Fibromyalgia – a condition that can be treated

Imagine experiencing flu-like symptoms that just won’t go away. You’re tired yet you have trouble sleeping. 

You wake up stiff and achy. You feel as though you have to push yourself to get anything done and you experience memory issues or trouble thinking of the words you want to use. This is how people with fibromyalgia often describe their symptoms.  

Equally debilitating, widespread pain and fatigue are the key symptoms of fibromyalgia. Not only do patients experience deep muscle pain and sensitivity to touch, but also they feel exhausted and weak for which bed rest does not seem to help. Many people with fibromyalgia report sleeping eight to 10 hours at night and feeling as if they haven’t slept at all.

While fibromyalgia symptoms come and go, they can be triggered by various factors. Weather, especially cold climates and changes in barometric pressure, as well as cold or drafty environments, hormonal fluctuations, poor quality sleep, stress, depression, anxiety and over-exertion can all contribute to fibromyalgia symptom flare-ups. In addition, fibromyalgia patients are often sensitive to odours, loud noises, bright lights, some foods and prescription medications.

While there is no known cause, people with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases are particularly likely to develop fibromyalgia. 

With its wide range of symptoms, fibromyalgia can be tricky to diagnose. In fact, it is estimated that it takes an average of five years for a patient to receive an accurate diagnosis. Many doctors are still not adequately informed or educated about fibromyalgia and many of its symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, thus leading to extensive investigative costs and frustration for both the doctor and patient.

Currently there are no laboratory tests available for diagnosing fibromyalgia. Physicians must rely on patient histories, self-reported symptoms and a physical examination. The latest diagnosis method utilises a widespread pain index in which the patient relays the body parts where they have experienced pain coupled with a symptom severity scale that measures the symptoms of fatigue and cognitive issues.

There is no cure for fibromyalgia, but medication can help manage the symptoms as can instilling lifestyle habits such as getting enough sleep, exercising, eating well and avoiding caffeine. The doctor may prescribe pain medication or antidepressants to help combat the pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety that comes with the disease. Other drugs such as muscle relaxants and sleeping aids might also be prescribed. 

Cognitive-behavioural therapy may also be part of treatment as it helps patients deal with negative thoughts and provides motivation to seek out enjoyable activities. Keeping a diary of pain and symptoms may also be helpful in recognising what makes symptoms worse. 

In addition, patients can help self-manage their symptoms through physical therapy, moist heat, relaxation and stress
reduction.

Like any other chronic condition, listening to your body and communicating with your doctor are the best ways to cope with fibromyalgia. Just remember that all hope is not lost with a diagnosis. Following the advice of your physician and implementing a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with both medication and positive lifestyle choices can go a long way in helping you to live an active and productive life despite fibromyalgia. 

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For helpful information, visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.