Fibromyalgia is the second most common disorder of the bones and muscles. Nonetheless, it is frequently misdiagnosed and misinterpreted. The most common symptoms are widespread muscular and joint discomfort, as well as weariness.
There is no treatment. But, a combination of medicine, exercise, stress management, and good behaviors may alleviate your symptoms sufficiently to allow you to live a normal, active life.
Fibromyalgia has symptoms that are comparable to osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. But, rather than aching in one spot, the pain and stiffness might be felt throughout your body.
Diagnosis –
Your doctor will check on you and question you about previous medical difficulties as well as other close family members.
There is no test that can determine if you have fibromyalgia. Instead, because the symptoms are so similar to those of other illnesses, your doctor will want to rule out ailments including an underactive thyroid, various forms of arthritis, and lupus. As a result, you may be given blood tests and X-rays to examine hormone levels and symptoms of inflammation.
If your doctor cannot uncover another cause for your symptoms, they will use a two-part scoring system to determine how broad your pain is and how much your symptoms interfere with your everyday life. You’ll devise a plan to manage the condition based on the results.
Stages of Fibromyalgia –
1. The unknown
You have a range of symptoms of extensive, ever-changing discomfort that you typically overlook as you struggle through your days, falling behind on social obligations and housekeeping. Maybe you use pain relievers and sleep aids. You’re slowing down and not enjoying life as much as you once did.
2. Awareness
You’re finally paying attention to what your body is telling you. You’re in a lot of discomfort. You can’t ignore the lack of sleep, the electric shocks, and the sparkler aches running down your legs and on the surface of your skin anymore. You’re now instructing your doctor to obtain tests such as urine, blood, and X-rays. You’re looking for answers and relief. You may now be supplementing with vitamins such as vitamin D, B injections, and so on. You’re finally letting go of some of your hobbies. Maybe you recently got your diagnosis and are obsessively researching it.
3. The Flare
There hasn’t been much progress. You’re actually becoming worse. You might work less or cease entirely. You feel yourself fading from your social circle. You’re still putting on a show and keeping up appearances. You get back on the merry-go-round. You’re now paying attention to the symptoms. Your best companion is the bed and the TV remote. You are now well-versed on fibro terminology. You’re figuring out where you fit in with life and wondering what the point of it all is. And you now have your own medicine cabinet stocked with vitamin D, krill, magnesium, B, echinacea, lysine.
4. The ambiguity
You’re ready to get off and look for another ride. You’re at a loss for words and in continual anguish. If it’s not one thing, it’s something else. You’re still dealing with people who don’t get it, and it’s not only your partner, loved ones, and friends. This includes medical professionals. You double-check your therapy and medications. You begin tracking your food and medication effects. You’re taking notes on everything. You’ve had fibromyalgia for years and are still figuring out how to live with it. You’re still not there.
5. Making Peace
You’ve made peace with your fibromyalgia. You’ve begun to carve out a new life for yourself. Your discomfort is controlled. You no longer act. You’re meeting new people and working on new projects. You could still check back now and again, and you’re somewhat of an authority on all things fibromyalgia. This is something you can live with.