Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia, referred to as FM,is a chronic health condition
characterized by chronic aching pain and tenderness and
stiffness in muscles and soft tissue as well as extreme fatigue
that has existed for over 3 months. Pain can be widespread
including the neck, shoulders, upper and lower back, elbows, and
hips. Some individuals may have simultaneous disorders like
rheumatoid arthritis,lupus or irritable bowel syndrome. It
occurs more frequently in women than in men and especially those
of childbearing age.
Signs and Symptoms
The level of pain may vary from day to day. Sometimes it may be
from head to toe and sometimes it may be more in one area. Every
day can be a new experience in pain. You may experience muscle
weakness. This might affect such things as your ability to open
lids on jars. You may find yourself having no strength in your
arms or legs.
It's common for people with fibromyalgia to experience
heightened sensitivities to things such as noise, bright lights,
smell or touch. You may get micgraine headaches, insomnia or
facial pain.You may experience numbness or tingling in your arms
or legs, restless leg syndrome, indigestion, nausea or balance
problems.
Fibromyalgia's symptoms can include depression, cognitive
difficulties including memory problems. It can leave you feeling
overwhelmed and interfere with your normal coping mechanisms
especially if you get no break from the symptoms and continually
live with sleep deprivation.
Although the intensity of your symptoms may vary, they'll
probably never disappear completely. It may be reassuring to
know, however, that fibromyalgia is not progressive, crippling
or life-threatening. Treatments and self-care steps can improve
symptoms and your general health.
Some symptoms such as depression or sleep deprivation may be
symptoms, may be precipitating or perpectuating factors.
Causes
The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown. There may be many
pathways to this condition and varying predisposing or
perpetuating factors. Some of these contributors may be:
Changes in the neurotransmitters in the brain.
Disturbed sleep patterns
Viral or bacterial infection may be a triggering event.
Abnormalities of the autonomic (sympathetic) nervous system.
Changes in muscle metabolism that might bring decreased blood
flow and decreased muscle strength and fatigue.
Psychological stress.
Hormonal changes.
Treatment for Fibromyalgiap>
While there is no known cure for fibromyalgia, the condition
apparently does not damage tissue and can go into periods of
remission. It requires a comprehensive team approach that may
include cognitive behavioral therapy, stress reduction, and
medication to help with sleep and pain. Temporary relief may
occur with a variety of interventions such as massage, hot or
cold applications, gentle stretching to reduce tight muscles,
strenghtening of other muscles as it can leave people in poor
shape. Gentle exercise in a pool may help tolerance of activity.
Excercise must be done gently as it can cause further pain if
overdone. Rest is vitally important. Conserving energy and
changing lifestyle are necessary to adjust and cope with this
chronic health condition that can also impact mental health due
to living with the pain, lack of sleep and limitations brought
about by the disease.
Management by a physician is a central treatment which can
include various medication to: improve sleep, relax muscles,
decrease inflamation, and reduce pain. Some doctors, usually
specialists such as rheumatologists or neurologists may be in
the best position to see for diagnosis or treatment. Correct
diagnosis is crucial as some doctors view this diagnosis with
skepticism and may have no idea how to provide treatment.
There are many varied symptoms with FM. Anyone living with
this disorder knows how difficult everyday tasks can be.
Treatment may also include a team including an occupational
therapyist or physiotherapist, and psychologist, psychiatrist or
counselor. There are many internet sites that offer online
informationabout FM symptoms, treatment suggestions, doctors
sensitive to FM, research articles, online support with other
fibro sufferers or online counseling via chat rooms or email.
Online ecounseling or chat rooms offer easily accessible options
for support without having to physically exert yourself. You can
connect around the world with others suffering from FM or engage
in a counseling session without leaving your home.
Impact of Fibromyalgia
Although, fibromyalgia does not progress or lead to other
diseases, the ongoing unrelenting pain can limit activities,
social connections, loss of ability to work and financial
stress, bring feelings of depression or despair, and sleep
deprivation. So there are many losses and adjustments that are
very challenging to cope with. It may also bring great
frustration finding medical care with physicians who take this
disorder seriously. The pain of this illness is very real
reagardless of the causation or initial triggers.Professionals
experienced in pain management would be very helpful as some
pain medication can be addictive and you may need to take
various pain medications.
Christina's Story as a Fibro Sufferer: Living with
Fibromyalgia
I'm 40 years old and have always lived in the lower-mainland of
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I grew up in Burnaby and
love Vancouver. I have never wanted to live anywhere else.
I have a fabulous dog and friend named Kodi, who is one of my
main supports. Taking Kodi for walks, when I'm up to it, is one
source of joy for me.
When I was 34, I started to suffer unexplained pain. I kept
going to the doctor trying to find out what was wrong but every
test and suggestion that the doctor(s) had, seemed to get me
nowhere. That was more than 6 years ago and things just keep
getting worse. I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (FM)
about 5 years ago. It became significantly worse after a car
accident.
FM has changed my life in so many ways. The hardest is not being
able to work. I had worked for many years as a secretary and was
fully independent and self-reliant. My activities are very
limited now because of the sleep deprivation from pain, and
almost contant pain. So it has left me with a lot of spare time,
most of which I spend trying to deal with the pain.
One thing that has been a type of therapy, relaxation and focus
for me is painting. Some days I am in far too much pain to
paint. When I am able to paint, it lifts my spirits and gives me
a creative outlet that has been missing for so long.
Patricia Roles' Virtual Counseling Room site has offered me the
opportunity to offer my paintings for sale, as financial strain<
has come with being limited by fibromyalgia. So if you wish to
purchase a painting, the total amount of the funds goes directly
to me and none goes to this site.
I hope if you are suffering with fibromyalgia, or you have a
friend or family member who is suffering, that you can get the
help you need. It is a hard journey.
by Christina Kurmis
Paintings for Sale by Christina Kurmis: Supp
ort a Fibro Suffer