If only two things resonate with you after reading this, please walk away from this blog post knowing these 2 very important facts about Fibromyalgia:
- It is REAL and it isn’t a made-up condition. There is no test or visual proof we can show you, but it is a debilitating disorder and the suffering is legitimate.
- It is different for every single Fibro warrior. We have similar symptoms, but every person suffers on different levels. There isn’t a remedy that helps everyone. Each individual must go through a lot of trial and error to find relief.
The Medical Definition
Fibromyalgia is defined by widespread pain that isn’t the result of an injury or disease. The Mayo Clinic describes the pain of Fibromyalgia:
Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change. This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters). In addition, the brain’s pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals.
Mayo Clinic Website
The cause is unknown, however, there appears to be a pattern of patients that have had mental, emotional, &/or physical trauma or abuse in their past. Some patients can’t define a past trauma and relate it to an illness they previously had. There is also increasing belief that it is hereditary. It is more common in women, but men suffer also.
Symptoms
As I mentioned above, symptoms are different with every person. Some patients will have all of these plus more and some will only have a handful. Here are some common symptoms:
- Full Body Muscle Aches and Pains
- Tenderness is certain areas of the body
- Fatigue – overall body fatigue and also waking up in the morning exhausted
- “Fibro Fog” – Memory lapse, trouble concentrating, mentally fuzzy feeling
- Sleeplessness
- Sleeping all the time
- “Pins & Needles” sensation
- Headaches
- Inflammation
- And a lot more!
Patients can have symptoms every single day and some are symptom free on some days. All of us definitely have time periods where we are in a Fibro flare. A flare can last for a day or for weeks at a time. Every flare is different. Essentially a flare is when the symptoms are escalated, and you have many at the same time. Most Fibro patients struggle with their daily lives especially more so during a flare.
It is also common to have more than one condition when you have Fibromyalgia. IBS, Arthritis, TMJ, Lupus, MS, and a lot more are commonly diagnosed in the same patient.
Diagnosis Difficulty
To be diagnosed is very difficult. There isn’t a simple blood test to show positive and there isn’t an X-Ray or scan that Fibromyalgia will show up on. There are batteries of tests patients have to go through to rule other diseases and conditions out. In years past, there were trigger point tests from the head to the toes that are tested for tenderness. The doctors would say if you are sensitive to at least 11 that is a positive diagnosis. However, that is becoming less commonly used. There is also a debate of type of specialist you should see to be diagnosed. Rheumatologists tend to be the specialist a primary will refer you to, but they don’t necessarily understand it. A patient will have to search using trial and error to find a medical professional that understands Fibromyalgia and can help the patient manage.
Treatment
First and foremost, there is not a magical cure and Fibromyalgia will always be a battle in the patient’s life. Every patient’s treatment looks completely different than the next patient. Prescription drugs can help some, while a natural path helps others, and some individuals will find comfort in a combination of these. Treatments are primarily treating the symptoms to help make life bearable. These consist of lifestyle changes along with medicinal or pharmaceutical methods. There is a lot of trial and error to find what helps you since everyone reacts differently. I have compiled some examples of treatments that help Fibro patients:
- Reducing Stress is a common link between the Fibro community
- Pharmaceuticals – antiseizure, antidepressants, & pain relievers
- Natural Remedies – CBD, THC, essential oils
- Exercise – yoga, walking, biking, & swimming are common
- Self-Care – massages, meditation, acupuncture, therapy
- Epsom Salt Baths
- Diet Changes – eliminating sugar &/or gluten, completely plant based, anti-inflammatory diets
Please know I am no way a medical authority and DO NOT recommend any kind of treatment. I am only sharing my knowledge and my story. If you believe you might have Fibromyalgia, I recommend you see your primary care physician.
