Fibromyalgia
What is Fibromyalgia?
In the simplest term I can locate, the NHS describe Fibromyalgia as the following:
Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.
Symptoms: As well as widespread pain, people with fibromyalgia may also have:
- increased sensitivity to pain
- extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- muscle stiffness
- difficulty sleeping
- problems with mental processes (known as “fibro-fog”), such as problems with memory and concentration
- headaches
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a digestive condition that causes stomach pain and bloating
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose as there is no test that can be done to confirm the illness, and so most people are sent through a process of illimination to rule out a whole variety of other illnesses (those that can be tested for). Typically a GP or Rheumatologist will make this diagnosis.
Whilst men can have fibromyalgia it is more common in women. Currently there is no cure, however, symptoms can be treated with both non-drug and medication based treatments. often the best outcomes are achieved by using multiple types of treatments (if you are able to get them!).
xox