Fibromyalgia
What it is…
Fibromyalgia or FMS, is not actually an illness but a syndrome.
There are many theories behind what this syndrome really is. There is an overlap with CFIDS or Chronic Fatigue (Immune Dysfunction) Syndrome, whereby approximately 1/3 of the people (mainly women) that have FMS also have CFIDS.
FMS can be described as something similar to arthritic pain but without the joint inflammation. Fibromyalgia is more of a nerve pain. A person feels inflamed or even fluish, where it feels as if just brushing up against the hairs on the skin hurt.
At onset, many people report a severe illness that they never completely recover from. Others can recall a severe trauma such as a car accident or major surgery as the trigger.
I’ve often described my symptoms as having the flu for weeks or even months at a time. People can relate to the flu since mostly everyone had had or has taken care of a loved one with a really bad cold or flu, where you feel achy all over, muscle weakness, brain fog, confusion, sensitive to light and sound and extreme fatigue.
There are degrees of FMS and one can cycle through them, feeling worse or better at different times of the year or within their own body cycle.
What it is NOT…
FMS is not imaginary! It is real and it really hurts and causes debilitating symptoms for many people that have it. It seems to affect women more than men, but it doesn’t exclude men from having it. It is believed that female hormones may play a part in it, which is why more women seem to have it than men. It is NOT because women are weak or whiny!
What can be done…
For starters, it’s important to learn your own body and how much you can and cannot do. That’s difficult because while you may be able to push the envelope at times, there are other times even a small amount of normal daily activity may set off a whole gamut of symptoms including insomnia, pain and discomfort.
Don’t give up and don’t get discouraged. A good attitude, understanding family and/or friends, and a good compassionate doctor all help.
I use alot of alternative therapies, which is what this site is about. There was a time when I had to give in and take pain medications and muscle relaxers, but I’ve since found that I can use natural remedies to relieve symptoms and improve well being.
I also think I eat “weller” than the average person does. I try to steer clear of the SAD (Standard American Diet) diet; ironically, I think the SAD is “sad”!
Low carbs, juicing, raw foods, an anti-inflammatory diet are all helpful for overall well being.
Find what works for you. Be proactive. Talk with your doctor. Make him or her a partner in your health. Let him or her know you want are willing to do whatever it takes to improve your overall well being.
One of my doctors sent me to a nutritional class he offered for pre-diabetes, also known as Metabolic Syndrome. This helped me alot in understanding what impact diet has on my overall health.
I am constantly revisiting my diet. Many gain weight from FMS due to the medications, lack of movement and low energy. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that if you can’t exercise, which many people with FMS cannot do, that you will have to gain weight. It’s simply NOT TRUE. Although, exercise is good for you and may be beneficial, don’t overdo it because you will only make your symptoms worse.
On the other hand, don’t give up on exercise altogether because you feel you can’t do enough! Moderation is key. Learn your limits and work within them. This takes patience and perseverance.
There is also a phenomenon which often occurs, which I’ve heard nicknamed “Fibroglycemia.” Yes, it’s Hypoglycemia. I’ve had Hypoglycemia long before I was ever diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Check out my page on Hypoglycemia for more information on diet and ways to avoid developing Type 2 Diabetes from poor food choices.