Fibromyalgia: A Literal Pain in the Neck
©2005 KissaFrog Creations
Sometimes it follows an accident or illness.
For others the onset is as mysterious as the
syndrome itself. You suddenly realize the
constant muscle ache in your back and legs
doesn't intend to go anywhere and you begin
to worry that it may be more serious than
over exercise.
After spending several sleepless nights pacing
the floor you decide to seek out a doctor.
Although Fibromyalgia, or FMS, as it is
commonly called, is now recognized as a
physical illness by leading physicians, some
are hard to convince. If you're lucky, you
will find a doctor who is familiar with this
type of muscle malady and knows exactly
how to begin treatment.
The origins and effective treatments for FMS
remain shrouded in mystery. There are as
many opinions as there are experts studying
this particular issue. One group of experts has
spent years trying to prove that the existence of
Candida, or yeast, in the system, is responsible.
Another group seeks to connect the problem
with Chronic Fatigue Syndrom and Gulf War
Syndrome. Dr. Weil, a naturopath followed by
many, is certain the answer lies within the foods
we eat.
Whatever the cause, FMS is one of the most
painful conditions you could ever have to deal
with. Many who find themselves completely
disabled after a very active life are at a loss
as to how to describe it to friends and family.
The only thing close to describing it is that it
is like having a case of the flu that refuses to
go away. Every inch of your body hurts,
you have gastrointestinal symptoms,
headaches and even TMJ, or pain in your
jaw area. When these symptoms
continue on after several months you
might suddenly find yourself struggling
with strained personal relationships.
Exercise is essential for people with Fibro.
However, it is important to start slowly and
never over work yourself. It will take you
much longer to recover if you hurt yourself.
Since a sleep disorder seems to be the one
stable symptom in a large majority of FMS
patients, treatment of the syndrome focuses
on treating that. For some patients a very low
dose of an antidepressant may work. When
these particular medicines are taken at doses
below those given to depressed patients, they
appear to have an effect on both sleep patterns
and pain. Other patients may require a
muscle relaxant such as Flexeril. Those with the
most severe cases need to be seen by a pain
specialist and treated with such opiates as
morphine or oxycontin. Contrary to popular
belief, when these particular medications are
taken for pain, they are not habit forming.
If you believe you might have Fibromyalgia,
ask your doctor about it. If he hedges or says
it doesn't exist, it's time to seriously consider a
new doctor. Even if you don't have FMS,
he is seriously behind in his profession.
There is life after FMS. As with any other
physical challenge, there are adjustments.
However, these should never keep you
from reaching for the stars.
Beth Ferree is a writer, public speaker and
coach on the issues of disability, death and
grief. She is also author of the new ebook
"Develop Self Confidence and Lose Your
Fears" You can learn more about her at
http://bethferree.com
