| What is FIBROMYALGIA? |
| "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. |