May 12th is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day. It is dedicated to women, men and children struggling with the debilitating disease, fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a neuromuscular disease that creates widespread pain throughout your body. Each person with disease describes many similar symptoms, some have many of the symptoms but not always all of them. Symptoms also seem to come and go are associated or masked as other diseases such as arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis and others.
Fibromyalgia has no known cause, however, it is thought to be caused from a traumatic injury or heredity. The speculation continues as research is done.
Each patient has their own description of their particular take on the disease and how their body reacts to them. There are many symptoms that are a commonality in most patients. Some of these symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness is trigger points throughout the body
- Fatigue
- Sleep Disturbances/Insomnia
- Cognitive Problems (brain fog, trouble paying attention or retaining information)
- Depression and Anxiety
- Weakness
- Tingling and/or Itching in Your Extremities
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Chronic Muscle Pain and/or Stiffness
- Migraines or Chronic Headaches
- Back Pain
- Stabbing or Burning Pain
- Sensitivity to Temperature, Touch and Light
- Aching All Over
- Dizziness
- Twitching
- Weight Gain
- Nausea
- Reproductive Problems
- Chemical Sensitivity
- And MANY MANY MORE!
The National Fibromyagia and Chronic Pain Association does a lot to raise awareness and further research. Celebrity, Dr. Oz, has also brought awareness to our issues through informative shows that explain fibromyalgia and the latest research and treatments.
This description and explanation of fibromyalgia only shows the tip of the iceberg. In my next post, I will explain my symptoms and life changes since being diagnosed several years ago.
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