Proclamation for National Fibromyalgia Association – National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day 2006
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances (and insomnia), memory and concentration difficulties (aka Fibro Fog) and many other symptoms. Many people who have this condition (fibromites) go through years of bouncing from doctor to doctor in a attempt to diagnose it, and frequently are faced with frank disbelief by friends, family, co-workers, and even the medical profession. There is no cure for FMS, only symptom management. (.pdf of full FM Monograph)
FMS is an invisible condition, meaning that there are no outward signs to other people, and there are no diagnostic tests that will lead to a definative diagnosis.
FMS can be managed through medications, but eating a well-balanced diet and getting some gentle, regular exercise helps significantly with symptom management. There are many different philosophies on diet and fibromyalgia, and the truth is that no one diet regimen will work for all fibromites. Trial and error is the only way to determine what's right for the individual.
Many people are driven to find solutions in alternative or herbal cures. While some of these therapies may be useful, it is important to remember that just because it's natrual don't mean it's safe, and if a cure sounds too good to be true, it probably is. You can always check out for yourself whether these therapies are safe.
If you know someone with fibromyalgia, take a moment today to learn more about FMS, and send some kind thoughts to your fibromite.