Patients with Fibromyalgia

Patients with Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a musculoskeletal condition that can create widespread pain, along with other physical symptoms. The multiple symptoms of this condition play a part in having it classified as a syndrome. This condition is most likely to affect women, but men and even children have been diagnosed with it. Although the cause of this condition is still unknown, there are several factors that exaggerate the risk factors. It is assumed a chemical imbalance in the brain may have an impact on developing fibromyalgia. If any of your patients suffer from fibromyalgia, chances are they are in intense pain, and may have trouble with daily activity and movement.

Related: Non Medical Hospital Emergencies Fibromyalgia Symptoms Muscle pain is often the number one symptom. Muscle pain with this condition may be very persistent, and manifest as a dull ache. This can last for several weeks, and in some cases, months. Sufferers often describe the pain as similar to a severe muscle strain or very intense workout soreness.

Unlike an ordinary muscle strain, with fibromyalgia the pain will be above and below the waist, and on both sides of the body.

Joint discomfort is also a sign of this condition. Pain is widespread, and joints can be especially sore. Some people may think they have an injury such as a sprain. One difference between fibromyalgia and arthritis is when pressure is applied to the joint; a fibromyalgia patient will feel extreme soreness or tenderness. Eighteen areas in the body called fibromyalgia pressure points feel intense pain when firm pressure is applied. This includes the neck, elbows, and hips, upper and lower back, knees shoulders, back and chest, extending to back of head. Doctors now inquire of the patient how long the pain has lasted; anything over three months is most likely fibromyalgia. It is important to never ignore chest, neck, and upper back pain; this could also be symptoms of a heart attack.

Fibromyalgia Treatment This condition is not easy to treat in most cases. It's not like a headache or a backache, it's all over aches, and it can impact every part of the sufferers life. There are some treatments that are being prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of fibromyalgia. They work with the nerve endings to try and reduce sensitivity, thus eliminating some of the pain. Patients may also use over the counter pain medications to help with symptoms and reduce swelling. Patients are encouraged to continue to get plenty of exercise, and

to avoid staying bedridden when symptoms are present.

Related: The Happy Side of Nursing A Patient's Struggle with Fibromyalgia Jaycee is a 41 year old mom of three. She enjoyed her part time job as a substitute teacher, being a wife, and a mom to three active kids. When she was 36, she noticed things were changing within her body. She could not longer run all day and still keep going at night; her energy level was very low. Her body began to feel as though she had a strenuous workout, even though she had not. Jaycee went to several doctors, however was not properly diagnosed for 4 years. Once diagnosed she could began to understand her condition, and know that she was not alone. After several tries of medication, the right was finally prescribed. According to Jaycee, she felt as though the world was suddenly lifted from her shoulders. During her difficult times Jaycee said she felt helpless, and as if no health care professional actually believed her. She felt very guilty, she had once been a busy mom attending every school function and sporting event. After her symptoms began, she had to quit her part time job, and was still unable to make it to the kid’s events. Sore and exhausted, she spent most days in bed. After Jaycee was correctly diagnosed, and the right combination of medications was prescribed, Jaycee slowly began to return to normal.

Jaycee was able to return to work, and resume past activities, although she still has flare ups that may require time off, most days are fine. This is actually a typical situation in many ways, most cases of fibromyalgia take at least two years to diagnose. Once a diagnosis is made, the right combination of prescribed drugs must be added. Doctors are becoming more aware of this condition, and with more awareness come faster treatment options.

A patient that suffers from fibromyalgia may complain of flu-like symptoms that just won't go away. It's important to determine how long the patient has suffered and if it has been continuous or intermittent. Patients need to be assured that they are being taken seriously, as in the past this condition was often overlooked, or recognized as an attention-seeking illness. A general practitioner can either diagnose or refer patients to another physician that can properly diagnose this condition.

Related: Reputable Registered Nurse Shernett A.M. DeMarco, RN, PhD, MSN, BSN, will be Announced in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter