Fibro What??????
of the soft tissue. It is a musculoskeletal
disorder that effects the muscles, ligaments
and tendons throughout the body causing severe pain.
The most complained about symptoms are pain and
stiffness, fatigue, sleep disorders, headache,
irritable bowel syndrome, Raynaud's, cognitive impairment,
and dizziness. The pain may be felt as
a constant ache or it may be a sharp
shooting or stabbing pain which does not stop. The fatigue
does not go away with
sleep. Patients complain of feeling physically
drained and slow. It may be difficult for
the patient to lift his/her arms or even take a few steps.
Sleep disorders are very common among FM patients.
They either have difficulty falling asleep or have
intermittent sleep which is associated with defects in the
stage 4 or deep delta-wave sleep.
The disorder is best diagnosed by a rheumatologist.
These doctors are trained to find the various tender points
in the body. These are areas of the body where
ligaments attach muscles to bones. It is believed that FM
may be triggered by various traumas which may awaken a
neurological abnormality in the body.
Flare-ups can be triggered by many
different aggravating conditions. These may
include physical stress, cold temperatures or draughty
conditions, changes in the weather, and overexertion. Some
patients find that with each flare-up they grow slightly weaker.
Although FM is not life-threatening it can be debilitating.
Some patients find that as they grow weaker they must
rely on wheelchairs or electric scooters. Treatment at this
time focuses on the various symptoms. Most patients take
a variety of medications. Physical therapy and massage therapy
are often benificial. Patients are advised to avoid any type of
stress, physical or emotional. They are also told to
conserve energy but at the same time stretch and exercise
to their ability.
Until recently FM patients were told that the symptoms
were all in their head. Now that rheumatologists are able to
diagnosis FM support groups are springing up all
over the world. Doctors are trying to find medications that
work best for each individual patient.
I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1991 after many years of seeking
the opinion of various doctors as to what was wrong with me. The pain and fatigue
had been going on for several years. When my Primary Care Physician
suggested I go to a Rheumatologist I was a little leary.....I had seen so many
doctors already. The Rheumatologist gave me a very complete examination which
included checking for tender points. I was shocked to learn that when she pressed
on some of the tender points I experienced excrutiating pain in
areas of my body that I was unaware I had pain...LOL. When she
diagnosed me with Fibro I was actually releived. Finally, I had a name for
the pain and fatigue which haunted me constantly and had changed my life
so drastically.
If you or someone you love has these symptoms
please see your doctor.
This page is meant to provide information only.
RESOURCE LINKS:
WebMd.com
HealthCentral.com
MSN Health
SHORT STORIES And DISABILITY INFORMATION
WebMd.com
HealthCentral.com
MSN Health
INTRODUCTION