Welcome To My Fibromyalgia Page I have been suffering with pain for many years.  Ten years I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, even though I have probably had this condition for many more years. It is believe that my FM was brought on by the other medical conditions that I have. I guess my body decided that the other pain problems weren't enough, that it would create yet another Chronic Pain condition. Living with FM is not an easy thing to do. Between my other problems, and FM I am in chronic pain 24 hours a day seven days a week. I can no longer rule my life instead Chronic pain is ruling my life. Unfortunately there is no cure yet for FM, since this condition is relatively new they are just beginning to figure out what causes FM, and how to treat it. There is still so much they do not understand about this condition. Hopefully one day they will find a cure, and for me and the oh so many others will be set free from the life of pain. Below you will find information and links concerning Fibromyalgia

What is Fibromyalgia? FMS (Fibromyalgia syndrome) is a widespread musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder for which the cause is still unknown. Fibromyalgia means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons--the fibrous tissues in the body.

Symptoms of FMS/MPS Symptoms Which Must Be Present for a diagnose of FM a. Diffuse musculoskeletal pain occurring above and below the waist and on right and left sides of the body for at least 3 months. b. Pain in 11 of 18 tender points with application of about 9 lbs of pressure during medical exam. These tender points occur at the following bilateral locations: 90-100% Generalized Pain Fatigue Stiffness Morning Fatigue 70-90% Post-Exert ional Malaise Sleep Disturbances Morning Stiffness Headaches Tenderness Swollen Feeling in Tissues Numbness & Tingling Cognitive Impairment Dizziness Sensitivity to Noise, Smell & Stress Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramping) Dry Mouth 50-70% Irritable Bowel Syndrome Blurred Vision Affective Liability (mood Swings) Heart Palpitations Cold Extremities Feverous Feeling Allergies 15-50% Restless Legs Muscle Twitches Itchy Skin Hearing Disturbances Night Sweats Migraines Breathing Problems Infection Proneness Skin Manifestations (rashes) Interstitial cystitis TMJ Dysfunction Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Below 15% Major Depression (concurrent)

The American College of Rheumatology, in Atlanta, estimates that a similar condition, Fibromyalgia, afflicts between three million and six million Americans, the vast majority of them women of childbearing age. Typically, patients with Fibromyalgia have widespread chronic achiness and/or certain areas that are exquisitely painful to the touch. These "tender points" occur within muscles, tendons or joints, distinguishing them from arthritis pain, which affects only the joints. They are clustered around the neck, shoulders, chest, hips, knees and elbows. Patients with Fibromyalgia may also suffer periodic bouts of irritable bowel syndrome, marked by constipation and diarrhea, as well as severe, recurrent headaches.

11 of 18 Tender Points

Treatments Since the symptoms of Fibromyalgia are diverse and vary among patients, treatment programs have to be individualized Because the exact cause of Fibromyalgia remains a mystery they have yet to define an ideal treatment method for all patients with this illness.

Treatment Supervised exercise: Studies suggest that physical conditioning minimizes FM symptoms. Good goal is 40 minutes, three times a week. Pacing Patients need to learn that strenuous activity one day may require two days of rest afterward. Medications Low doses of tricycles antidepressants at bedtime may ease pain and enhance sleep. The list of medications is almost as long as the list of symptoms. Click on the Medications to see a list of some of the drugs used. The Facts of Analgesics (Painkillers)

Physical therapy A little, but not too much. Too much may make symptoms worse. Diet Fibromyalgia patients should eat a balanced, whole foods diet to provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function well and to replace the nutrients that are depleted on a daily basis. Tender Point Injections Selective use of injections of anesthetic may work for one body area that is causing great discomfort, but patients should not look to this as a permanent treatment method.

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FibroWorld Fibro-Hugs Support group Fibromyalgia Awareness Page Aggravating factors Changes in weather, cold or drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations (premenstrual and menopausal states), stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion can all contribute to symptom flare-ups. Fibromyalgia Network Fibromyalgia Coping Tips

According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated 3.7 million Americans have Fibromyalgia, making it the second leading arthritis-related condition. (Although patients with the disorder may fear that they are developing arthritis, the disease actually does not affect the joints.) Other experts think the numbers are greater, with perhaps as many as one in twenty Americans having this condition. Some rheumatologists say that Fibromyalgia is the most common condition seen in their practices, especially among women younger than 50. Many people often spend years going from doctor to doctor before receiving an accurate diagnosis.