Fibromyalgia Essay, Research Paper
More and more doctors are finding out that there are more diseases than they ever thought of. Doctors are always learning about new diseases and how to treat and hopefully cure or abolish them. However, with some new diseases, like Fibromyalgia, there is only so much a doctor can do; it is up to the victims of these diseases to treat themselves and stay healthy.
Fibromyalgia is a condition in which people experience long-lasting, severe pain in muscles and other soft tissues throughout there bodies (Pisetsky). Fibromyalgia also causes tender points. Tender points are spots on the body that hurt when they are touched (McIlwain and Bruce 10). This disease was named by putting three medical terms together: Fibro, which means connective tissue; my, which means muscle; and algia, which means pain (Barret, What Is 1). Fibromyalgia is therefore a definition in itself.
Thousands of patients each year tell of going from doctor to doctor with symptoms of crippling fatigue and constant muscle and joint pain all over their body (McIlwain and Bruce 12). The symptoms of Fibromyalgia don t just stop at pain and fatigue, the long list of symptoms go on with morning stiffness, tender or trigger points, sleeping problems, anxiety, difficulty in concentration, depression, numbness, tingling, swelling, headaches, irritable bowel, urinary problems, painful cramps, discoloration of hands and feet, restless leg syndrome, and finally dryness in the mouth, nose, and eyes.
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Of all these symptoms pain and fatigue seem to make the most common problems. Pain and fatigue lead to less activity and disrupted sleep, which also leads to fatigue on arising, personality changes, frustration, discouragement, withdrawal, and last but not least, severe depression (McIlwain and Bruce 19, 48).
At least eleven of eighteen trigger points are found to be painful in patients with Fibromyalgia (McIlwain and Bruce 37). Trigger areas or tender points are found over the neck, shoulder blades, lower back, knees, and other areas. The pain, from Fibromyalgia patients, is not defined. The pain can be anything from a dull to a sharp pain. Because of these trigger areas, Fibromyalgia patients are found to have a higher sensitivity to pain (McIlwain and Bruce 38, 15). Fibromyalgia patients feel pain from an amount of pressure that would not seem uncomfortable to people without the disorder (Pisetsky).
Many people with Fibromyalgia suffer from sleep abnormalities and often awake feeling as if they had not slept at all. This is called nonrestorative sleep (Barret, What Is 3).
It is very hard to diagnose Fibromyalgia. Even though the patient might have severe pain, he or she would not have evidence of inflammation. The inflammation the patient would have would be located in the soft connective tissue that is not shown on x-rays. Therefore, there is no way to diagnose Fibromyalgia with laboratory tests or x-rays (McIlwain and Bruce 33). Doctors diagnose Fibromyalgia by looking for abnormal sensitivity to palpitation in at least eleven of the eighteen specific tender points and knowledge of widespread pain in three quadrants of the body (Barret, What Is 1).
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Fibromyalgia patient should stay away from stressful situations as much as possible. If the patients stay stress free, it is more likely for them to get more sleep and feel better the next day (McIlwain and Bruce 49). Treatment of Fibromyalgia almost always includes a exercise program (Pisetsky). Since the patient is too busy doing something other than thinking about their pain, it should feel as if the pain is not there (Barret, Maintaining 2).
Painkillers, muscle relaxers, and anti-depressants are often prescribed to Fibromyalgia patients in order to weaken and control their symptoms (Barret, What Is 3). Narcotics are not the only medication Fibromyalgia patients use to relieve theirs symptoms. They also use herbal remedies and therapy. It is best for patients to experiment with different kinds of medication to see what combination works best for them (McIlwain and Bruce 49)
Too little protein in a diet may lead to symptoms of fatigue, weakness, apathy, and poor immunity (McIlwain and Bruce 166). Therefore, photochemicals and antioxidants are a must in a nutritional plan (McIlwain and Bruce 49). Knowing that you are doing all you can to eat healthily can give you a sense of power to sustain your physical needs and help cope with everyday life and Fibromyalgia (McIlwain and Bruce 149)
There are many things a Fibromyalgia patient should avoid, like too little sleep, negative attitudes, poor diets, smoking, and heavy alcohol use. Things such as caffeine and tobacco have been known to make Fibromyalgia symptoms worse. Another common
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thing that seems to make symptoms worse is stress. Many patients say that when they are stressed, they hurt or visa versa (McIlwain and Bruce 90-91, 49)
Choosing low-impact exercises three times a week for at least twenty or more minutes is recommended for Fibromyalgia patients. The endorphins released during aerobic exercise may help relieve chronic pain (Oakes 9). Exercise, not only reduces pain but also increases strength and energy (McIlwain and Bruce 49).
Support is necessary for coping with any chronic illness. A support group is geared toward the unique needs of its members and is very important for Fibromyalgia patients (McIlwain and Bruce 175). Of all the treatments for Fibromyalgia, the most comforting treatment is a support group. Support from others can help you realize that you are not alone in dealing with Fibromyalgia and can give you new confidence as you learn to handle the daily challenges in a reasonable manner (McIlwain and Bruce 182). There is only so much a doctor can do; the victim has to follow through with the rest of their treatment.
Barret, Deborah A. Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Ten Strategies . Quackwatch. (14 Feb. 2000): 3pp. Online. Internet. 16 Feb. 2001. Available www.quackwatch.com/03healthpromotioin/fibromyalgia/fms05.html.
Barret, Deborah A. What Is Fibromyalgia? Quackwatch. (14 Feb. 2000): 4pp. Online. Internet. 16 Feb. 2001. Available www.quackwatch.com/03healthpromotion/fibromyalgia/whatisfms.html.
McIlwain, Harris H., and Debra Fulghum Bruce. Fibromyalgia Handbook. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1999.
Oakes, Stephanie. Fit Smart. USA Weekend. 22-24 June 2001:9.
Pisetsky, David S. Fibromyalgia. World Book Edition Online Americas Edition. 2001 ed.