Patient Information & FAQ
Q – I have had Fibromyalgia for years. Will I ever feel better?
A – Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain. There are factors that aggravate Fibromyalgia. It is different for everyone. There are even times when you may experience “flare ups” of your Fibromyalgia. With proper treatment, the pain of Fibromyalgia can be successfully managed. Yes, you can feel better.
Q – Is Fibromyalgia progressive?
A – Fibromyalgia varies in each individual. Some people experience mild symptoms, while others have pain that prohibits them from participating in daily activities. For most people, their symptoms will fluctuate. Untreated, Fibromyalgia can worsen.
Q – How can I tell if I have Arthritis or Fibromyalgia?
A – Arthritis pain is located in joints, and may be only occur in one joint. Fibromyalgia pain occurs in muscles. It is characterized by pain lasting longer than six months, above and below the waist, and on both sides of the body. The location of these pains varies from person to person. It is possible for people to have both conditions.
Q – How do you control the pain without using high powered drugs?
A – Narcotics are not required to control the pain of Fibromyalgia. While there are several medications that are helpful in treating the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, they are not usually successful when used alone. Successful treatment of Fibromyalgia involves treating pain, sleep disturbances, cognitive behavior, and conditioning of muscles.
Q – Is this real pain or do I just think it is pain?
A –Many people have been told, “It’s all in your head”. Fibromyalgia is “real” pain that can be successfully treated.
Q – Will Fibromyalgia shorten my life?
A – No. Fibromyalgia is not a terminal condition. It does impact the quality of life for millions of people.
Q – Why me? Why did I get Fibromyalgia?
A – Fibromyalgia is not a bacteria or virus. You cannot catch Fibromyalgia from someone else. Fibromyalgia is not selective in who develops it. It is more prominent in women. It has not been proven that Fibromyalgia is hereditary, although it is found among family members. There are documented cases of Fibromyalgia in children. It is estimated that approximately 6 million people in the United States have Fibromyalgia.
Q – I have difficulty thinking, especially in the morning. I sometimes feel like my mind is in a fog.
A – Some people experience what has been termed “Fibro Fog”. While not all people who have Fibromyalgia have this symptom, most do. It is characterized by difficulty with memory, the inability to recall a name or directions, or even not remembering why you walked to a certain room.
Q – It seems like I never have any energy. I’m always tired. Is this from Fibromyalgia?
A – Fatigue often accompanies Fibromyalgia. It is common for people with Fibromyalgia to experience fatigue and tiredness. This can be corrected with proper treatment.
