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Nikki's Fibromyalgia Page
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What is Fibromyalgia?
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Fibromyalgia or FMS, is a condition that causes all over body pain and chronic fatigue. It has been likened to flu-like sypmtoms that never go away. There seems to be no known cause for FMS. At this time there is no cure of FMS. More woman than men seem to suffer from this condition.
FMS is usually treated with anti-depressants, sleep-aids, pain medications, water therapy, and exercise. Remember, what works for one person may not work for another. It is a process of trial and error for each FMS patient. People with FMS also find their symptoms can change day by day or even hour by hour.
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This is a small list of some of the sypmtoms of this condition.
1. Pain
2. Stiffness
3. Chronic fatigue
4. Depression/Anxiety
5. Chronic aching
6. IBS (Irratible Bowel Syndrome)
7. Sleep disturbance
8. Morning stiffness/joint swelling
9. Memory loss/problems (fibro fog)
10. At least 11 of 18 tender points
These are but a few of the symptoms for FMS. It can vary from person to person and consideration must be given for other health issues. The best way to find out if you have this condition is to seek out reputable medical advice. For many with FMS it takes quite alot of visits to come to a diagnosis. All other health issues must be ruled out first.(such as lupus or MS) Nothing should take the place of a medical exam.
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Symptoms of Fibromaylgia
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What is living with Fibromyalgia like?
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One of the most important things you can do to help a loved one or friend with this condition is understanding and compassion. Many of us with this condition have gone through alot of doctor's who belittle us and our pain. Because FMS is an invisible condition, (who can measure another's pain?), most people tend to think the patient is a complainer or faking the pain for attention. This happens quite often to all of us.
To help someone with FMS try to imagine yourself living the way we do. Imagine being to tired and in to much pain to even get yourself to the bathroom. Or what it would be like to not be able to do things most people take for granted. (Washing dishes, cooking, walking, bathing yourself) The list goes on and on. Some people with FMS have very mild sypmtoms while others are disabled. Do not compare one person to another. Some can continue on in their daily lives pretty much as normal, while others find themselves in a wheelchair or using a cane. People with fibro are never out of pain. My pain can be so extreme that I cannot even hug my child and not cry out because it hurts so bad. This seems inconceivable to most people but is actually pretty common. If someone with fibro tells you they are to tired to do something-let it go- don't try to tell them to face the pain and just get up! They are telling the truth. Instead, see what you can do to help. Even doing the dishes can take someone with chronic pain all day and wear them out for a long time.
My daily life varies according to my pain. There is no such thing as a "normal" day. Somedays are great- my pain level is down and I can actually get out of the house. Other days are so bad I cannot even get out of bed. Let alone see to normal household duties. People with FMS usually led active lives before this hit them. It is very hard to let go of what your life used to be for this new life. Most people "grieve" the loss of what they felt they used to be. They are not asking for special attention or sympathy...just understanding. Imagine having the flu for the rest of your life. Not just a week out of your busy schedule but your whole exsistence seemingly taken away from you. And then have others tell you it is all in your head or you are faking it. Remember, people do not choose to have FMS, but it is a real condition.
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Favorite Links
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