What is Fibromyalgia Syndrome?

QUESTION: I've been to dozens of doctors with this never relenting problem of
aches and pains. It seemed as no one believed me or knew what I was talking
about. Finally one physician told me I had FS, but was less than hopeful.
What can you tell me about fibromyalgia syndrome?
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ANSWER: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS), also called fibrositis, is a common but
often unrecognized form of rheumatism of unknown cause, characterized by
diffuse aches, pain and stiffness. Patients are often tired, emotionally
distressed or depressed, and may have light, restless sleep, headaches, and
other chronic complaints.
Although millions of patients have FS, it remains a relatively little
known and poorly understood disorder. It occurs about ten times more often in
women than in men, and the age at diagnosis is usually between 35 and 60
years.
Because the symptoms of FS are similar to rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoarthritis, and tuberculosis, and a patient can have one of these problems
as well as FS, confusion can arise as to what the patient is suffering from
and how to treat it. Diagnosis relies upon laboratory tests to rule out other
problems.
Among symptoms your doctor will look for are chronic aching; feeling
tired when you wake up; a pattern of stiffness and fatigue in the morning; and
tenderness in a dozen or more specific sites. These symptoms will have been
going on for months, and you may notice that they get worse with certain types
of weather, activity, and stress.
It is important for the patient and family to become actively involved in
the treatment of FS. No single "miracle drug" cures FS, and the approach
varies with each patient. Although FS is not a form of arthritis,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are used for arthritis,
are also effective for some FS patients. Tricyclic antidepressants at bedtime
may help patients sleep better and may also relax muscles.
Changing your lifestyle to reduce stress and set aside time for
relaxation and recreation is advisable, and a psychologist can help you to do
this. Physical therapy, such as massage, acupressure, ultrasound can be
helpful in combination with medication therapy.
Often, relief can also be provided by warm and dry (rather than cold or
humid) weather; hot showers; moderate activity rather than either
overexertion or a sedentary lifestyle; and rest. It's amazing how much better
you may feel after an energetic walk that has not exceeded your abilities or
pain threshold.
In cases that do not respond to these methods, the doctor may inject
local anesthetic into particularly tender muscles.
It is essential that you, your family, and your doctor all recognize that
FS is a real problem--not just something in the patient's mind--and, although
it is a cause for concern, it is not a reason for undue alarm or worry. FS
does not kill or cripple, but it can cause pain that can be intense at times.
The therapy for FS is an evolving one, and more and more doctors now
recognize the syndrome, and diagnose it correctly. Stick with the doctor who
seems to have a handle on your case. Fortunately, there are good treatment
strategies available that can help people with FS.