Fibromyalgia 101
Tackling the Chronic Illness Head on

When the shock and awe of the diagnosis wore off, I prepared myself to go to war with both rheumatoid arthritis disease (RA) and fibromyalgia (fibro). But if I was going to come out victorious, I knew I had to learn as much as I could about how to defeat each illness. Already acquainted with RA, I acquired more information about fibro via my personal experiences and other testimonials, the Mayo Clinic and the Fibromyalgia Network. During my research, I discovered the following:

• A precise origin of fibro is unknown, and the chronic illness can not be detected by routine lab work or specific tests, prompting many physicians to doubt the validity of the condition.

• Researchers who are convinced fibro exists believe a person diagnosed with a rheumatic disease such as RA, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis or an individual who has a relative fighting the illness may be more likely to develop the chronic illness.

• Researchers also believe fibro may be triggered by poor sleep, an injury or trauma, a viral or bacterial infection, abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system at night, changes in muscle metabolism, psychological stress or possibly hormonal changes.

• Fibro affects people of all ages; however, signs of the condition generally appear during early and middle adulthood.

• While the severity of fibro symptoms varies from person to person, the weather, any type of stress, even a time of day, or physical activity can increase one’s level of pain.

• Symptoms of fibro can mirror other conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Depression.

• Fibro is neither progressive nor deadly, although some sufferers have contemplated suicide.
 
Although I’d gained a wealth of knowledge on fibro, my body still needed the aid of medications and vitamins to decrease the symptoms of both it and RA.

To fight RA, I took everything from Plaquenil, Methotrexate, Prednisone, Skelaxin, Ambien, weekly injections of Enbrel, occasional knee injections to combat the swelling and a daily dose of prayer. Each medication — with the exception of Prednisone — was shelved during my pregnancy. 

Six weeks after the arrival of my baby girl, I continued a daily regime of prayer and began taking Lyrica (before it was approved as the first prescription drug for Fibro), Lexapro, Lunesta and Skelaxin when needed in my battle against fibro. As my rheumatologist and I arranged and rearranged the dosages of each medication or simply traded out medications, I enrolled in water aerobic classes, underwent physical therapy and focused on maintaining a healthy diet, proper rest and my career.

During the early stages of my battle against the chronic illnesses, I was hit with friendly fire. For instance, since my body rejected certain “common” medications, I had to fight with particular specialists about running more tests to ensure I was properly diagnosed.  Second, the conditions themselves, along with the side effects of various medications, interfered with my second job as a reporter as they made me feel spacey. Third, I was disheartened by the lack of knowledge about fibro among the medical community. Fourth, just like any other war, this one was costly; my medicals bills began to mount and my relationships with family and friends suffered. turn page or previous

This interview obtained by chinika.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC.

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