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The 10 Essentials for
Living with Chronic
Illness or Chronic Pain

Fibromyalgia Overview

Fibromyalgia, sometimes abbreviated as FMS, is a chronic pain condition localized in the muscles, ligaments and tendons of those inflicted. It is typically accompanied by certain spots on various parts of the body that are tender to the touch and overwhelming fatigue as well as a variety of other symptoms.

Until recently there has been very little acceptance or support from the medical community in regard to this condition. Standard medical tests come back with no significant findings. When you ask someone living with Fibro where it hurts, they typically answer "everywhere."

Medical professionals had a lack of understanding, and as they so often do when they feel inadequate, decided to label this debilitating condition as a psychological problem, and those inflicted as hypochondriacs, rather than trying to look deeper for the real truth.

The unfortunate consequence of this kind of insulting response from the medical community in regard to any health condition or illness, is that it discredits the validity of the illness and the impact it has on one's life in the eyes of society.

This leaves the individual living with Fibromyalgia to fight an additional assault on the body, mind and spirit, by having to defend themselves to friends, family and employers etc. during a time they really need support.

It is now becoming more widely recognized, however there's still a long way to go. The stigma still hangs in the air to some degree. Most people diagnosed with Fibromyalgia have been to dozens of doctors who told them there was nothing wrong with them before finally finding someone who makes an accurate diagnosis.

Some statistics estimate that it affects 2 to 4 percent of the population, while other statistics have it as high as 5 or 6. So we can safely assume it is somewhere in that range, however these numbers are probably underestimating the prevalence as it continues to increase.

It is not life-threatening nor progressive, however the pain and other symptoms of Fibromyalgia can be quite devastating to live with. More women than men develop it and its symptoms vary widely from person to person. Not only that, symptoms within the same person can fluctuate wildly. They may change from day to day or even hour to hour.

Most people living with Fibromyalgia report that symptoms are affected by factors such as the weather, the amount of stress in their life, the level of activity in the day, and even as something as simple as the time of day.

There are many theories as to what causes Fibromyalgia, however no one is completely sure. It may be a result of Candida or other bacteria, viruses or parasites. Others believe it may be that neurotransmitters in the brain may be out of balance or it's the result of a chemical in the spinal fluid called Substance P. While some think it is a result of physical trauma.

In my own personal experience I've found it to be set off by Candida, factors in the environment such as pesticides, chlorine, and common everyday chemicals in products like perfume and household cleaners and to be linked to hormonal fluctuations. Many Fibromyalgia Symptoms can be relieved by avoiding environmental triggers.

Most people living with Fibromyalgia are also inflicted with Chronic Fatigue. As someone living with both conditions, I believe they are basically one in the same illness, with a different subset of symptoms.

There may also be high levels of anxiety and depression. Some people categorize these as symptoms of Fibro, but I tend to believe they are actually responses to the situation.

Living with FMS can be extremely challenging. As with any chronic health condition it impacts the emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of those inflicted as well as the lives of those in their immediate family. There is likely to be a great deal of grief associated with all the changes and loss. The pain, the other symptoms and the impact on one's life may be frightening and overwhelming to deal with at times.

In addition to living with the pain every day, there are many other consequences the individual may face. They may no longer be able to function as they used to. Daily tasks and expectations may inhibited. Many people lose their jobs or must change careers to something they don't desire.

Relationships may be burdened by the loss of income, changing roles and instability that all illness creates. Life as it once was may be turned upside down. Adjustments must be made. There will be a large range of emotions to deal with on a daily basis.

There is no known cure, however many people can manage and reduce symptoms with a variety of alternative and holistic health methods. Treatment of Fibro is most effective when a combination of approaches are utilized together.

The key to living and coping with Fibromyalgia effectively lies in patient education and self management skills. The most powerful tool you can have in addressing this condition is Knowledge. Learn everything you can and take an active role in your treatment approach.