If you’ve just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, you may feel
a bit overwhelmed and anxious at the moment.
That’s normal, so just take a moment and breathe. You aren’t alone, and there is help and support available in Middle Tennessee.
First, let’s take a moment to answer a few of the
questions you may have.
What
is Fibromyalgia?Fibromyalgia is a central nervous system disorder characterized most frequently by chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive impairment, although there are numerous other symptoms and issues that can arise. It afflicts approximately 10 million Americans, with more women affected than men. While the average age of onset is approximately 40 years of age, it can affect people of all ages, with some children diagnosed as early as age 10.
What
is the treatment?
There is no one accepted course of treatment for
Fibromyalgia at this time, and there is no cure. The best way to live with Fibromyalgia is to
manage the symptoms via a rounded approach.
What
is the Rounded Approach to Fibromyalgia Management?
Much like diabetes management requires a rounded and
multi-faceted approach, so does Fibromyalgia.
A good model to follow may consist of:
·
Medical Management
·
Physical Management
·
Physical Modalities
·
Psychosocial Management
·
Complementary Treatments
Medical Management involves your medical team and may
include medication, while Physical Management includes such things as
nutrition, sleep and stress management and physical activity. The use of heat, physical therapy and massage
falls under Physical Modalities, while Psychosocial Management involves support
and the aim for a normal life.
Complementary Treatments may range from such things as alternative
medical treatments and supplements to yoga and Tai-chi. What is the long term outcome?
Fibromyalgia could be a life-long condition, although
people have been known to experience periods of remission that last years. It varies according to the individual, their
outlook and their method of management.
Will
I be disabled?
Many people with Fibromyalgia go on to live fairly normal
lives, and some achieve some pretty significant goals. For instance, Chef Vinson Petrillo is the
Chef De Cuisine at Prospect in Brooklyn, NY, and he recently competed on the
Food Network program Chopped. Make-up artist Nicole Chilelli recently won
the Syfy competition show Face Off. It is possible, however, that you may have to
make changes in your life, and even in your job and home, in order to
accommodate the problems you face on a daily basis with Fibromyalgia.
How
do I get through this?
The first thing you should do is contact a good support
group in your area. People there will
understand what you’re going through because they either have or are going
through it as well. The group leader and
members will be able to help you gather information, they’ll provide support,
and they’ll help you through this difficult time.
You have Fibromyalgia, and you may feel alone, but you
aren’t. Reach out for help, and you’ll
soon find yourself managing this confusing illness.