Six Things People with Fibromyalgia Should Know

This is a list of six things people with Fibromyalgia should know.  These things will help you reach the ultimate goal: being the best you can be with Fibromyalgia. 

   1.     Fibromyalgia is REAL.

Historically, medical professionals have had difficulty accepting Fibromyalgia as a REAL medical condition due to the lack of easy tests to use to diagnose it.  

Although the medical profession has moved forward by leaps and bounds in terms of understanding Fibromyalgia, your friends and family may NOT understand it yet.  Don’t dwell on this. 

Your experiences are valid and real.  Research studies are showing real problems in the chemical content of the spinal fluid, the way that endocrine glands and the automatic response system respond to stress, brain function, and in patient performance during tests.  These are all validations that, although Fibromyalgia, isn’t completely understood, it is REAL.

   2.   Never feel guilt over your illness or the limitations you may face. Fibromyalgia is not a choice and isn’t something you can pretend doesn’t exist.

 No one chooses to be ill or face hardships. Some things are simply beyond our control.  Getting a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia is not something you can change or ignore. Everyone with Fibromyalgia faces moments when they are disappointing someone else, because they simply are not able to meet other people’s expectations. 

As difficult as it is to not feel guilty or upset by this, you really need to focus on what you CAN do and try your best to get your loved ones to understand. You did NOT choose this. Fibromyalgia is not a character flaw.  Try to alleviate any guilt or stress you feel.  

You don’t get to choose whether or not you have Fibromyalgia, but you CAN choose to handle Fibromyalgia with the most positive mindset possible and be open to finding the best treatment regimen for you.

  3.   The symptoms of Fibromyalgia will wax and wane, meaning the severity levels WILL change. On days that seem more difficult and extra challenging, remember it will get better.

People with Fibromyalgia suffer from more than just pain.  Extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances, and fibro fog are all major obstacles to overcome.  Finding the right medical regimen will help you minimize flare-ups, but most people with Fibromyalgia still experience the symptoms to varying degrees.  

Just remember, the only constant with Fibromyalgia is change.  You will have good days and bad days. Try to focus on the good days.

   4.   Education is an important step towards recovery.  Learn all you can about Fibromyalgia and actually do the things that are recommended by your medical team.

The more you learn about Fibromyalgia and the remedies available, the closer you will be to achieving a normal life.  When you learn about viable treatments, you should try them with the help of your medical team. 

There are medications that are approved by the FDA to treat Fibromyalgia and there are many alternative therapies that may be helpful like physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, natural supplements, diet, and exercise. 

Any combination of these therapies might be the right one for you. Because, we all respond differently to treatments, some may work and some may not, but don’t give up.  Keep working with your doctors and specialists and learning about Fibromyalgia, so that you can find the right treatment combination for you.

   5.    Be good to yourself.  Everyday should include some activities that make you happy.

If you find joy in your daily life, then you will be far more likely to control some of your symptoms.  Taking care of yourself by trying to maintain the best sleep habits you can, staying motivated to exercise, and reducing stress will help you become your best you.

Attitude is a huge player in the game of successfully managing Fibromyalgia. By finding your happiness, you will be allowing yourself the ability to be more successful in combating your symptoms.

   6.   Feeling alone is common for people with Fibromyalgia, but you are not alone.

It is estimated that more than ten million people in the United States have Fibromyalgia and even more throughout the world.  Fibromyalgia is not the same for everyone. There is currently a theory that there are different types of Fibromyalgia. 

However, everyone with Fibromyalgia goes through similar situations and difficulties. Many communities offer support groups for Fibromyalgia patients and there are several online communities as well.  If you feel alone and misunderstood, try to seek input from other people with Fibromyalgia.  You will find out for yourself that you are NOT alone.