Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro), and the Greek ones for muscle (myo), and pain (algia). I am sure that is what you were wondering when you are experiencing the pain, or watching a loved one go through a flare up.
Fibromyalgia, although many say is a disease, is actually a syndrome. What is the difference? It is actually very simple, a disease there is a known cause(s), and recognizable signs and symptoms. This is not true with Fibromyalgia, which is why it is a syndrome. A syndrome which does not have a known cause or have the symptoms and signs that appear together (which can be many) relate to the cause.
You can find many definitions of Fibromyalgia online, such as how the American College of Rheumatology defines it, which is;
a common health problem that causes widespread pain and tenderness (sensitive to touch). The pain and tenderness tend to come and go, and move about the body. Most often, people with the is chronic (long-term) illness are fatigued (very tired) and have sleep problems.
That is the "medical" definition. It does not truly describe what Fibromyalgia is for those diagnosed, and for those living alongside the diagnosed. I would say Fibromyalgia is a Chronic Pain disorder, that can become debilitating and overtake the individuals and their families life, if it is allowed. Not only is Fibromyalgia defined by its chronic pain (at the worst times it can feel like the flu x 10, hit by a mack truck, and even the slightest touch including a sheet can bring tears to the eyes), there is also the lack of energy (getting dressed can exhaust the person), the Fibro Fog (forgetfulness, unable to concentrate, and constantly feel in a daze), this can lead to depression (due to the pain, feeling like your life is being taken away), anti-social behaviour, unable to work....I can go on and on. I know many will read this and think it is an exaggeration, it is not.
Then there is the family, the support system of the diagnosed. The helplessness, having to watch their loved one go through the pain, frustration, anger, they also have to give up a life they once knew, and dreamed of.
This is a synopsis, a quick view of Fibromyalgia. With the determination of the person diagnosed, and recognition that it starts in their hands (not in the Doctors, and not in mine or anyone elses), Fibromyalgia can become a part of your life, not the defining factor.
Fibromyalgia, although many say is a disease, is actually a syndrome. What is the difference? It is actually very simple, a disease there is a known cause(s), and recognizable signs and symptoms. This is not true with Fibromyalgia, which is why it is a syndrome. A syndrome which does not have a known cause or have the symptoms and signs that appear together (which can be many) relate to the cause.
You can find many definitions of Fibromyalgia online, such as how the American College of Rheumatology defines it, which is;
a common health problem that causes widespread pain and tenderness (sensitive to touch). The pain and tenderness tend to come and go, and move about the body. Most often, people with the is chronic (long-term) illness are fatigued (very tired) and have sleep problems.
That is the "medical" definition. It does not truly describe what Fibromyalgia is for those diagnosed, and for those living alongside the diagnosed. I would say Fibromyalgia is a Chronic Pain disorder, that can become debilitating and overtake the individuals and their families life, if it is allowed. Not only is Fibromyalgia defined by its chronic pain (at the worst times it can feel like the flu x 10, hit by a mack truck, and even the slightest touch including a sheet can bring tears to the eyes), there is also the lack of energy (getting dressed can exhaust the person), the Fibro Fog (forgetfulness, unable to concentrate, and constantly feel in a daze), this can lead to depression (due to the pain, feeling like your life is being taken away), anti-social behaviour, unable to work....I can go on and on. I know many will read this and think it is an exaggeration, it is not.
Then there is the family, the support system of the diagnosed. The helplessness, having to watch their loved one go through the pain, frustration, anger, they also have to give up a life they once knew, and dreamed of.
This is a synopsis, a quick view of Fibromyalgia. With the determination of the person diagnosed, and recognition that it starts in their hands (not in the Doctors, and not in mine or anyone elses), Fibromyalgia can become a part of your life, not the defining factor.