The Frustration of Fibromyalgia

Do you know about the debilitating disease, fibromyalgia? Unfortunately, many are unaware of the disease, and even more unfortunately, not all doctors know about or even believe in the disease. Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 3 to 6 percent of Americans, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, and although men and children can suffer from the disease it primarily affects women.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with no cure. Those afflicted by the disease experience a range of symptoms, from physical exhaustion, brain fog and insomnia, to depression and widespread muscle pain. Many go from one doctor to another, trying to get a diagnosis and figure out what is ailing them. Because the disease is so misunderstood, many are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, lyme disease, depression, hypothyroidism and a host of other misdiagnoses. Sufferers of fibromyalgia may go years before getting a diagnosis, if ever.

Fibromyalgia is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes those with the disease to experience pain much differently than most people. In fact, many with fibromyalgia experience pain to such a degree that they cannot bear to have clothes touching their skin or even be able to sleep with light sheets. The pain affects all other areas of their lives. Insomnia is a huge symptom of the disease and is the main cause of the terrible exhaustion that follows, day in and day out.

The number of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia has increased in recent years, leaving doctors baffled at the cause and unable to treat the disease in any other way than simple symptom treatments: pain medication for pain, sleep aids for insomnia, and antidepressants for the mental anguish caused by symptoms of the disease.

There is no consensus to the cause or the origin of the disease and treatment is hit or miss. Currently, those with disease usually take a host of various medications to try and combat the pain, exhaustion and other symptoms that leave them unable to enjoy life fully.

There are many studies being done to help identify causes and treatments for fibromyalgia. Currently, is thought that stress, lack of sleep and trauma trigger the disease.

If you are tired, plagued with pain and not feeling clear, it might be worth a trip to a rheumatologist to ask about fibromyalgia.



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