"I just ache all over- like I have the flu or something!
"I think I'm coming down with something...but I've felt like this for a long time."
"I can't hardly move in the morning. I feel like I was hit by a truck."
"I can't sleep. I hurt too much, but I'm utterly exhausted"
"It hurts when someone touches me."
"My arms and legs feel like they have weights attached to them!
"I think I'm losing my mind."
This is what life is like for people with fibromyalgia. (FI-bro-my-AL-ja) For some, this
strange syndrome appeared after surgery, others note the change in their health after an
infection, illness or an accident. Suddenly their bodies no longer function as they once
did. For fibromites (people with fibro), moving, sleeping and sometimes even thinking
become more difficult.
WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA EXACTLY? No one really knows. The most
accepted current theory is that it has to do with the body's neurological system and the
way that the brain interpretes pain signals. Other researchers believe that fibro is caused
by an undetected illness, or even is just the result of long-term sleep problems.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Fatigue (not just being tired-I once had a female doctor mock this- Fibro fatigue is like
fatigue from the flu. You simply can't move another step.);
Muscular aches similar to the flu or a too-strenuous workout. Unlike arthritis, where
the joints ache, fibromites' muscles ache. Changing position may not help; I ache
whether I sit, stand, walk or lie down, although standing still is the worst sometimes.
Specific "tender points" that occur in pairs on the body that cause pain when
pressed. (I'll try to put a link to a diagram of these at some point.) When these parts of
body are pressed, the fibromite will usually cry out in pain.
Sleep problems (During a fibro flare, I'll usually wake around 2 a.m. and may not get
back to sleep.) Some people have problem with restless leg syndrome while they sleep.
Morning Stiffness- This can be either severe or mild.
Fibrofog- Not being able to think clearly, possibly due to lack of sleep.
Other Symptoms: Some fibromites have urinary tract problems, muscular problems
like falling or dropping things, abnormal clumsiness, burning or itching sensations, hair
loss, etc.
IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD For a while, doctors told fibromites that the pain was "all
in their heads." Well, it is in a way. Our brains interprete pain signals. There is some
evidence that people with fibro have changes in certain parts of their brains. They also
have an abnormally high amount of a protein called "substance P" in their spinal fluid.
WHAT IS LIFE LIKE FOR A FIBROMITE? The severity of fibro can vary
widely among people, and even vary widely in one person from day to day. Many
fibromites also suffer from other illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or
osteopathic problems. Some fibromites can hardly move or care for themselves, others
(like myself) can be fairly active. No matter what the severity, however, fibro will
change your life. [Click here to read about what my symptoms are like.]
CAN FIBRO KILL YOU? No, but it can make you wish you were dead. The
effects that fibro can cause has been compared to the life-changing effects of
rheumatoid arthritis. Many fibromites suffer from depression at times; their lives have
changed dramatically and they can no longer do things that they enjoy or even need to
do. Some fibromites loose their spouses, friends and families because of their illness.
Some fibromites have committed suicide.
HOW IS FIBROMYALGIA DIAGNOSED? Most people are diagnosed by a
doctor who specializes in arthritis and rheumatology. A medical diagnosis is critical,
because the symptoms of fibro are very similar to the symptoms of many other
problems. Most doctors will do extensive lab work as well as take x-rays before
making a diagnosis.
For more information about fibromyalgia and other "invisible" illnesses, visit
fmnetnews.com or some of the other sites on the web.
For a supportive community, visit the Rest Ministries website.