Fibromyalgia- What it Is, and How to Get Help

In August of this year, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I have been searching for help for almost two years.

It sometimes isn't easy to get help for fibromyalgia. Some doctors don't believe it exists. Originally, my family doctor did several blood tests. My thyroid was checked. I had every blood test known to man. I then was sent to a neurosurgeon, as my original complaint was severe pain in my legs, which I later found out is not related to the fibro. The point is, I had looked up fibromyalgia on the internet. I had a lot of symptoms. The neurosurgeon told me fibromyalgia didn't exist. It was only something doctors made up when they couldn't figure out what else was wrong. I left, feeling dejected.

Often, patients with fibromyalgia feel crazy. Sometimes they are told by doctors that it is all in their head. It's not. You must find a doctor that will listen to you. Do not accept that there is nothing on the tests, so there is nothing wrong. You know if there is. You are your own best advocate. Sometimes there doesn't seem like there is anyone you can talk to. Give friends and family members information on fibromyalgia to help them understand. Not having anyone around who understands what you are going through can make things worse. Support of the people closest to you is important.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by extreme fatigue and widespread pain. It can sometimes, at first, be confused with chronic fatigue syndrome. In fibromyalgia, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are affected. Sometimes there is headaches and facial pain. Some patients also complain of irritable bowel syndrome. Some patients are also prone to heightened sensitivity to light, noise, smells and touch. Sometimes, arthritis symptoms are also related. (I have rheumatoid arthritis as well.) Other common complaints and symptoms include depression, painful periods in women, anxiety, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Even allergies and dizzingess can be related. Women get fibromyalgia more often than men. It occurs more often in middle adulthood but can also be present in children or the elderly.

People with fibromyalgia usually have pain at eleven out of eighteen tender points. These tender points are present on the whole body: behind the head, between the neck and shoulders, shoulders, collar bone area, inside elbows, wrists, shoulder blades, lower back, knees and hips. Pressure is not only uncomfortable, it is painful.

No one is sure what actually CAUSES fibromyalgia to develop, but it can be because of infection or injury, chemical changes in the brain, metabolic changes, stress, or abnormalties in the nervous system. Because of the widespread symptoms and the uncertaintly surrounding the syndrome, it is hard to pinpoint it.

After finally being sent to a rheumatologist, I was screened for things like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and MS. I was given x-rays. Fibromyalgia itself will not show up on any of these tests, but you may be given them to rule things out. Often, doctors will think there is nothing wrong because nothing WILL show up on tests. If that is the case, you need a new doctor.

People with fibromyalgia I have spoken to often get more and more depressed because they can't seem to get help. It seems for a while that no one believes you. It is hurtful and frustrating. Print off symptoms of fibromyalgia and highlight every one you have. Take it to doctor after doctor until someone listens. Insist on being referred to another doctor as often as you need to. A rheumatologist or a neurologist can diagnose fibro, but I have had better luck from rheumatologists. DO NOT give up. Someone WILL listen. Talk to others about doctors in the area you are in, talk to your family doctor, any one who might have any idea of who will listen.

The good news is, fibromyalgia is not progressive. The bad news is, it is still very painful at times, and treatment is difficult at best. I was advised to reduce stress, pretty much to nil, and that is about impossible for anyone. It is also advised to rest often throughout the day, also hard for a lot of people. Heat is sometimes used to treat muscular symptoms, anti-depressants may be prescribed as well as muscle relievers and pain medications. Tylenol, ibuprofen and naproxem may also be used. Medications to promote sleep are helpful. Visiting a chiropractor or getting massages on a regular basis can also be helpful. Some also report accupuncture to be somewhat effective.

Fibromyalgia can interfere with every day life. It can keep you from working, or even enjoying every day things. It is, at least for me, there every day. Some days can be better than others. On bad days, do as little as possible. On good days, pace yourself, or you may have another bad day. Get plenty of rest, take any prescriptions provided by your doctor, rest every 20 or 30 minutes, take hot showers, exercise regularly, eat healthier foods, do not drive for long periods, do not sit or stand longer than 20 or 30 minutes at a time. Be proactive and you can reduce some symptoms at least some. Most importantly, do not give up. YOU are the one who has to live with YOUR illness.