Question: Does stress exacerbate symptoms? I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia about five years ago. I found regular exercise helped with alleviating stress and lessening my symptoms. In the past year, however, life changes have increased the stress level and pain makes it difficult to exercise like I was. I've tried many modalities of treatment but don't like the effects that the different meds have had. I'm putting on weight and that seems to aggravate symptoms as well. -

Answer: There is no question that for some people there is a correlation with stress and their fibromyalgia symptoms. That is why the Mind/Body component is such an important part of our program. It is often a viscious cycle of stress with increased pain and in turn in response more tension and stress.

Question: My 11 year old son has just been diagonsed as having Fibromyalgia. Will this disappear with age? What should we do to make life more bearable for such a young child? -

Answer: Although it is unusual(but certainly possible) for someone so young and a male to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, assuming that this is an accurate diagnosis and all else has been ruled out I would recommend the following- -finding a local pediatric physician who has experience and empathy in working with children with this diagnosis. In addition, it would be helpful to make sure the provider is open to non prescription approaches as well. An approach that includes physical/occupational therapy, nutritional assessment, cognitive behavioral approaches and some of the alternative medicine approaches such as acupuncture could be considered. It is also important to consider with your medical provider the different triggers that may have caused or been associated with the onset of symptoms and those triggers that may exacerbate or ameliorate his present condition. One last thought would be an evaluaton for a chronic sleep disorder which is often associated with fibromyalgia.

Question: My entire body feels as though I have the type of flu that makes my skin painful to the slightest touch, from head to toe. Is this a normal symptom of fibromyalgia? -

Answer: Assuming that you have been correctly diagnosed with fibromyalgia and other conditions have been ruled out, flu like symptoms are a common complaint. Individuals with fibromylagia often feel like they have a case of the flu that does not go away. The increased sensitivity to minimal touch is also commonly seen.

Question: My doctors have been trying to put me on anti-inflammatory medications. I cannot take them because of the adverse side effects. So, one doctor tried a Cox 2 inhibitor and I could not take this. When I went to the rheumatologist, he said that I did not have myositis, or arthritis or anything that caused "inflammation". When I asked why I am in so much PAIN, and I assumed it was from "inflammation", he said that FIBROMYALGIA does not have "inflammation". IS THIS TRUE? I also have psoriasis, which is auto-immune. So, one doctor was treating me for "inflammation" and now the rheumatologist says Fibromyalgia is NOT INFLAMMATION. -

Answer: Although it is true, Fibromyalgia does not have a significant inflammatory component the non steroidal anti-inflammatory medications with proper medical supervision can offer for some patients symptomatic relief. This is true of both the Cox 1 and Cox 2 meds. There is an analgesic effect with this group of medications in addition to the anti inflammatory effect. In addition, some patients with fibromyalgia have other conditions such as tendonitis or certain forms of arthritis which may have an inflammatory component. Since these medications are not without risk, careful review with your medical professional to determine whether use of this group of medications is the best approach for you is critical. There are plenty of other options.

Question: Can someone with fibromyalgia continue working? If they leave a job that has aggravated symptoms and is having a hard time getting to the point where 'work' is somewhat comfortable to do. Is there disability entitlement available or are you just out of luck? I still have a very difficult time doing everyday housework. -

Answer: Most individuals with a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia are able to work. Often job modifications or a change in job is needed to accomodate some of the functional limitations. There are some individuals who despite extensive treatment are unable to sustain regular and consistent work. In that situation they may be eligible for SSDI or private disability insurance. In order meet eligibility it is often helpful to have the assistance of an experienced disability attorney(who has successfully worked with patients with fibromyalgia) and an experienced medical/clinical team who can document the variety of treatments tried and can clearly outline the specific functional limitations that would preclude regular employment even with reasonable modifications. It is important that a thorough evaluation is done by an experienced open minded medical/clinical team to assure that all reasonable treatment options have been explored, since no one approach works for all patients. This is critical not only to address the issue of employment but also because of the significant impact fibromyalgia can have on day to day activities and quality of life.

Question: What is the cause of fibromyalgia? Could it be caused from repetitive movements at work? Is it possible this is work related? I work as a dog groomer and do alot of lifting/restraining with my arms and shoulders. My Doctor has recently got me to give up work because it is really hard on me. -

Answer: We do not know at this time the precise cause of fibromyalgia. However,there is no question that repetitive strain can certainly aggravate the symptoms. A temporary rest from the aggravating activity along with long term ergonomic changes at the worksite with proper medical care is often all that is needed for some individuals to maintain their current job situation. Nevertheless, there are many situations that despite best efforts significant symptoms persist that can be linked to job activities. In those situations a change in job needs to be considered to prevent a further exacerbation of the condition.

Question: Does the weather affect fibromyalgia? -

Answer: Although weather sensitivity is far from universal, it quite common for individuals with fibromyalgia to give a history of being sensitive to weather changes. Often they act as a human barometer exquisitely aware of most barometric changes. Cold and damp weather is the most common weather related situation that I see that can aggravate symptoms. Nevertheless, since there is a lot of individual variability, I have had patients report to me that the hot weather can be even more of a problem. This is why an individual assessment is so critical.

Question: Is fibromyalgia hereditary? -

Answer: Although there has not been a specific gene identified with fibromyalgia, there is a slightly higher assoication of fibromyalgia in families where one of the parents or close relatives has been given this diagnosis. This is important in the sense that it allows family members to have a higher vigilance in their own family in making sure they get a proper diagnosis and treatment quickly. However, most children or close relatives of individuals with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, never develop this diagnosis.

Question: If it is not a progressive disease, than how is it that symptoms start with just one complaint and then go on to involve other complaints more numerous. For example a back ache, than adds knee pain, than ankle pain, then neck pain. To me it is not doing damage (that we know of) but it is progressing to add different parts of the body. I think this is what fustrates most individuals with fibromyalgia. Progressive or not? -

Answer: There is no question that this is a very frustrating condition. However, there is wide range of presentations of symptoms for individuals diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. For some people it is not uncommon that a partial or even a complete remission can occur with a reoccurence or flare up of symptoms with specific triggers. Some individuals experience the symptoms as chronic, but with symptoms migrating from one area of their body to another. Other individuals have the common experience of the pain starting in one area, perhaps shortly after a physical trauma, but over time the areas of pain generalizes to more areas of the body. In most cases even in that scenario symptoms will usually plateau, unless another medical condition exists to superimpose its own range of symptoms.

Question: Can an auto accident aggravate this condition or cause this condition -

Answer: There is no absolute proof that a physical injury is the cause of this condition. However, a physical injury or even significant stress in susceptible individuals could act as a trigger for onset or exacerbation of the Fibromyalgia symptoms.

Question: When having Fibromyalgia, do your organs get affected by this disease? The reason I'm asking is, I have Fibromyalgia and in the recent year I had gallbladder surgery, and now in April will be getting a Hysterectomy done. On the back of my uterous I have Fibroids and on my right ovary I have a cyct. I also have other internal problems, which are being looked into in the abdomenal area. I will probably be going into menopause early, will my Fibromyalgia act up more during that time? -

Answer: There is no evidence to suggest that Fibromyalgia has a direct effect on our vital organs. During periods of major hormonal changes such as menopause, it is not uncommon for some individuals to be faced with additional symptoms. However, by seeking appropriate medical care by a specialist who is familiar with treating fibromyalgia the symptoms should be able to be well controlled.

Question: Is fibromyalgia in the same family as Lupus? -

Answer: At the present time there is no clear evidence that fibromyalgia falls in the same family as Lupus which is an autoimmune disorder. There is however evidence that individuals who are diagnosed with Lupus may present with Fibromyalgia as well. However the two conditions are not the same.