Fibromyalgia. What is it?
I had to look this up in Wikipedia because honestly I have only heard the word a handful of times and a recent comment on one of my posts got me curious. So what is Fybromyalgia? Wikipedia defines it as:
Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is a chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms) characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. It is not contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed. It affects more females than males, with a ratio of 9:1 by ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria. Fibromyalgia is seen in 3% to 6% of the general population. Recently there has been an increase in the number of diagnoses, which is assumed to be associated with better identification of the disorder. It is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50, though onset can occur in childhood.
The disease is not directly life-threatening. The degree of symptoms may vary greatly from day to day with periods of flares (severe worsening of symptoms) or remission; however, the syndrome is generally perceived as non-progressive.
Fibromyalgia may actually be composed of several clinical entities, ranging from a mild, idiopathic inflammatory process in some individuals, to a somatoform disorder resulting from clinical depression in others, with probable overlaps in between. Current diagnostic criteria are insufficient to differentiate these entities.
Click here for more information on Fibromyalgia
There is a Blog for an online community for Fibromyalgia, but I’ll let this comment explain it better. This information was left by a Mr. Khurt L.F.E. Williams back on the 6th under the “Effects Of Toxic Mold On A Canadian Family Post“, but has been in moderation because I wanted to address the issue as opposed to let it sit in a comment box and be ignored. Here it is:
By: Khurt L.F.E. Williams
“My wife was diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago and our lives were changed forever. I am developing an online community for people suffering from fibromyalgia. The online community, “You’re Not Alone” ( http://fibromyalgia.ning.com ), will allow members to participate in fibromyalgia-related discussions in the Forum, share their thoughts and ideas in their blog, and post their personal photos and videos. There is no cost to join. Members of the site follow a simple process to create their profile page, which they can later customize including a profile photo and additional details about themselves. I created the project while participating in a Landmark Education leadership program. Part of the coursework was to create a project that benefits the community. When I had the opportunity to create a project that would make a difference in the community, it was only natural that my wife’s illness would be the inspiration.”
Tags: chronic-illness, Fibromyalgi, toxic-moldRelated Stories
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5 opinions for Fibromyalgia. What is it?
depression » Blog Archive » Fibromyalgia. What is it?
Dec 11, 2007 at 9:13 pm
[…] Read the rest of this great post here […]
laura
Dec 12, 2007 at 3:48 am
Hi Scott,
Fibromyalgia, a controversial condition (if there ever was such a thing) often goes hand in hand with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Some people believe its the same condition.
For some (like most chronic illnesses) it can be managed (alternative therapies work quite well here), but flare-ups are frustrating because they can appear out of left field…and you are left devastated for days or weeks on end (or more) - and have no idea what caused it.
Depression is definitely a symptom of Fibromyalgia that needs some attention.
Of course there is a big range of Fibromyalgia/ CFS symptoms. On the one hand you have someone like me, who after almost 10 years of living with these conditions live a very normal life - working 3 jobs and living life semi-fully, to people who are bed ridden, and need part time (and sometimes even full time help). The important thing to remember is that FM is not a life sentence. Frustrating as it can be, it is also a condition that can be managed successfully. What helps here, is an optimistic outlook - really it does help.
Support groups can be found across Canada and the US in most major cities. A good resource to start with is http://www.fmsglobalnews.com this site can put you in touch with a lot of information.
Of course any readers of yours who want more information, can reach me through my blog http://www.cfssquared.com and I will help them find a support group in their area - if that is what they are looking for.
By the way, Great Post!
Hailey Harris
May 13, 2008 at 9:23 am
In addition to that, Fibromyalgia is a condition where you feel chronic pain in certain parts of your body; it is a muscular pain especially around the joints. There can also be centralized pain felt in the spinal chord, brain, neck shoulders etc. People with fibromyalgia generally complain of pain in the joints, but it actually is the muscles and the tendons around it that cause the pain, it can be excruciating sometimes and can be a continuous throbbing pain. People suffering from Fibromyalgia also show symptoms of depression, sleeplessness, irritable bowel syndrome, stress and many others, which are caused due to the pain.
Usually Fibromyalgia affects women over 30, but even children and men are sometimes affected. There is no known cure for fibromyalgia, however you can overcome this symptom over a period of time with natural cures like herbs and dietary supplements that help with the condition.
To give you more information, feel free to visit Rid Fibromyalgia - http://ridfibromyalgia.com/
The Rid Fibromyalgia provides an eBook entitled “Heal the Body” that will teach you the best diet that will allow you to eat your way to wellness, it will also document which vitamins and supplements will target and reverse the illness, how to achieve pain relief through acupuncture, what exercises are safe and will work, and what type of medications may make you sicker, and what will work. This eBook takes a step by step approach in showing you how to rid yourself of the pain naturally so that you can take back your life.
Scott
May 13, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Thanks for the comment and helpful info, Hailey.
Hailey Harris
May 14, 2008 at 1:05 pm
Your welcome Scott.
This is additional information. This is very nice and informative post.
Knowing the symptoms of this illness. For us to know what would be the approach we will going to apply. Here’s Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia and steps to treat it naturally.
We must also be responsible and aware to the things to gain and cope up with this kind of illness. Eating nutritious food with regular exercise would be result to a better life. Here’s Basic Tips in Coping Fibromyalgia.
If we say Fibromyalgia Diet, there is no specific recommended diet for fibromyalgia. But a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can certainly help in coping with the illness. Magnesium rich vegetables are recommended for patient’s suffering from fibromyalgia. Here’s some information for you to help in Fibromyalgia Diet.
We must also think that vitamins are important for Fibromyalgia sufferers. This will give us additional energy and strength to kept a healthy living. But of course, you must be aware that not all vitamins are effective or directly gives you a good result. Find the best vitamins that would easily give a good response if your taking it. The best thing is your healed and keep your body healthy as possible. Here’s The Benefit of Vitamins for us to know why vitamins are important for fibromyalgia sufferers.
Here’s Rid Fibromyalgia, For free info and helpful articles on fighting fibromyalgia.
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