My mother had scleroderma,passed away at the age of 57. My sister, age 52 has now been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, hence my questions.
2006-12-31 15:56:52 · 4 answers · asked by kazcamry 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I don't believe the two conditions are related. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease. I don't know if it is hereditary or not, as I'm not very familiar with it.
Fibromyalgia is a neurological disorder. Recent research does indicate that there is a genetic weakness that causes some people to be predisposed to developing painful disorders like fibromyalgia, and if that research is confirmed, then yes, it would be hereditary. It has already been noted that FMS seems to run in families.
Fibromyalgia was originally thought to be a rheumatic (possibly autoimmune) disorder, so I can see why you thought there might be a connection. It is still most frequently treated by rheumatologists.
2007-01-01 09:49:28 · answer #1 · answered by TechnoMom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are strong indicators that it can be hereditary, but thus far, no genetic studies for proof. However, it should also be considered that a genetic "weakness" can be exploited by any number of related (or unrelated) diseases.
Fibromyalgia is not considered terminal by any means, but it can seriously affect the quality of life.
Please tell your sis to get a good pain management doctor (I recommend physiatrist) and not to take "no" for an answer. I share some (though fortunately not all) symptoms with this disease, and can attest to the fact that there are treatments, and they DO help!
2006-12-31 18:08:59 · answer #2 · answered by Plesso 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I hadn't heard the first term, but I have fibro. I'm 36. My mother and father both have it, and my daughter 14, is already showing signs of it. Several signs include feeling like you have the flu all the time, hurting more than other people for longer or more severe pain, extreme joint pain, exhaustion and sleeplessness at the same time... "clumsiness".. which is actually a depth perception difficulty, generally uncomfortable all over. .. there are several "touch points" that doctors can check to see if you have it too... if there are several that are sore, then there is a good chance you have it too.. also, it often feels and is mistaken for reumetoid arthritis. Ps... fibro is a nerve disorder, not a muscle one... that's part of why it's so misundersood. (it's like they misfire.)
2006-12-31 16:06:20 · answer #3 · answered by Cindy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe scleroderma is a skin disease and fibromyalgia is a muscle disease.
2006-12-31 16:00:33 · answer #4 · answered by wendylotr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋