Fibromyalgia

Introduction

Fibromyalgia is sometimes known as the invisible disease - mainly because those who suffer from it do not look sick. But it is invisible in other ways. Even many members of the medical profession fail to recognize it, and toss the label "fibromyalgia" on any set of aches and pains that they can't find a another label for. Many tell their patients that they are merely depressed - that "it's all in your head."

And it's easy for the patient who has dragged herself or himself from doctor to doctor looking for answers to believe that - because by then they are depressed. Depressed about not getting a diagnosis and treatment. Depressed because they are unable to get a decent night's sleep. Depressed because on their best days they feel like they are coming down with a bad flu. And depressed because their minds don't seem to be working properly, they can't always find the word they want or remember what it is they got up to do.

Almost everyone these days seems to know someone with fibromyalgia - which is interesting when you consider that it affects only 2% of the population. But that's because too many of the people who were labeled with FMS don't really have it at all, whereas others who do legitimately suffer from it are still in search of a diagnosis. People who are suffering from sleep problems and prolonged bouts of pain need to know how to find the right doctor and get an accurate diagnosis.

That's why educating yourself about FMS is important. There are very specific criteria for diagnosing fibromyalgia - notable a number of tender points in matched pair in varying parts of the body, along with the presence of pain for a prolonged period. Given these, the diagnosis then must be made by process of elimination. FMS mimics other things, such as lupus, MS and chronic fatigue syndrome. If the patient tests negatively for these and has the requisite number of tender points then we are left with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia.

Since no one knows the cause of this, we don't call it a disease. Rather it is a syndrome - a set of specific symptoms that describe a condition for which there is no known cause.

Of course without a known cause there can be no cure. Instead, "fibromites" must learn ways to cope with both the physical and psychological problems that they will be dealing with for the rest of their lives. They need to learn to make an attitude adjustment, as well as to find ways to deal with day to day chores - or to continue to hold down a job if there is no financial alternative. They must learn to pace themselves, and not to feel guilt or anger because they can no longer do what they are accustomed to doing.

Most FMS sufferers have been over-achievers most of their lives, and so the adjustments can be traumatic. However, with help, and education, they can all lead fulfilling lives. There is no need to let this problem turn anyone into an invalid, as you will see as you progress through this course.

Family and friends also need to be educated so that they can do what they can to help - and avoid doing what will hinder their loved ones. They also need to make adjustments in both their expectations and attitudes to best help the FMS sufferer to help themselves. Because that's what the typical over-achiever needs most - to find ways to help themselves - with your help.

And that is what this course is about - learning what is a part of FMS and what is not, getting proper medical care, learning what types of treatments are available, and learning how to cope with both our emotions and our practical day to day activities. Learning how others cope - and especially learning that there are people who understand exactly what you are feeling - and who can share their experiences.

What Students Are Saying...
The course was excellent and well thought out. Having Fibromyalgia herself, Carol Wallace did an exceptional job of laying out the course.Enjoyed every lesson.

I thought that the course material was presented well and access to the material was easy. The course moderator and discussions were excellent, and the reasonable cost was definitely a plus! I'd definitely recommended Suite University.

The Coping with Fibromyalgia Course at Suite U is a comprehensive guide, developed by FMers for FMers, authored and instructed by Carol Wallace, Ph.D., that provides invaluable information for coping with your illness. Tamara Peters

Lessons

Click here to see course syllabus