Fibromyalgia 7 Common Myths Dispelled

Written on September 8th, 2009 by adminno shouts

Fibromyalgia Syndrome Common Myths

Living With Fibromyalgia

The usually and often misunderstood symptoms of fibromyalgia have lead to many myths and misconceptions. Fibromyalgia is real condition and the pain and fatigue you are experiencing is very real as well.

Finding proper treatments and learning to cope with fibromyalgia can be difficult, but not being fully informed, and believing untruths, can lead to unnecessary emotional pain as well.

Fibromyalgia Myths

Let’s take a look at seven common myths that surround fibromyalgia syndrome, and dig down deeper to uncover the truths.

#1) Myth: Fibromyalgia is not a real condition, and most doctors believe this to be true.

The Truth: Most doctors do believe that Fibromyalgia syndrome is real. However, can be difficult to assess, and this myth cropped up due to the misunderstanding between doctors who are not familiar with fibromyalgia, patients who are desperate for answers to a very painful condition, and the medical community which is trying to set standards for patient care.

The other complexity involves the disparity of symptoms that each patient can present, which can make a diagnosis more difficult. The American College of Rheumatology helped develop a set of criteria to help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia.

These guidelines are followed by doctors familiar with fibromyalgia syndrome collection of symptoms which include:

Fibromyalgia Syndrome:

Widespread, prevalent body pain that is above and below the waist

Pain For Three months or more

Have at least 11 out of 18 Tender points found in noted locations of the body

Can include: Extreme fatigue, Difficulty sleeping, disturbed sleep, inability to exercise due to exacerbation of symptoms
Your symptoms are real, and many doctors believe your symptoms are real, and will try to provide the best care possible.

#2) Myths: Fibromyalgia can damage your joints.

The Truth: The pain you are associating with fibromyalgia can be an aching discomfort, and it can also be very brutal at times, but it is not doing damaging your bones, joints or muscles. As well, you should understand that the severity of the pain you are experiencing does not reflect a deterioration or progression of the disease, or condition.

#3) Myths: Doctors diagnose patients with Fibromyalgia when they can’t find anything else wrong with them.

Truth: Doctors diagnose Fibromyalgia based on the symptoms you present on exam. They will not pin a fibromyalgia label on you when your symptoms don’t fit a certain criteria for any other disease or conditions.

Getting a fibromyalgia diagnosis can take time, as there is no single blood test, no x-ray or CT scan that will confirm your diagnosis. It becomes a medial puzzle of running tests, and ruling out other symptoms to determine the cause of your symptoms, and it can be frustrating to both you and your doctor as well.

#4) Myths: If there is no cure or treatments for fibromyalgia then going to the doctor is a waste of time and money

The Truth: There is no one size fits all treatment that fits all patients, but the Food and Drug Administration has approved one drug for treating fibromyalgia, and other treatments are the pipeline.

Learning to live with your condition can include: medications, changes to your lifestyle, alternative treatment, complementary treatments, changes to your diet, and staying active with low impact exercise.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disease where symptoms can diminish, and become more sever, but it is not life threatening, but it very likely a lifelong chronic condition.

#5) Myths: If Fibromyalgia causes pain, and then there must be something more wrong with me. I have lots of other unexplainable symptoms.

The Truth: No one knows why there is such a wide array of symptoms that can be found Fibromyalgia patient beside pain.

Fatigue, depression, mood disorders, headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, memory problems “fibro fog” , sleep problems, cold fingers and toes, numbness fingers and toes, restless leg syndrome, tingling in fingers and toes. Abdominal problems: Weight gain, abdomen pain, IBS, bladder control problems, and nausea.

#6) Myths: Fibromyalgia is so debilitating that you can’t live a productive life.

The Truth: It is true that learning to live with this chronic disease takes time, and patience. You may find the your pain never completely goes away, but there are millions of people living in chronic pain from other disorders, and they put one foot in front of the other every day.

There are many approaches to living, and strategies that may mean altering your life style, but by setting goals, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and learning to pace your day you can get by, and you will.

#7) Myths: If you look fine, then there’s nothing wrong with you.

The Truth: It can be easy to feel angry with your family, friend, and co-workers who do not understand this condition, and withdraw. However you need to be honest, and explain your symptoms so that they have a clear understanding of the physical and emotional toll you are under.

Joining a support group can be very helpful, and just having an outlet to share your feelings, your frustrations, and to discuss what treatment options that are works for others can be very beneficial. Finding people who really understand what a really bad day is who are suffering and going through similar circumstances can make coping and managing your condition much more tolerable.

Do not underestimate the power of friendship and compassion, it is very powerful medicine, and that is not a myth that is the truth!