Everyday should be Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

I have Fibromyalgia.   Most days, if I tell someone new this, I end up getting the response of: you have fibro what?   Although, there have been many strides in Fibromyalgia research and a better understanding in the medical field, there still seems to be a lot of misinformation or no information at all in terms of how the general public views and understands Fibromyalgia. 

Fibromyalgia is an “invisible illness.” This means you cannot see the illness. People with Fibromyalgia rarely look “sick.” But the illness is there and it affects every aspect of our lives and the lives of the people around us.  

Fibromyalgia (Fm or FMS) is characterized as a chronic pain disorder that has widespread musculo-skeletal pain, fatigue and tenderness in localized areas caused by an overly sensitive Central Nervous System.

Researchers believe that brain chemicals called neurotransmitters become imbalanced causing the body to send pain signals to the brain for things that wouldn’t normally hurt.  A gentle hug for a Fibromyalgia patient can cause excruciating pain. A tap on the hand can feel like being punched.

Fibromyalgia is considered to be a syndrome not a disease, because in addition to full body pain, most fibromyalgia patients typically have multiple other conditions including cognitive dysfunction (fibro fog), depression and/or anxiety, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, stiffness, and sleep disorders.  That’s just to name a few of the other conditions that come hand in hand with pain for many Fibromyalgia patients.

No one really knows what causes Fibromyalgia or how to cure it.  There are currently 3 medications that are approved by the FDA for treatment (Lyrica, Cymbalta, and Savella).  Many people have found some relief in vitamins and supplements as well.  Additionally, there can be some relief from other techniques including light exercise, stress reduction, meditation, massage, chiropractic, and acupuncture.  Because every individual is different, some medications and techniques may work for one person and not work at all for another person.

International Fibromyalgia day is on May 12^th, but I think everyday should be Fibromyalgia Awareness day, until all of the people around us have heard of Fibromyalgia, can pronounce it, and have a basic understanding of what it is.

By the way, Fibromyalgia is pronounced: \ˌfī-ˌbrō-ˌmī-ˈal-j(ē)ə\ or click play on the Fibromyalgia Pronounced video below.