Living With Fibromyalgia

Before I really knew what fibromyalgia was, I read about the Spoon Theory. The Spoon Theory is the story of a woman who was trying to explain her condition to a friend while they were out at a restaurant. Using a handful of spoons to represent energy, the woman with fibromyalgia explained how everything costs one “spoon” — even getting up and getting dressed. When you run out of spoons, there’s nothing you can do but rest. A person with fibromyalgia has to save their spoons for things that are really important… or save things for days when they have … Continue reading

Fibromyalgia: Symptoms

Pain is the main symptom of fibromyalgia, but the condition comes with many other symptoms. Women typically feel muscle pain throughout the body or at certain points; men with fibromyalgia often feel pain in the face and at points around the body. The pain can rage from mild to severe. Severe pain can limit work, social activities, and everyday tasks. It may feel like a burning, gnawing, throbbing, stabbing, or aching sensation. The onset of pain may be gradual, and the pain may be worst when a person is trying to relax. The pain may seem less intense during activity. … Continue reading

Fibromyalgia: Overview

Fibromyalgia means “pain of the muscles and other fibrous tissue”. It is a chronic disorder of the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissue. Many people who suffer from fibromyalgia compare it to a persistent flu; the main symptoms are pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tender points around the body. The symptoms can increase in severity at different times of the day, during weather changes, and during different activities. Other names for fibromyalgia include: fibromyositis, fibrositis, muscular rheumatism, chronic muscle pain syndrome, and musculoskeletal pain syndrome. Terms that end in -it is (indication inflammation) are inaccurate, as inflammation does not … Continue reading