FMS

Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibromyalgia is defined as "a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in localized areas," by Google; as "the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis...Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue, as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation," by WebMd; and " a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms sometimes begin after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. In other cases, symptoms gradually accumulate over time with no single triggering event," by the Mayo Clinic.

So what does all that mean? Well, that depends greatly on you. To someone who has been living with symptoms for years without a diagnosis, relief. "Finally I have a name; I can call this something. How do I move forward?" To someone who is recently diagnosed, confusion. "I have what? Those are some big words Doc. Slow down, I don't understand. What now?" To a family member, understanding. "It is real. They weren't making it up. How can I help?"  

Life for those with Fibromyalgia looks, from the outside, very similar to those without; but it feels vastly different. There is a never ending list of symptoms ranging from physical to mental pain, internal to external problems, and mild to severe interference of daily life. No two people have the same symptoms of the same degrees at the same rate. We are all alone in our journey, which is why the highest cause of death in Fibromyalgia results from suicide. 

There is no cure. 

Join me in raising awareness.