Fibromyalgia sufferers are often afflicted with other conditions in addition to the muscle pain. Some of those conditions include: fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, headaches, restless legs, numbness and tingling, memory impairment, leg cramps, impaired concentration, nervousness and depression, irritable bowel syndrome, diminished eyesight, and mitro-valve prolapse. Fibromyalgia has also been associated with TMJ and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Fibromyalgia is an incurable disease, however, there are treatments and medications which can improve the quality of life. Anti-depressants are usually prescribed for the chronic pain and depression. Most doctors prescribe muscle relaxers and pain relievers such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). (NSAIDs should be taken with caution as long-term use can lead to stomach problems.) Other treatments include: physical therapy; aerobic exercises; acupuncture; trigger point injections; chiropractic, massage therapy; supplements; and biofeedback. For those suffering from depression, there is counseling and support groups.
I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Major Depression following an automobile accident in 1992. The pain of Fibromyalgia Syndrome is different than acute pain; it's relentless. You have sharp pain, aching pain, pulling, pinching, burning, and throbbing. You live with it day in and day out. It beats you down. It takes over your body and mind. Others look at you and doubt your pain, and you begin to doubt your own sanity. You become depressed, isolated, and friends drift away.
You get up in the morning and just want to lie back down. You're constantly fatigued. Your spine hurts from the neck down; your fingers and toes tingle and go numb; and your legs jump in your sleep. You can't sit in a straight chair; you can't sit, walk or stand for more than a short time; and you walk around like you're in a fog. Your skin feels too tight for your body and hurts to touch ; your muscles spasm. Everything hurts. You lose your concentration, and your memory and eyesight deteriorate. You can't sleep, and when you do sleep, you don't want to get up. You develop stomach problems. You lose your will to go on...BUT YOU DO GO ON...
You seek help from a pain specialist, someone who knows Fibromyalgia is a "real" disease and knows how to treat it. If you're depressed, you seek help from a psychologist or psychiatrist who knows the psychological affects of living with a chronic illness. You might want to join a support group with other people suffering from chronic pain and/or depression.
I applied for and received Social Security Disability benefits in 1993. I can say from experience that the chronic pain and depression controlled my life. For two years, I did not leave the house other than to go grocery shopping. I missed out on all the family holidays. I didn't have a lot of friends because prior to the accident my life was consumed by my job. I totally isolated myself from the rest of the world. The only time I went anywhere was if I had a doctor's appointment. I called going to the doctor "my social life." I still have chronic pain, but I am better able to function in spite of it. The depression has begun to lift, although I do have setbacks. The most important part of my recovery has been my doctors. My pain specialist and my psychologist have been very supportive and have never given up on me. They believe in my pain, and they continuously watch for new treatments and encourage me to try them. Because of them, I feel that I have a much better quality of life today. There may not be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for those who suffer with Fibromyalgia Syndrome, but at least there is a rainbow of hope that there is. Below are a few links to web sites dealing with Fibromyalgia. These links will take you to even more links on the subject.