Fibromyalgia

yes

Most phobias respond to graded exposure & cognitive behaviour therapy - there's no reason to think that fear of cotton wool would be any different. I guess all you have to weigh up is whether the current impact on your quality of life is worth spending half-a-dozen sessions with a psychologist/other registered mental health professional. Neither graded exposure or CBT are rocket science, but if you think bambakomallophobia is worth tackling you'd be well advised to track down somebody who knows a fair bit about specific anxiety disorders. Good luck!

No. These are two very different conditions. First, we need to understand the terminology. "myalgia" refers to pain in muscles, "poly" means multiple areas, and "fibro" refers to the connective tissue and fascia in the body. Clinically, there are a number of differences between the two in the constellation of symptoms, treatments, and outcomes.

Polymyalgia rheumatica is typically confined to the neck, shoulders, arms, hips and thighs and is caused by inflammatory elements in those joints. The cause is not very well understood, but it is very apparent that an inflammatory process is in full swing. Polymyalgia is generally worse in the morning or after extended periods of inactivity. Corticosteroids can be effective at reducing the inflammatory process, and the condition itself will usually last only 1-2 years.

Fibromyalgia has a much more widespread pain pattern, can wax and wane, or can show a wandering pain pattern. There are also a number of conditions which accompany fibromyalgia which include: fatigue, anxiety, depression, endometriosis, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. The cause seems to be uncertain at this point, but it is fairly well understood that there are changes in how the brain processes and responds to pain signals. There are numerous pharmaceutical therapies to help manage the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but as of yet none have made significant inroads toward eliminating it. There are other ways of reducing or eliminating symptoms which are generally applied though a functional neurology approach.

I'm not a doctor, and not an expert on either. However, eight months ago I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I found that by avoiding gluten, my fibromyalgia conditions were eased. Three days ago I was diagnosed with Ceoliac Disease. My doctor explained that while it is unclear whether or not one causes the other, the two are highly correlated. The underlying causes of Fibromyalgia are unknown--it should be viewed more as a syndrome, that is, a collection of symptoms.

it ruins the cartilage between the joints and in the process deforms them chemicals are produced at the same time that cause further damage in tissue surrounding joints. the inflammation and erosion caused by Rheumatoid arthritis also causes pressure to be put on nerves that can lead to extreme pain and muscular atrophy.

Not likely, I'm afraid. Fibromyalgia is a chronic neuroimmune disease and its most common symptoms are a severe amount of pain that doesn't respond well to most analgesics, and exhaustion which limits concentration. So the person with fibromyalgia couldn't do an active job because too much physical exercise makes the pain and exhaustion worse. And a desk job probably wouldn't be suitable either, because of the brain fog and trouble concentrating. There is a lot more to fibromyalgia than pain and brainfog, but those are the symptoms that interfere with normal life the most.

Yes, you can be fired for missing work due to chronic back pain.

Depo Provera does not treat fibroids.

The basic answer would be 'yes'. The more detailed answer follows :

With fibromyalgia there are symptoms such as pain (including 18 points used in diagnosis), that all with fibromyalgia experience, there are other symptoms that most, though not all experience, and there are other symptoms I expect that some, though not many experience.

While I personally experience widespread pain almost everywhere, the teeth is somewhere it hasn't spread to, except when there is a tooth problem. However, I found the article online 'What Dentists Should Know about FMS/CMPS' which suggests that tooth pain does often happen (it can be found on a number various sites), and this suggests that it is common.

Damage to teeth from teeth grinding (as mentioned in the article) is understandable, as high pain I have found can contribute to this (and some relief from pain can be gained from noticing when tensing such as this happens and using relaxing exercises).

Also if people are in too much pain to clean their teeth, problems can happen.

I have experienced teeth problems of enamel coming from the base of the teeth, a cracked tooth, and more problems besides, and I have found that there are many cases of other people with fibromyalgia who have started experiencing bad teeth, for example at : http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/coping_fibromyalgia/73290

The author Barb Briley has found that 'many' ('though not all')people in his group have had teeth problems.

I suspected, as the above author does in another article, the build up of calcium phosphates found in the body of many (at least) people with fibromyalgia (and wondered if possibly these are the strange bumps and lumps found in my body.....it was confirmed by an osteopath that I had blockages in the lymphatic nodes but am not sure if they could be phosphates). Some authors agree with this theory such as : http://www.fibromyalgiatreatment.com/Research_Urico.htm

"For several reasons we suspect a partial role for inorganic phosphate (Pi). This is supported by some observations. Patients note cyclic chipping or peeling fingernails (calcium phosphate). Dental calculus (calcium phosphate) often breaks off, and sometimes no longer forms, during treatment. Calcium added to meals allows lower dosages of medication, probably because calcium binds to phosphate as calcium phosphate and increases faecal elimination"

And write that they found that:

"Examination of 24-hour urine samples of patients who had begun guaifenesin show large increases in the excretion of phosphate and, in lesser amounts, calcium and oxalate. Though other anions might be involved, the preceding suggest a primary defect in phosphate (and possibly pyrophosphate) metabolism. If so, the following formula would account for depressed mitochondrial ATP generation".

However, sites like : http://www.fmnetnews.com/resources-alert-product6.php suggest that this is not the case :

"Dr. Bennett provided six scientifically based reasons to toss out this claim:

Both the serum and urinary levels of uric acid and phosphate were all in the normal range and no change was noted over time...6. Lastly, guaifenesin was not found to increase uric acid or phosphate excretions. Thus the postulated action of guaifenesin-the reason cited for its effectiveness-could not be demonstrated."

Personally, I did have a marked improvement when taking guaifenesin that I can't put down to placebo affect (but can't definitely put down to the use of the guaifenesin either, but it 'coincidentally health improved somewhat while using it, and declined around the time I stopped taking it') and 'guaiacum', (the herbal medicine from which it is derived) Bartram's encyclopaedia of herbal medicine cites as a medicine for similar/same symptoms/ conditions to fibromyalgia. I haven't taken it for a while as it is difficult to get hold of, and am finding other ways to get to the route of the problem, such as paqo/altomesaoq healing from the 'Four Winds' 'Healing the Light Body' course and practitioners.

(Regarding this healing, as written about by Alberto Villoldo, I have found excellent for me at getting to the source of the symptoms rather than just keeping treating them, though it, for me, has been a gradual process with layers upon layers to be healed, with this healing helping more each time….I am yet to see if/when a healing of all parts of it happens long term).

Regarding the lymphatic system, the site " http://www.ei-resource.org/expert-columns/dr.-gloria-gilberes-column/the-lymphatic-system:-ignored,-misunderstood-and-neglected/ " does state that the lymphatic system is the 'inner excretory mechanism of the body', and provides the means for each cell to eliminate waste'. It also 'describes processes to help with this. I do not however, know for sure whether this could cause the teeth problems.

I also found this at http://www.squidoo.com/glutensensitivity (some people, like myself have this with the fibromyalgia, but this could possibly apply to fibromyalgia too, as it can affect so mant parts of the body, including nutrient absorption etc) :

"The loss of dental enamel nearly always indicates problems with the way your carbohydrates are processed. Several factors play a role in this. The natural acidity level of your stomach is of utmost importance. Excessive tissue acidity quickly erodes your tooth enamel by a process that is looking to neutralize your acid-alkaline blood balance. For this purpose calcium, along with several other essential minerals, is leached from your bones and teeth"

More research and answers, and advice on what to do about the teeth problems themselves would be useful. As one author wrote, so much focus is put on the pain side of it (understandably so), that other symptoms are less, or not looked into. I use an oral irrigator now, as well as normal tooth routine.....am not sure if that has helped though. As Barb Riley writes :

'What causes good teeth? We all know that we have to have plenty of calcium, good brushing and less sweets.

This is not a hard principal to follow, brush, eat healthy, and you have good teeth. Right? Wrong! At least for me. So what did I do wrong? I decided to check out one of my life's greatest influences, Fibromyalgia".

Good luck!

It is considered a chronic disease. However, some individuals have had spontaneous remissions. Anit-inflammatory treatment, yoga, meditation, a Mediterranean diet and easy walking (as tolerated) plus swimming, can be helpful. Certain medications, such as gabapentin, Lyrica, Cymbalta and others have been partially helpful for many patients.

In a word no. The condition exists but on a far lesser scale than official figures.

As there are no conclusive tests to diagnose fibromyalgia it is a favorite amongst hypochondriacs. Doctors have no option but to take a patients word as true and some patients greatly exaggerate their aches and pains therefore fibromyalgia is often misdiagnosed.

The sadness of this is that those people who genuinely suffer from the disease are often seen as 'fakers' and the cost to the National Health Service (I reside in the UK) in wasted doctor hours and wasted prescriptions is massive.

Fibromyalgia is becoming more prevalent in our society, so don't feel alone! One website that has really helped me learn more about how to diet with Fibromyalgia is: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-the-diet-connection.

Fibromyalgia is often triggered by a major physical or mental stress. Therefore, the same factors that lead to certain other conditions may also lead to fibromyalgia. Some of these conditions include migraines; autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondyilitis; irritable bowel syndrome; and depression.

There is no known or specific prevention for fibromyalgia. However, similar to many other medical conditions, remaining as healthy as possible with a good diet, safe exercise, and adequate rest is the best prevention.

It won't help your symptoms as far as pain relief but it can help you forget about the discomfort for a while because it helps you relax. However on the downside....if you have fibromyalgia and you are not very active the hunger induced by weed can cause weight gain.

It has been seen that regular practice of yoga revereses fibromyalgia.Fibromyalgia is a debilitating disease that produces widespread pain, disturbed sleep and exhaustion. Although the muscles hurt everywhere, from head to toe, they are not the only cause of discomfort. As the pain is often triggered by nervous system processes, the diffuse, body-wide symptoms are greatly magnified. The yogic practices which are effective in managing this condition are Palm Tree Pose (Tadasana), Swaying Palm Tree Pose (Tiryaka Tadasana), Waist Rotating Pose (Kati Chakrasana), Anti-Rheumatic Group (PM 1 series), Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhana Pranayama), Humming Bee Breath (Bhramari Pranayama), and Psychic Sleep (Yoga Nidra).

Tramadol may be prescribed in some cases of Fibromyalgia. Please consult your doctor before taking any new medications and ensure that they do not interact with other medications you are currently taking.

Emphysema is one of the causes of club fingers. There are about 50 more diseases that do it too though.

Lyrica is being prescribed for fibromyalgia. Lyrica acts on GABA neurotransmission in the body, like Neurontin - increasing a person's threshold for pain.

It should be noted that while Lyrica is being promoted for fibromyalgia, the study performed on Lyrica for the treatment of fibromyalgia did not have overwhelming positive results. The numbers were just enough that they could claim it was helpful. The company still chose to market Lyrica for the treatment of FMS because it gives them a further five years on their patent, so no other company can try and make a generic drug.

Cymbalta has had more success with the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Two points symmetrically on both sieds at these places.

1. Back of neck

2. Elbows

3. Front of neck

4. Hips

5. Lower back

6. Knees

7. Upper back

8. Shoulders

9. Chest

Good gallery at link

Diet and exercise is the best way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains is important. Also, daily exercise is also very important to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You are no more likely to die of the flu with Fibromyalgia than you are without it. However, because those with Fibromyalgia often have weakened immune systems, they are more susceptible to getting the flu.

Testing for fibromyalgia is mainly through physical examination. There are certain points on the body that elicit a lot of pain when pressed. A rheumatologist can make the diagnosis. It is considered an autoimmune disease by some and to date there is no blood test to diagnose it.

Recently, there have been some studies that link a virus (saw this on Dr. Oz) to fibromyalgia.

The vrus is XMRV...a retrovirus.

There is no concrete evidence to support chiropractic for the treatment of fibromyalgia, however, chiropractic is a well know form of pain control in general, and there are a few case reports found in the literature describing people with fibromyalgia who have benefited. Further, there is a good theoretical mechanism for how chiropractic care could help people suffering from this condition.

Either way, the alternative treatments for fibromyalgia are drugs, which come with the potential for serious side effects. As such, trying a conservative and low risk approach like chiropractic first is a great idea to see if it will work for you. If it doesnt work for you, drugs will always still be there.