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?
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.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
