Is FIBROMYALGIA a legitimate condition or just a state of mind?

Question

I believe it to be both,
I was worried about saying I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia since 2000. Best my doctor and I can tell, I had it 17 years before diagnosis. I am 39 and somedays I feel that my 80yr. old neighbor could "whoop" my butt. I didn't realize it was affecting my mind until the first anniversary of Princess Di's death. I thought it might have been early on-set alzheimers (not sure about spelling). I'm comforted to know there are understanding ppl here, tyvm all

Answer 1

BOTH!! The mind-body relationship is often poorly understood and minimized. A lack of understanding of this relationship leads to frustration and poor results in the treatment of this condition. Anytime one is asked to undergo a lifestyle change (such as weaning down on pain meds and increasing the level of physical activity) when that very change exacerbates the symptoms is going to be dificult. The state of mind of a patient with fibromyalgia must be validated by the provider in order for the patient to have the level of trust needed to follow that provider's treatment regimen.

Answer 2

I have it and it is real, it took quite a while to be diagnosed. I was actually thought to have mental illness because some of the symptoms mimic. However after being treated with every medication under the sun and no results aside from getting worse. I found a new Dr. and was diagnosed about 4 years ago. I have problem with my memory now and that is hard. The pain is so bad (like now) I really can't stand it. I feel as I a terrible burden to my husband as most of my pain is in my upper back, neck and shoulders. I have very little strength to do anything. I am trying a few supplements right now that have been suggested by others and my Dr, but it is too soon to tell. There aren't many people that I know that even know what it is or have heard of it let alone begin to understand. I look normal so they really can't understand what could be wrong. I have been to a institution that specializes in Fibro and I was able to go only once then I lost my insurance but they agreed with my Dr.in regards to my diagnosis. I have found information on line but that is hard too because you never know if people are sincere or just trying to make a buck at someone else's expense. I will continue to try new things and keep searching. Good Luck to you as I feel your pain and I too feel like I am 80 some days and I am only 35.

Answer 3

I'm glad to see that the naysayers haven't found this question thread yet. :-) I'll echo what everyone else has said, that fibromyalgia is a real condition but that it is poorly understood. I went through about three years of pain with no real diagnosis, and it took me about another year to find real pain relief. Check out fibrohugs.com for a great community of other fibromyalgia sufferers.

As for my personal regimen, I take 800 mg. of Aleve and a 1000-mg. flaxseed oil capsule every night at bedtime just to be able to walk the next day, and I take Arnica tablets (Hyland's is a good brand that can be bought online) as needed for flareups.

Answer 4

I can say, I really feel for you. I have not yet been diagnosed with it. I have chronic pain 24/7. I do take pain meds, but they don't really help like I need them to. Every day, I wake up in so much pain. It lasts all day, and it has gotten so bad, that sometimes, I can hardly walk. I can not walk in a grocery store, or even Wal Mart. I have to get one of the electric chairs to get around the store. I sure can't stand to do any job. I can hardly sit.. I have to recline and lay on one side to help relieve some pain. I have looked up Fibromyalgia, and all my symptoms go right along with it. I have looked at the Mayoclinic.com. Alot of important info on the site. Good luck to ya...... May God help relieve some of your pain... It is very real, and not just in our heads.

Answer 5

Its is most definately I recognised condition and definately not a state of mind. The problem is that people who don't live with it and government benefit officials decide not to recognise it as it costs them time and money.

My husband has fibromyalgia and I have chronic pain syndrome. I have found a lot of support from the website below. I hope it helps

Answer 6

I understand it to be a condition that does't have a way to prove you have it. You have pain....and a lot of pain that radiates. People I know that have it are miserable. Medications can sometimes ease the pain. It is real, not in your head. I am sure there is a more medical explaination for it if you go to Yahoo and read up on it. Good luck, hope the hurt isn't too bad.

Answer 7

Supposedly real. Some rheumatologists actually specialize in fibormyalgia. I think it's something else, though, usually, that can't be diagnosed. For instance, I bet a lot of these women just have MSG allergy or something treatable. They just call it fibromyalgia when they can't figure it out!

Answer 8

Very, very drained from working a fifty seven hour week final week, and working 40 this week. Ah, the thrill of Black Friday and retail... no longer! yet day after today is my twenty first birthday, i'm chuffed for that, and procuring in Dallas this weekend. My celebration with certainly one of my sturdy guy acquaintances is next Friday, and that i'm excited for that. yet frequently i'm merely drained and wishing I wasn't at artwork precise now so i'd desire to take a seat back my eyes.

Answer 9

It is considered legitimate condition and they have not found a cure. My sister had this and they did not know any cure for it then and she was in a lot of pain and towards the last had lost her memory and got so vilolent with family members that they had to put her in a secure assist living center.

Answer 10

It is a legitimate complaint- so many people have the condtion.
for info and possible remedies:
The Miracle of Magnesium - Carolyn Dean
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine - Murray & Pizzorno
Prescription For Natural Cures - Balch & Stengler

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