Fibromyalgia has been defined by 2 distinguishing characteristics:
Pain and aching in many parts of the body lasting for at least
3 months and local tenderness in 11 - 18 specified places
on the body. It is a common condition and accounts for 1 in
every 6 visits to the Rheumatologist. Sometimes people with
fibromyalgia also experience poor sleep, severe fatigue, morning
stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and other symptoms
like difficulty remembering things.
Half or more people with fibromyalgia have chronic fatigue.
It may be so severe that it interferes with daily life. The
cause is unknown but researchers have identified some triggers.
There is a raised level of a peptide in the spinal fluid and
serotonin is lower than normal. There is sometimes decreased
blood flow in the muscles causing fatigue and decreased strength.
Other people believe that it is triggered by a virus.
The pain can vary over many months and even years and sometimes
never fully goes away. It is a frustrating condition to live
with as many tests come back negative and yet the pain remains.
Drugs often don't help and exercise often makes it worse.
However it is real. Exercise can help when it is built up
slowly, gradually increase the time spent walking, even if
it is only by a minute at a time until it is comfortable.
Combine this with muscle relaxation like heat and massage.
I have lived with this condition for about 10 years now and
in the beginning found it difficult to walk even to our local
village post office. It seemed to start after I had mumps
in my late thirties. I tried lots of things, gradual exercise,
no exercise and relaxation and in the early years had lots
of relapses. I spent times in tears, frustrated and angry
and unable to do the things I wanted to. However, I was careful
never to completely overdo it and in time it got better and
better. I'm still in pain in my muscles nearly all the time,
but seem to have got used to it. The Cortaflex I take for
my joint pains helps too. I've also tried Acupuncture which
was a breakthrough time and really helped me to gain some
control over it. I'm now able to do most things. I'll never
run a mile or play vigorous sports but then I don't know that
I really want to! So if you are suffering with this condition
then please never lose hope, do things gradually, talk to
your Doctor, try lots of different things and you'll gradually
get there. Keep going! - Director Cortaflex Health Products
Remember none of the information is intended to replace the advice of your Doctor or other healthcare practitioner. Please make sure you ask their advice before you follow any information or take any of the products on this site.
|
