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Posted by Phillipa on May 17, 2011, at 19:58:40
For those that suffer. Phillipa
From WebMD Health News
Fibromyalgia Pain Takes Toll on Everyday Life
Bill HendrickAuthors and Disclosures
May 13, 2011 Fibromyalgia affects relationships, parenting duties, and life decisions of people afflicted with the chronic pain disorder, a new survey finds.
Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread muscle tenderness and pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. The cause is unclear, but abnormalities in the way the body responds to and processes pain may play a role.
An online survey, completed by 2,559 people diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 459 people with undiagnosed chronic pain conditions, suggests chronic pain causes significant changes in the way people live their lives.
Survey Findings
Among key findings:
92% say the condition has had a major effect on life decisions, including whether to remain in a relationship, start a new one, or change jobs. Ninety-five percent of the 650 respondents with children under 18 say their pain affects parenting duties, making it difficult to manage their kids schedules and enjoy their kids milestones. They also say the illness makes it more difficult to manage the household.
Less specifically, 68% say their pain limits their ability to care for their family.
98% of respondents say they have compensated for or attempted to compensate for their pain by changing their daily routine to make life easier or more bearable.
The three top concerns of the 450 people who said the disorder affected their decision to have children were: 62% worried about caring for a child, 53% wondered about their ability to go through childbirth, and 49% had fears about loss of more sleep after having a baby.
75% had visited a health care provider about their chronic pain because they felt they werent able to function at work to their best capacity.
Diagnosis Sometimes Takes YearsIt took two long, painful years and countless doctor visits before I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, but our survey respondents had an even lengthier process -- their average time to receive a diagnosis was three years, Lynne Matallana, MS, president and founder of the NFA, says in a news release.
She says her diagnosis has allowed her to work toward managing her pain more effectively, and that researchers hope that enhanced awareness and education will make it easier for people in the future.
Micke Brown, RN, of the American Pain Foundation, says in the news release that she has witnessed first-hand through her clinical work the impact that fibromyalgia and chronic pain conditions have on everyday activities that others take for granted, such as holding your child, walking your dog, or cooking a family meal.
Greater Awareness of Fibromyalgia
Brown, past president for the American Society for Pain Management Nursing, says she believes a greater awareness of the problems caused by fibromyalgia will empower others to advocate for their health, talk frankly with their health care providers, and speak out about their right to receive timely and appropriate pain care.
The survey was conducted by Synovate Healthcare in March 2011 and developed by the National Fibromyalgia Association, the American Pain Foundation, and Pfizer Inc. Most of the survey participants were female (91%) and the average age was 51
Posted by floatingbridge on May 18, 2011, at 17:06:53
In reply to Fibromyalgia Takes A Toll On Daily Life, posted by Phillipa on May 17, 2011, at 19:58:40
Well Phillipa, this about sums it up right now :-/ right down to age and length to proper diagnosis. I don't know anyone else in my own life that has this, but am aware of online friends like here at babble.
It's been really difficult to accept that after making some headway in therapy with mood and behavior to have This
bite me in the *ss. However, people become ill. They just can and do. I am fortunate to have family and insurance and do not face challenges alone. And that, finally, there is acknowledgment that this syndrome isn't simply psychological.Thanks for the post :-)
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Posted by Phillipa on May 18, 2011, at 21:33:06
In reply to Re: Fibromyalgia Takes A Toll On Daily Life » Phillipa, posted by floatingbridge on May 18, 2011, at 17:06:53
FB it takes away the stigma of some saying it's all in your head it's a physical conditon. So good news. Phillipa
Posted by Sailboat77 on May 20, 2011, at 10:40:41
In reply to Re: Fibromyalgia Takes A Toll On Daily Life » floatingbridge, posted by Phillipa on May 18, 2011, at 21:33:06
Before, I had only heard of the condition by off chance..... never realized that it's so serious and constitutes a true struggle similar to that of Bipolar or Major depressive disorder (maybe even more difficult).
-Very best of luck
Posted by floatingbridge on May 20, 2011, at 10:56:15
In reply to Re: Fibromyalgia Takes A Toll On Daily Life, posted by Sailboat77 on May 20, 2011, at 10:40:41
Thanks Sailboat. (I like that name.)
It's crummy, but it isn't an MI or like BP at all. It does effect my ability to do. Anything. Especially parent. And it's my luck that it began to present during my first ever in life inkling of remission :-(
Very ironic. I came to fibromyalgia through anxiety, depression, ptsd, then the physical trauma (for me) of child birth. Many, but certainly not all ptsd folks could go on to develop fibro. Injuries in otherwise non-traumatized people can provoke fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is like major depression. Both titles accommodate such a variety of symptoms and even couses.
Like depression, it is a disorder or syndrome.
It stinks, but I do not have it as bad as some, and I have access to decent health care.
Working on a remission period now.
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