Fibromyalgia (totally off topic)

[Moggo]

Does anyone have Fibromyalgia or know much about it?

I've recently been diagnosed with it after many years of pain, fatigue and just odd symptoms.

I read conflicting information about it from it's a physical condition to it's all in your head.

Just wondering if anyone has experience of it.

Thanks.


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[Gaijin]

My friend had it and suffered greatly. She said she found relief in medical marijuana. Best of luck Sir.

[Rock]

I think you may be talking about a condition that is known as "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome" (CFS) or "Myalgic Encephalomyelitis" (ME)

I had this condition between 1988 and about 1999. I had a relatively mild version which was not so severe that I could not work. I knew people who were unable to work or lead any sort of normal life. Some got better and some didn't.
At the time I had it the medical profession was fairly sceptical about it having any physiological etiology and were inclined to suggest that there was a purely psychological cause.
I felt sure this was incorrect and spent a lot of time on research, trying various strategies, and generally trying to learn more about the condition.
After a number of years struggling with the joint pain, impaired concentration, and most of all the fatigue, I found a combination of mild exercise, vitamins, less poisons (coffee, alcohol) a less stressful work environment, and a sensible amount of sleep began to improve my condition. After several years of this it was clear that I was returning to normal health.
When I had it there were no tests to identify it but I believe there are now.
If you have a doctor that trivialises your condition, get another doctor.
I believe it primarily affects 'A Type' personalities, and is caused by prolonged exposure to stress which damages your immune system and makes you susceptible to illness.
I was working in a horrible organisation with horrible people and leaving the job was the first big step towards recovery. I could go on for pages about this condition but you may not consider it is what you have.

[RRGHOST1]

My wife has Fibromyalgia plus breast cancer plus bulging discs in her back. She is in pain 24/7,not very nice.

[landroverking]

My wife does. I'll have her post info later

[sewagerat]

http://www.neurosymptoms.org/pain/4533053153

[Moggo]

Thanks all, lots of useful replies.

I've thought something was going on for some time but could never put my finger on it, it was so widespread from fatigue to nerve pain in my face etc.


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[Zakalwe]

Fibromyalgia is a chronic (long term) condition that causes widespread musculoskeletal pain for which nobody knows the cause. There isn't even a consensus amongst rheumatologists about why people get it. The most accepted theories suggest that it's either in some way due to alterations in the peripheral and central nervous systems that changes how the sufferer perceives pain, or due to somatisation (physical manifestations of psychological illness). There is evidence that there is some genetic predisposition and environmental triggers can potentially precipitate the illness (e.g. it can seemingly be caused by a significant bout of stress or a period of physical ill-health).

Another poster mentioned CFS - Fibromyalgia is not the same illness, the former causing chronic fatigue as the primary symptom, rather than pain. However there is quite a bit of overlap, CFS sufferers often suffering from chronic pain and fibro sufferers experiencing sometimes debilitating fatigue. Nobody knows what causes CFS either, neither are there tests for either condition, both being diagnoses of exclusion - basically people with these illnesses undergo various tests and see various specialists until it's decided they don't have any number of other conditions.

There is no cure, however it does seem to "burn itself out" and resolve in some people. What evidence there is suggests exercise and CBT (talking therapy) can help. Otherwise treatment is symptomatic - i.e. painkillers for pain etc.

The following is a pretty good (and evidence based) information leaflet:
https://patient.info/health/fibromyalgia-leaflet

There will probably be a rheumatologist with a special interest in Fibromyalgia and/or a specialist clinic in your area. If you haven't been plugged in already by your GP it might be worth enquiring. Whilst the internet has its benefits, there is also a lot of misinformation around. There isn't any substitute for sitting down and having a chat with a clued-up GP or hospital consultant, if you can.

I hope you get it under control.

[Moggo]

Very detailed, many thanks, I will look through the link.

Feeling pretty rough with it all to be honest.


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[JasoninDenver]

Make sure they test vitamin d levels as there is early evidence of either a linkage to fibromyalgia of possibly a similarity of symptoms.