The invisible battle affecting millions

Are you one of those millions? 

Today, I give you something a little different as I share with you about Fibromyalgia and some treatments.

I asked myself the question above as I read this article in 1987. I had been searching for answers for about a year at that time.

Are you searching for answers to your mystery illness? Could it be what has been my arch-enemy for all these years?

Fibromyalgia is a difficult-to-treat condition. It is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and heightened sensitivity to touch. And it affects millions of people worldwide.

Early on, I was told that my IBS was also part of the syndrome. Some people have headaches, but I’ve been spared those. Then, of course, there are depression and sleep disturbances for most.

It’s a syndrome because the cause is unknown. When scientists pinpoint a cause, it will become a disease. Some people think that the flu might bring it on. I wonder if my ectopic pregnancy might have brought mine on.

There are some misconceptions I would like to see if I can help clarify.

One persistent myth

Is the belief that it’s not a legitimate medical condition. Skeptics argue that the symptoms are purely psychological or even exaggerated. However, extensive research and medical studies have consistently confirmed the biological basis of fibromyalgia.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides concrete evidence. Because it shows alterations in the central nervous system of individuals with fibromyalgia.

Genetic factors

Additionally, studies have identified genetic factors associated with an increased susceptibility to fibromyalgia. It is a real and genetically influenced medical condition.

Then, major medical organizations recognize fibromyalgia. Including the American College of Rheumatology. This is a non-profit organization for physicians, health professionals, and scientists. They emphasize its legitimacy as a distinct disorder.

It is believed to affect mostly women. But men can also experience the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Though they are less frequently diagnosed.

Various factors may influence the gender disparity in fibromyalgia diagnoses. These include differences in symptom presentation and healthcare-seeking behavior. 

Increased awareness of the condition in men is crucial. To ensure they receive appropriate medical attention and support.

Diagnosed in 1990

When I was finally diagnosed in 1990, I was depressed and in pain. Soon, I was put on an antidepressant, which helped with my sleep and made a difference in my pain. I learned that my muscles get fed during one of the sleep stages I had trouble getting to.

Some Easy Changes that have helped me

1. A yoga stretching practice is one of the best factors for continuing to thrive at the age of 75. And yes, I can tell the difference if I miss a day.
2. Adding magnesium to my daily supplements. Do you know that Magnesium is the body’s regulator? It even regulates your heartbeat. If you have leg or foot cramps, try adding magnesium-rich foods or a supplement to your day. Green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are great sources. Many people are deficient in magnesium.
3. In the last few months, I have discovered another life-changing addition, CoQ10. Which, within days, relieved most of my foot pain.

Flares

Sometimes, I experience flares, as most FMS patients do. Increase in pain to the point my brain seems to shut down, and all I can do is breathe. The yoga helps here, too. When I finally get some sleep, the pain is usually gone when I awake. I rest for a day or so and then get right back to building and creating.

IBS and how I cope

Some people say IBS is not a factor, but I have several natural ways to deal with those symptoms, too. When diarrhea strikes, I take a couple of peppermint oil drops in a glass of water. I get relief in about twenty minutes.

I had never heard the words explosive diarrhea until fibro, but I found out what that meant early on. Then, for constipation, I up my milligrams of magnesium. For me, 750 mg a day is normal. The time of day I take it matters, so experiment with timing and the number of milligrams. Again, adding magnesium-rich foods to your diet might be enough.

Sensitivity

I am sensitive to light, sounds, and touch. They all matter to me in that I need to know what kind of environment I am going into. Over the years, I found some strategies like darker sunglasses for glare to help me.

Lights

It has to be an emergency for me to drive at night. I shut my eyes when we travel through an area where trees filter sunlight through and cast shadows on the road. The on-and-off sunlight seems to hurt my brain. I feel as if I might faint if I can’t close my eyes. Prayers helped me all the years I had to drive to work. And I don’t like fireworks or blinking lights anymore. Watching on TV is enough for me.

Sound

I sometimes wear headphones or earplugs. My family has had to modify how loud they listen to music when I am around. The first time I knew I had a problem with sound was traumatizing me as I hit the floor over some music that my husband turned on while I was in another room. I

Touch

I confess that I knew the tops of my feet had become very sensitive to touch over the years. No longer could I handle the sugar scrubs at the salon. During Covid-19, I forgot about the texture and pain caused by the spa treatments.

So, I wasn’t thinking when my husband and I went to the beach a couple of years ago. I could not walk through the sand to get to the water. My poor husband practically carried me back up to safety.

Before fibromyalgia, I was a beach lover, so this was hard on me. I plan to return and wear shoes that cover the tops of my feet. I know it sounds crazy, but I can wear shoes and socks without the pain. The texture of the sand was a painful lesson and one I will not soon forget.

Treatment Options

Here are some of the most recent treatment options.

Pharmacological treatments

1. Analgesics
2. Antidepressants
3. Anticonvulsants
4. Muscle relaxants
5. Opioids

Analgesics can provide short-term relief but are not without side effects. Antidepressants are often prescribed to regulate levels of neurotransmitters involved in pain perception. And they help with sleep and depression.

Anticonvulsants, such as pregabalin and gabapentin, reduce nerve activity in pain signaling. Pregabalin, or Lyrica, is my go-to drug of choice. My doctor started prescribing it while it was awaiting approval from the FDA. He stayed up on the latest treatment, and we worked together to get and keep my pain under control. He saw me through my kidney cancer only to die of kidney disease himself a few years ago.

Lyrica also helped me when I broke out with the shingles, as it helped with the nerve pain. I have now been vaccinated, as you can get shingles more than once. If you are fifty years old and have had the chickenpox, you should see about getting your vaccine as soon as possible.

My current doctor works with me on the doses and timing of my Lyrica since I have been taking it for all these years.

Muscle relaxants, including cyclobenzaprine and tizanidine, reduce muscle spasms and promote relaxation. I rarely take these because of the side effects.

Opioids for severe fibromyalgia pain. They are not recommended for long-term use. They carry a high risk of dependence and worsening symptoms over time. 

Non-pharmacological treatments

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

2. Exercise

3. Sleep study

4. Occupational therapy

5. Hydrotherapy

6. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

7. Graded exercise therapy

8. Psychological therapies and complementary and alternative therapies: acupuncture, massage therapy, mind-body therapies, and dietary supplements. 

The two, I have had good results from are acupuncture and trigger point massage therapy. This year, my medicare insurance covers acupuncture.

In conclusion

Individuals with fibromyalgia need a comprehensive treatment plan. Working together with their healthcare providers, a plan develops over time. It should be tailored to their abilities and needs.

What works for one might not work for another.