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Coping with Fibromyalgia: One man's perspective

© Tamara Peters

"Women are much more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men (by a ratio of 4 to 1)" according to The Arthritis Society. The reason for this is unknown at this time. But, that does not mean that FMS is any less real for the men who suffer its devastating effects. To better understand these effects, and how they may or may not differ from the female experience, I decided to go right to the source.

The sole, brave, male, member of the Fibro Friends' Support Group (Steve) has graciously agreed to let me pick his brain in the interest of gaining insight into the male perspective on FMS.

When were you diagnosed with Fibromyalgia? Age of onset - Age now -

Diagnosed with FMS in Dec. 2001 Age of onset: about 39 Age now: 51 First diagnosed with Osteo Arthritis (OA) in 1988 Had severe Glandular Fever (Mononucleosis) 1989, followed by Post-Viral Fatigue (CFS?) for 2+ years. Diagnosed with Sero-negative Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in 1994.

How, and by whom, were you diagnosed? Changed Rheumatologist in April 2001, he diagnosed after 3 visits with negative bloods, ex-rays, showing OA in lower spine and knees, and the standard 18 tender points (TPs). Says the RA is now in remission.

What are your symptoms?

Chronic, general pain (muscular and joint) static and moving - Pain in lower back, legs, feet, pelvic region when walking - All 18 TPs - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Poor sleep quality - 35 year history of stress and depression - Swelling in hands, feet, face, knees, ankles - Fatigue - General mental fog - Poor concentration - 'Grasshopper brain' - Some word difficulties - Varying vision - Irritable (are we surprised??- no, not really!) - Water retention - Occasional Irritable Bladder - Chronic inability to lose weight (gained 30 pounds last year, with no change in diet) - Headaches - Rhinitis - Trigger fingers

Do you take prescribed meds?

Sulfasalazine - Plaquenil - Propranolol - Cellebrex -Simvastatin - Paracetamol

What other means of coping do you use? Alternative Therapies, supplements, etc.?

Have had chiropractic treatment, but advised to stop because of the fear of loosening the joints too much. Hot wax treatment on hands when pain and trigger fingers become too much.

I am shortly to attend a 3-week residential pain management program, where I will be taught advanced pain management and cognitive techniques with the aim not to reduce my pain levels, but to increase my ability to cope with it, thereby improving my quality of life.

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