Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is one of those diseases that people think you make up.




• "It's all in your head."

• "Pull yourself together."

• "Don't let it get you down."

• "I've been tired, too."

• "You don't look sick."

• "I know what you are going through."

What can you say?
• I know it took great effort to be here today.

• I'd like to help. What can I do?

• I care about you.

Fibromyalgia has no known cure. Fibromyalgia is known by the letters "FM" or "FMS". Sufferers are not deformed or crippled by FMS. It is not a fatal syndrome. There are good days and bad days. A thunderstorm may worsen the pain. A good night's sleep will lessen it. Sleep is a major problem with FMS, as well as depression and anxiety.

What is fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is

• waking up too stiff and exhausted to get out of bed.
• hurting over every inch of my body.
• feeling anxious and depressed.
• a five minute walk is aerobic exercise.
• checking the mailbox is a major accomplishment for the day.
• The American College of Rheumatology defines fibromyalgia.

• According to an Arthritis Foundation news release, fibromyalgia is the second leading form of arthritis and affects more women than men.

• Dr. D. Chiu from the Rheumatology Discussion Board said, "fibromyalgia has always been considered a disease without any autoimmune basis - but one where there is failure of muscle relaxation possibly related to stress and sleep pathology. Yet I hear more and more of Dr. Garth Nicholson's work suggesting an underlying infectious aetiology - so, if this turns out to be the case, you will probably find rheumatologists more enthusiastic about treating what is otherwise a disappointing condition to treat."

Diagnosis

is difficult. The symptoms mimic other disorders and many FMS sufferers have more than one ailment. Doctors don't look for FMS and it may take many visits to the doctor before a proper diagnosis is made. One woman went to different doctors for over 20 years before the diagnosis of FMS was made.

If you think you may have fibromyalgia, contact your local chapter of the


• Arthritis Foundation.
  • Fibromyalgia - Widespread and Difficult to Diagnose
    
• The Arthritis Society Canada

• NZ Rheumatology Home Page
• NOSSCR The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives is an association of paralegals and attorneys who represent Social Security and Supplemental Security Income claimants.
• YPWCnet - Fibromyalgia Info Source over thirty links to FMS resources.

University of Missouri - Columbia School of Medicine

Missouri Arthritis Rehabilitation Research and Training Center
• Fibromyalgia FAQ for Patients. . . answers questions and gives the 18 tender points for diagnosis.
• Fibromyalgia Help Yourself Guide a list of support groups, associations, newsletters, books, videos, and programs.
  
• A Physician's Guide to Fibromyalgia Syndrome  written in doctor's terminology: the etiology, diagnosis, treatment, drugs, symptoms, location of tender points, and references.
  
• Arthritis: Reflections on Positive Thinking  A brief essay on the effect that positive thinking has on a person’s wellness, especially those who have a chronic illness.
  
• Fibromyalgia Educational Resources a list of FMS links.
  
• Bibliography of Fibromyalgia Research written 3/15/95
  
• Good Moves Exercise Program for People with Arthritis A safe, effective exercise program designed for people with arthritis and for anyone who is not familiar with exercise and wants to improve health and fitness
  

Do your own research:

• U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)
  
• Free MEDLINE: PubMed and Internet Grateful Med
  

Newsgroup

• Fibromyalgia Newsgroup
  
• Chronic Pain Newsgroup

Support Mailing Lists

• Fibromylagia -- subscribe fibrom-L Your-name
• Chronic pain - Health & Healing - sub PAIN-L Your-name

Chat groups

• IRC/Chat  #Arthritis - a discussion group for arthritis and fibromylagia

Published Source

Journal of the American Medical Association February 11, 1998

• 18 tender points and the "18-wheeler" sign: clues to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Commericial sites

• EEG Biofeedback Training for Chronic Pain a brief explanation of neurofeedback.
• Nutramed Site  Fibromyalgia  This site is selling a nutritional product. The information is very comprehensive.
• WebDoctor | Rheumatology - Fibromylagia

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