High Peak Liberal DemocratsFibromyalgia, also known as fibromyalgia syndrome, is a chronic condition that characteristically causes pain all over the body, including muscle and joint pain, and fatigue as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation.
In this overview of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), we'll explain the symptoms. We'll talk about diagnosis and treatment. We'll also explain the impact fibromyalgia has on lives. The impact comes from the tremendous physical and psychologicalstrains that come with FMS. Those strains can lead to loss of work hours, reduced income, and even loss of a job.
A syndrome is a set of symptoms. When they exist together, they imply the presence of a specific disease or a greater chance of developing the disease. With FMS, the following symptoms commonly occur together:
Most fibromyalgia patients are women ranging in age from 25 to 60. The truth is women are 10 times more likely to get this disease than men.
Fibromyalgia causes you to ache all over. You may have symptoms of crippling fatigue -- even on arising. Specific trigger points or tender points on the body may be painful to touch. You may experience swelling, disturbances in deep-level or restful sleep, and mood disturbances or depression.
Your muscles may feel like they have been overworked or pulled. They'll feel that way even without exercise or another cause. Sometimes, your muscles twitch, burn, or have deep stabbing pain.
Some patients with FMS have pain and achiness around the joints in the neck, shoulder, back, and hips. This makes it difficult for them to sleep or exercise. Otherfibromyalgia symptoms include:
Fibromyalgia can cause signs and feelings similar to osteoarthritis, bursitis andtendonitis.
There are no specific laboratory tests to diagnose fibromyalgia. To make an accurate diagnosis, your GP will rely on a comprehensive physical examination and your medical history. Your GP will also use a diagnosis of exclusion. That means the GP will rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.
To rule out other illnesses your GP may run some specific blood tests. For example your GP may ask for a full blood count (FBC). The GP may also ask for tests for substances such as glucose that can create problems similar to problems caused by fibromyalgia. A thyroid test may also be done. An underactive thyroid(hypothyroidism) can cause problems similar to fibromyalgia. That includes fatigue, muscle aches, weakness and depression
Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
Published and promoted by Barrie Taylor on behalf of High Peak Liberal Democrats all at Daleside, Linglongs Road,, Whaley Bridge SK23 7DS and by Richard Salmon, Derbyshire Liberal Democrats on behalf of Stan Heptinstall (Liberal Democrats) both at 9 Walnut Road, Belper DE56 1RG.
The views expressed are those of the publisher, not of the service provider.
Website designed and developed by Prater Raines Ltd, with modifications by High Peak Liberal Democrats