Just what IS Fibromyalgia??

WHAT IS FIBROMYALGIA?

FIBROMYALGIA, also called FMS, is a chronic syndrome of wide spread pain and fatigue. It is not degenerative, but the symptoms can get worse over time. There are certain areas of the body that are extremely sensitive to touch, pressure, etc. These are called Trigger Points. There are roughly eighteen of them throughout the body, most commonly in areas where there is a connection of tendons to muscle. (ie: just below the collar bone in the front, the lower back, hips, inside of elbows, back side of knees, and many other places.

The American Medical Association (AMA) recognizes FMS as a true illness, and not something that is all in your head. Fibromyalgia sufferers hear this phrase very very frequently..”It’s all in your head.” This is not the case, expecially if you are the one with FMS – you know different….but how do you convince others that you really are in pain?? This can be very difficult, but do not get discouraged…take care of yourself first and worry what other people think….well…never!

Some major and very common symptoms of Fibromyalgia include wide spread pain, a constant feeling of exhaustion, body aches, depression, irritable bowel syndrome is sometimes seen with FMS patients, insomnia or other sleep problems, and headaches, sensitivity to sound, light, etc., confusion and clumsyness, often called Fibrofog – it gives you a feeling of spacey, sometimes lightheadedness, and forgetfulness. These are some of the most common, but this is not the final word on symptoms. They vary in occurrence, severity, etc. per patient.

There is also something called a FLARE. This is when the symptoms of FMS increase (Flare-up) and can basically render you useless at work and at home. Me personally, I am couch-ridden during flares and it hurts to even walk to the bathroom or to the sink for a glass of water. Often times, many patients need medication, sometimes even narcotic pain meds, to relieve the symptoms…this will be discussed in detail in a later posting. The thing you need to know about flares is that when they occur – they can occur out of nowhere, although there is generally always a trigger that sets it off. When you feel a flare coming on – MOBILIZE! Mobilize your children, your significant other, your family, your boss, everyone that helps you through this.

Don’t be afraid to take time to yourself. Give yourself permission the let the dishes sit in the sink, the laundry remain unfolded, and allow yourself to rest as much as possible. Now of course, if you are a mom – you barely know what rest and naps are anymore unless it is your children that are doing so. NO MATTER HOW OLD YOUR CHILDREN ARE – THEY WILL UNDERSTAND AND THEY WILL NOT HATE YOU FOR IT.

Some tips for interacting with your children during a flare:

• Have them lay on the couch with you and watch a movie (Finding Nemo is my favorite), and if you happen to dose off for a few minutes- that is ok.

• Lay on the floor (if you can tolerate it) and color or draw with them. (It may be difficult to color as your arms will feel like they are on fire after only a few minutes, but who says you have to finish the whole page?)

• Ask them to fold your laundry for you and let them play dress up with some of your clothes and while laying on the couch – let them give you a fashion show. Perhaps even take out your camera and snap a few shots.

• Allow them to water the plants and feed the animals – most kids like to do that.

• If you can tolerate it and of course, depending on the weather – sit or lay outside in a law chair with a blanket and watch as your children play, you may even be able to throw the ball back to them a few times.

• ALWAYS keep board games on hand! Guess Who is one of my favorites, my oldest and I can play that for hours. Another fun game and good for younger children, as it will help with their counting is Mancala. On your good days, take the children to the store and have them pick out two or three board games with you and simply explain to them, that when mommy does not feel well, we can play these games together, etc.

• You can also invest in some craft books. I have found many at second hand stores, although my absolute favorite is a book called EcoArt, by Laurie Carlson. It is an "Earth-friendly Art & Craft Experiences for 3-to 9 year-olds". To me, it is an opportunity to teach our children - the next generation - about Environmental respect and care. Craft books are always a fun thing to have on hand, especially on rainy days (and we know what happens on those days).
  

Some tips for meals while dealing with a flare:

• Always keep healthy nutritious snacks in the house – juice boxes, fresh fruit, granola bars, sliced veggies to be eaten with peanut butter or ranch dressing, crackers, popcorn, etc.

• If your child is old enough (I would say at least 8) have them make their own sandwiches for lunch.

• Although I don’t like to feed my kids processed foods very often, I always keep a few frozen meals in the freezer on stand-by. They really like Kids Cuisine meals. This will save you A LOT when you need to make a meal but can’t stand for more than a few minutes at a time without feeling like you are going to fall over.

If your family is in the area, and they are willing, you can always have them bring over a potluck, or even better – go ahead and send them to grandma’s for the day. Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty for not spending time with them, even if you have been at work and they have been at school all week. You have them for eighteen years and beyond – a few days is NOT going to damage them.

Well, I started this post with information about what Fibromyalgia is and kind of went on a rant….that will happen with me. In my next post, I will discuss the “causes” of Fibro, how to find a doctor that is familiar with it and obtaining the right diagnosis. I will also begin to explain medications.

Take care and as always – comment or contact me with questions!