for fibromyalgia if you have a rheumatic disease—one that affects the joints, muscles, and bones. 

    Getting the Best Treatment

    Once you have a clear diagnosis, you can work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan. If you have more than one condition, treating fibromyalgia can affect how you and your doctor manage your other conditions. And the treatment of other conditions can affect the pain of fibromyalgia. Understanding all your medical needs can lead to the best treatment possible.

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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

  • What People With Fibromyalgia Wish They Could Tell You

    Fibromyalgia affects about 5 to 6 million people in the United States, mostly women. Yet, so little is known about the condition and people with fibromyalgia often feel misunderstood. Here, three women share their thoughts about living with fibromyalgia.

    1. The pain and fatigue are real.

    People understand pain and fatigue if they can see the cause, like a broken bone or an incision from an operation. Fibromyalgia is an invisible illness though, making it harder to understand. But, “That pain is real. That pain is debilitating, affecting every part of your life,” says Sharon Gates, a retired nurse from Montreal, Canada.

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    2. Fibromyalgia has been around for centuries.

    Fibromyalgia isn’t a new illness. It’s existed for centuries under different names, such as rheumatism. Historical records about Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, show she probably had fibromyalgia.

    “It’s a real medical condition, backed up by decades of work and many, many studies,” says Susanne Gilliam, a recent law school graduate in Massachusetts. But because there are so many unknowns, there are people who don’t believe it exists.

    3. It can be a relief to finally be diagnosed.

    Illnesses like cancer or diabetes have tests to diagnose them. There are no tests for fibromyalgia and it can take an average of about five years to get a diagnosis. For some people, it takes much longer. Gilliam thinks she’s had it for about 18 years. In the meantime, it’s easy for people to begin wondering what is going on–because so many tests are coming back as normal.

    Having a diagnosis is important. “When you get a diagnosis of something, it’s not always a positive thing, but at least you know you’re not crazy,” Gates says. “You make changes and you try to manage the best you can.”

    4. Fibromyalgia doesn’t go away.

    Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness and, while people may have periods with few symptoms, it doesn’t go away. This can make it hard to talk about the illness because no one wants to seem like they’re always complaining. “People lose patience with chronic illnesses,” points out Randi Kreger, an author from Wisconsin. “They’re more attuned to short-term things that get better. They don’t really realize that not everything is curable and that some things just don’t get better.”

    5. Fibromyalgia can make you extra sensitive to the sensations around you.

    When people have fibromyalgia, it’s as if their sensitivity dials are turned up too high. Lights can be too bright, smells can be too strong, and noises can be too loud. These sensitivities can make it hard for them to get out and be an active part of the community.

    “I went to a book club that met in a coffee shop,” Randi says. “They were roasting and grinding coffee. The noise was really too much and I asked if we could go to a place where it was just not that noisy.” But the others in the group refused to move. They didn’t find the place particularly noisy and couldn’t relate to Randi’s discomfort.

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    6. Fibromyalgia makes you forgetful.

    Most people have memory lapses from time to time. They forget where they put their keys or to show up for a doctor’s appointment. But for those with fibromyalgia, it’s worse. “Fibro fog” makes thinking fuzzy and remembering difficult. It can also make it hard to follow conversations.

    7. There can be good days.

    The confusing thing about fibromyalgia is that for many people, the pain, fatigue, fibro fog, and other symptoms aren’t always there. One day, they may be able to go on a hike with their children and then out to a movie with a friend, but the next day, they may not be able to get out of bed. Nothing is constant.

    8. It can be hard to plan ahead.

    Because people with fibromyalgia have both good and bad days, it’s next to impossible to plan ahead. It’s no fun to make plans only to have to cancel them. It’s disappointing, but they can’t know what they’re going to be feeling like a month from now, a week from now, or even a day from now. “I just do the best I can,” Gates says.

    9. Medications help some people with fibromyalgia.

    There are medicines that are effective for some people’s symptoms. Gilliam experienced a complete turnaround when she and her doctors found the right drug combination for her. “Every day it was like crossing the finish line at the end of a marathon,” she says. There was something new each day that she could do, like carrying her laundry up the stairs, going to the pharmacy alone, and even going back to school to study law. “But this isn’t the standard outcome,” Susanne points out. “It isn’t even a common outcome, but it does happen.”

    10. But the medicines don’t help everyone.

    Unfortunately, the medicines do not help everyone with fibromyalgia and for others, the medicines cause serious side effects, such as depression, weight gain, or dizziness.

    Patient listening and helping hands mean a lot to people with fibromyalgia. It can be discouraging to live with a chronic illness, but the understanding of friends and family goes a long way and can make all the difference, perhaps turning a bad day into a good one.

    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