Fibromyalgia Monthly Newsletter

August, 2007

With featured articles on Fibromyalgia treatment and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, information on treating Fibromyalgia, reviews of recommended products, and interviews with practitioners.

Fibromyalgia Support

By Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN

Fibromyalgia is a controversial condition that has been misdiagnosed and under diagnosed for centuries. Today, as many as eight million Americans are reported to be afflicted with fibromyalgia. Those numbers will only continue to grow as doctors become better educated in understanding the symptoms and causes of the condition. Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disease that causes pain, exhaustion, and a number of additional physical and mental complaints. Individuals who suffer from this condition need the support of friends and family members to help them understand fibromyalgia, learn more about the condition, and cope with the symptoms of their illness.

Understanding Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects the body in a number of ways. There are numerous symptoms that could fall under the classification of fibromyalgia. Not every person will experience every symptom. The following is a comprehensive list of symptoms that are commonly associated with fibromyalgia. It is important for both fibromyalgia patients, and the friends and family in their support network to understand the symptoms that fibromyalgia can cause.

The Most Common Symptoms: Widespread pain, fatigue, migraines and headaches, sleep disorders, dizziness, irritability, nervousness, depression, apathy, listlessness, impaired cognitive ability and memory, and anxiety.

Digestive Symptoms: Irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, indigestion, gas, bloating, cramps, constipation alternating with diarrhea; pungent urine, frequent urination, bladder spasms, burning urination, and interstitial cystitis are common. For more information on digestive symptoms go to The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center

Symptoms of the Reproductive System: Vaginal pain, vaginal spasms, irritation of the vaginal lips, and painful intercourse. Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia also commonly experience intense premenstrual symptoms and cramping.

Dermatological Symptoms: Various rashes may appear with or without itching: hives, red blotches, tiny bumps or blisters, eczema, seborrheic or neurodermatitis. Nails are often brittle and poor quality; hair falls out prematurely. The skin may give off sensations such as cold, heat (especially palms, soles and thighs), crawling, electric vibrations, prickling, super-sensitivity to touch, or flushing sometimes with heavy sweating.

Other Symptoms: Redness, swelling, and heat in the joints; dry eyes with itching or burning and blurred vision; nasal congestion and post-nasal drip; irritated tongue or abnormal tastes (bad, scalded or metallic); ringing or swishing sounds; numbness and tingling hands, feet or face; leg or foot cramps; weight gain; low grade fevers; greater susceptibility to infections and allergies; heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, odors or chemicals; morning eyelid and hand swelling from fluid retention that gravitates to the lower legs where it stretches tissues causing the restless leg syndrome.

Mental Symptoms: Many people with fibromyalgia experience episodes of unclear or "foggy" thinking. Forgetfulness and confusion are commonly associated with this condition. Individuals with fibromyalgia call this cognitive dysfunction “brain fog” or "fibro fog."

Learning More About Fibromyalgia

If you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or if you think this condition is responsible for your symptoms, it is important for you to learn everything you can about it. The library and Fibromyalgia Support, are a great source for books and other materials about fibromyalgia. Talk with your health care provider about any questions you have regarding your condition. And get connected with a fibromyalgia support group to learn about the latest fibromyalgia news, research and events. A fibromyalgia support group will also keep you informed about activities related to the annual Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.

May 12th of every year is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. Since its inception in 1997, the National Fibromyalgia Association has led Awareness Day activities nationwide in an effort to increase awareness of fibromyalgia and other chronic pain illnesses. The National Fibromyalgia Association works with area organizations to offer free classes and literature during this week to help fibromyalgia sufferers learn more about their condition and develop a support system for coping with their symptoms.

Coping With Fibromyalgia

The best medicine for fibromyalgia is a strong and loving support system. Friends and family can provide tremendous emotional and physical support, helping individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia cope with their illness. Specifically, a good support network can help the patient achieve the following goals:

Improved Quality of Life: The pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia can be physically and emotionally debilitating. Without help, fibromyalgia patients may have difficulty performing daily tasks such as taking out the trash or preparing a nutritious meal. Fibromyalgia sufferers also have a tendency to become depressed if they don't have loving friends and family to boost their morale.
Consistent Health Care: People who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia may become overwhelmed by the quantity and frequency of their symptoms. The objective eye of a friend or family member can help them distinguish between the typical symptoms of fibromyalgia, and more serious symptoms that should be evaluated by a health care provider.
Increased Self-Esteem: When fibromyalgia strikes, many people find that they must say good-bye to a piece of their former selves. Hobbies like needlework or jogging may no longer be possible. But with a strong support network, a person who has fibromyalgia can learn to discover new activities and interests that fit into their new lifestyle.

To visit with others whom suffer from Fibromyalgia, please visit the Fibromyalgia Support Forum.