Knowledge is Power

I found this great website yesterday that has some great information and support for people suffering from Fibromyalgia (or FM). They have a forum and now I don't feel alone on my walk through life with FM. Some people believe that it is just something silly or all in your head and it can be extremely frustrating. There are so many things that people don't understand or know about FM. I feel it is my new duty to help make it easier to understand.

The following information was taken from www.fibro360.com:

• Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects millions of people in the United States alone. It is characterized by musculoskeletal aches that affect the entire body, pain and stiffness, fatigue, soft tissue tenderness and interrupted sleep patterns.
• The tender points associated with fibromyalgia namely the neck, back, shoulders, hands and pelvic girdle, were first identified in the 1820s in Scotland.
• There are a variety of signs and symptoms that are associated with fibromyalgia. Some people with fibromyalgia may experience all the symptoms, while others only experience a select few. The severity of the symptoms also varies greatly from person to person, making fibromyalgia a highly individualized condition.
• Additional symptoms: Fatigue – In addition to the constant pain, up to 90% of those with fibromyalgia also complain of extreme fatigue, Interrupted Sleep Patterns, Chronic Headaches, Memory Loss/Trouble Thinking, Changes in Mood, Urinary and Pelvic Problems, Hypersensitivity
• Diagnosing fibromyalgia is tricky; managing it is a whole other ball game. There is no medicine you can take to make the pain go away, nor is there a cure all for the symptoms.
• Due to the fact that fibromyalgia does not manifest itself in ways that the passersby can see, it is easy to dismiss. Friends, family, and even health care professionals may not be as sensitive to your needs.