What is fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease or sympton complex characterised by widespread pain and profound fatigue.
What causes FM?
The exact cause of FM is not known. It is likely to be multifactorial. Genetic predisposition with disease running families is well recognised. Environmental insults including viral infections, stress (both emotional and physical) and depression in some cases can contribute to the onset of illness. FM can coexist with rheumatic disease like rheumatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome.
Coping with Fibromyalgia
- knowing that FM, though a chronic painful disease is not a life threatening or a crippling should reassure you.
- Learn to relax, pace your activities according to pain levels and energy levels.
- Pain does not always mean tissue damage. So don't stop your activities totally.
- Ignore some discomfort, count on functional improvement.
- Be prepared for some bad days and some good days.
- A brief period of rest in between work ( micro-rest) and an afternoon nap can be enterprising.
- Hot water shower and heat in any form will refresh you. A shower in the evening may help you to fresh at dinner time.
- Regular sleep habits will help. Avoid caffeine and cola drinks after 6 PM. Avoid watching movies from the bed. Condition your mind that bed for sleeping. Having the fan on can act as the white noise filter extraneous noises at night.
- Be open with parents, and friends so that they will understand your illness and be more supportive.
- By understanding the nature of the illness, you may be able to avoid unnecessary investigations and harmful therapy.
- Be regular with your exercise and taking the prescribed medicine.
- Discuss with Dr. S. Sriram - Consultant Rheumatologist, your doubts and the concerns regarding the disease and the medications.
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