Fibromyalgia

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Teens who develop "mono," otherwise known as infectious mononucleosis, may be at risk for chronic fatigue syndrome, according to a study in Pediatrics. Previous studies suggested that about one in ten adults with acute infectious mononucleosis go on to develop chronic fatigue syndrome, Dr. Ben Z. Katz, of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, and colleagues write. However, what happens to teens with mononucleosis is less well-studied. The... Read Full Story

The fibro/food connection Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition whose symptoms include muscle and tissue pain, fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances; it often mimics or appears together with other chronic conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lupus, and arthritis. "There are usually other things that are triggering it, so you have to individualize treatment for each patient," says Daniel Arkfeld, MD, an associate professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine... Read Full Story

Muscle and joint pain is affecting 100 million people across Europe and many are unable to work because of musculoskeletal disorders. Related News: Teenage texting causes pain Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) still a problem in the UK Fibromyalgia pain eased by swimming in warm water Read Full Story

1)   You cannot tell if someone has fibromyalgia just by looking at them. 2)   Diagnosis is a long-winded process of elimination. It cannot be detected by blood tests or X-rays or any other scans or tests you can think of. 3)   Everybody who suffers from fibromyalgia does so in a different way; no two people suffer from the same symptoms, nor at the same degree. 4)   Fibromyalgia does not respond well to stress. 5)   If I can’t remember what I’m saying, or I get my words muddled up... Read Full Story

1. The illness I live with is: Atypical M.S., Fibromyalgia, Neurally Mediated Hypotension, Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome, PTSD, Adrenal Fatigue, PCOS, Neuropathy 2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1995 (PCOS I was diagnosed in 1966) 3. But I had symptoms since: 1994 4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: Not working and not being around people every day 5. Most people assume: I'm just fat and lazy 6. The hardest part about mornings are: severe migraines and chronic... Read Full Story

1. The invisible illness I live with is: fibromyalgia (FMS) and depression. 2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 2002 or thereabouts – my memory is very poor :-/ 3. But I had symptoms since: childhood. I remember pain from about the age of 10 or 11. 4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: learning how to pace myself and what my normal energy levels are. 5. Most people assume: I am making it up or I am lazy because I don’t look ill, or I’ll be limping on one leg... Read Full Story

By Tamara Baruhovich Fibromyalgia Syndrome or FMS is a relatively common condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, stiffness, sleep disorders , chronic fatigue, headaches, sensitivity to changes in temperature, and specific bilateral tender points often localized in the back of the neck, shoulders, hips, back, forearms and around the knees. Not all people suffering from fibromyalgia present the same symptoms. Severe cases may be accompanied of irritable bowel syndrome, restless... Read Full Story

When I first fell ill in Spring of 1995, I suffered from Bell's Palsy intermittently for about 6 months. My job tried to fire me but days when I had a tiny bit of energy and could sit up, I filed pro se papers to keep myself on disability and hold my employer accountable. I didn't want to be a burden to my ex- husband or family; though my ex quietly reminded me I was every chance he got. As the paralysis lifted, the illness did not. I went online for other sufferers of "invisible illnesses... Read Full Story

"Get over it", "It can't be that bad", "move on", "its all in your head", "you're nuts", "I would hope you've gotten past this by now", "just don't think about it", "you're like a broken record"... I've heard it all. Most chronically, invisibly disabled people have heard it. As if we could just make it all go away with willpower. Unfortunately for some of us, being Type A Personalities and using force of will helped put us in the positions we are now. People like me spend a lion's share of... Read Full Story

Nothing makes us feel more helpless than standing by as someone we love is suffering and we are unable to help them.  With Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Unrelenting Fatigue (UF), that feeling of helplessness is experienced by the patient and by family and friends alike.  So how can you relate, understand and even more importanly, help?  This is a commonly asked question by many of our patients’ family members.  Here are some seemingly simple answers that may help you... Read Full Story