Answer: Although most people with Fibromalgia are able to work in some capacity, there are some individuals who due to the severity of their symptoms despite best efforts of themselves and their health care team are not able to sustain a consistent work schedule. If you and your doctor feel that you fit into that category a good disability attorney experienced in working with individuals with Fibromyalgia could be very helpful to facilitate the process for you.

Question: How is pain generally managed? -

Answer: The treatment of chronic pain in general and more specifically for those living with Fibromyalgia is complex. Although there are several medication options, whenever possible getting to the root causes of pain with a careful medical evaluation and when possible a focus on non medication options should be pursued with the assistance of an experienced health care team. Although each person must be approached on a individualized basis, an interdisciplinary approach that includes a focus on diet/lifestyle choices, Mind/Body approaches, proper exercise(if possible use of heated pool), Acupuncture and Massage/Chiropractic can be helpful. It is also critical to normalize sleep. Research has shown that poor sleep can contribute to not only the fatigue but also pain for those suffering with Fibromyalgia.

Question: What are the symptons of fibromyalgia besides feeling sore all over and hurting? -

Answer: A more detailed description of some of the Fibromyalgia symptoms and criteria is included on this website. In addition to pain, fatigue and chronic sleep disturbances are also most commonly seen with this diagnosis.

Question: I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and suffer a great deal from pain in my muscles and joints. I also suffer from stomach pains and bloating. I was also diagnosed with h. pylori in the stomach. Will this aggravate fibro? -

Answer: Although everyone responds differently, it is not uncommon for the symptoms of Fibromyalgia to affected when GI function not working optimally.

Question: How often does fibromyalgia just go away in people? If this happens, what is the percentage and the average length fibromygia symptoms persist. -

Answer: Although it is not uncommon for individuals with Fibromyalgia to go through periods of remissions and exacerbations, I am not aware of any particular data that outlines the percentage and with what frequency this occurs. This is why I believe that it is important that patients understand that each persons responds on a very individual level to treatment and life situations. There are many factors that contribute to the course of this condition. The course is quite variable.

Question: I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 7 yrs ago by a rheumatologist who has since moved her practice. My family doctor does not believe in fibromyalgia. For the last 2 yrs when I sleep both of my hands go numb. If I lay on my right side my left hand goes numb and when I lay on my left my right hand does the same. Since i do have osteo arthritis in my neck it is very difficult to get even 1 hr of good sleep a night. Could this have anything to do with the fibro? -

Answer: Although fibromyalgia may present with symtoms that appear to be neurologic in nature, it sounds as though you may need a more thorough evaluation by a physician to make sure that you do not have any neurologic compromise related to your neck or evidence for a peripheral neuropathy. If not already done this would involve a physical exam and possibly an MRI and/or electrodiagnostic testing. As always this would need to be discussed with your physician or an appropriate specialist.

Question: What treatments work the best in most patients? -

Answer: In reality each patient will need and respond to an individualized treatment approach. With that said what we have found and this has also been supported by clinical research is an interdisciplinary approach seems to work best. This would include after a thorough medical evaluation, initiation of an appropriate graded exercise program with physical therapy and if available pool therapy. In addition, a formal nutritional/lifestyle assessemnt with initiation of a rotation elimination diet, a full evaluation of sleep and a normalization of the sleep pattern(since this is often problematic with patients suffering from Fibromyalgia with subsequent sleep deprivation), Mind/Body approaches such as Hypnosis by a skilled therapist and other Behavioral Medicine approaches. Acupuncture is also another option that has been helpful in addressing some of the symptoms and minimizing the need for medications. This is not meant to be an exhaustive list, but key areas that can be helpful for many patients.

Question: Can someone die from this? -

Answer: No, although Fibromyalgia can be incapacitating for many, it does not pose a direct increased mortality risk.

Question: My wife suffers from fibromyalgia. Every day she forces herself to get out of bed. She is stiff and sore from her back to her feet. It takes all she has to move around. I cannot even touch her in certain spots. (back, knee, arms, etc._)She recently had an accident (rear-ended), I forced her to go to the emergency room, where they informed her she had facial paralysis (Ithink).The pain in her back and legs are more severe. Could/would an accident aggravate the fibromyalgia to such a degree. Thanks Ron -

Answer: Physical trauma and emotional stress could aggravate symtoms of Fibromyalgia for some individuals. However, it is always important to rule out other causes of increased pain or change in symptoms.

Question: My PCP recently told me that "chronic fatigue syndrome" is now referred to as "fibromyalgia", I thought these were 2 different things? Which is correct? -

Answer: Although it is true that many patients with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia have an overlaping diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome, they in fact have their own separate criteria. Please see my website(home page under common conditions) for more details.

Question: Is knee swelling common. Also is numbness in the leg common. Thank you. -

Answer: Although some swelling and sensory changes could be associated with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia, these symptoms could be indicative of other diagnosis and should be appropriately evaluated by a physician.

Question: Are all your treatment modalities covered by Health Insurance? -

Answer: Many important treatments are covered by health insurance. Although since individual policies vary from person to person that will need to be verified by each patient. Unfortunately, some of the treatments that I have found to be most useful are not currently covered. Again this may vary based upon the insurance policy.

Question: Why isn't there a place where people with fibromyalgia can get together? -

Answer: I agree that support of others who are or have experienced what you are going through is very important. Support groups are available throughout the country and allow for more peer support. Obviously, each support group has its own character depending on the leader and members who comprise it. To find out whether there is a support group near your location, you can always contact the state arthritis foundation office. They may have some more details about available groups or resources to offer.

Question: What impact does Fibromyalgia have on our society? -

Answer: Fibromyalgia has a significant impact on our society and is costly on many levels. There are approximately 6 million Americans diagnosed with this often debilitating condition. Conservative estimates place direct and indirect costs of Fibromyalgia at $700 million annually. This is represented by time out of work, disability claims, medical costs and impact on the community where these individuals may be playing key roles that are not always able to be fulfilled. The biggest impact however which may not be able to be measured in dollars and cents is the direct personal impact that each individual and their families must endure on a day to day basis living with this diagnosis.

Question: Is Fibromyalgia ever cured completely? -

Answer: Although, I am not aware of any treatments that have been proven to cure this condition there are many treatment options that can be very helpful to significantly reduce symptoms, manage flare ups, increase the periods of remission and to improve the overall quality of life and function of individuals living with this condition.