The main cause that misunderstanding and myth often encircle the chronic condition that causes pain and exhaustion and every person who has fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) experiences it in a different way. Education is a key to effectively manage symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a chronic and untreatable condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, chronic exhaustion, brain fog and sleep disorder that is predictable to affect between three and six percent of the global people.
However, since fibromyalgia was formally recognized only a few decades ago, many people (including doctors) are still unfamiliar with the illness and the reality of how it can affect someone’s life. These doubts can unluckily give way to assumptions that are not just erroneous, but upsetting. Many still believe that fibro is not a “real” illness, and that those who have it must simply be “faking” or “attention-seeking” when that could not be further from the truth. Among the physical symptoms and emotional impact of having a lifetime condition, fibromyalgia can already be a tricky illness to deal with.
Some misconceptions may always persist; it is significant to separate truth from fiction. Understanding the particulars about fibromyalgia can help the sufferer understand his/her condition better and help the outside viewer to be more understanding towards friends or loved ones with fibromyalgia.
We required correcting some of the misunderstandings surrounding fibromyalgia. The significant part of promoting general perceptive and awareness is breaking down these stigmas, so they can ultimately lead to more research and better treatment options for those with the sickness.
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Myth: There is nothing that can be done to treat fibromyalgia.
Reality: Even though fibromyalgia cannot be treated, for many people a diagnosis can be validating. It can mark the beginning of a new journey toward relief of some symptoms. Many people with fibromyalgia are capable to decrease their symptoms through daily life changes and treatments.
Myth: Fibromyalgia and arthritis are the same.
Reality: The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is not linked with a person’s having arthritis or some type of tissue injury. Because of comparable symptoms of pain and fatigue Fibromyalgia may be described by some to be “arthritis-like”, but FMS isn’t truly an arthritic condition because it doesn’t cause swelling or joint damage.
Myth: Exercise will make fibromyalgia worse.
Reality: Exercise, when done properly, can reduce some fibromyalgia symptoms and improve overall quality of life. The reason many patients feel like work out makes their fibromyalgia worse is they attempt to do too much too soon. The key to exercising with fibromyalgia is to start very slowly and increase very gradually. The truth is that several studies, conducted over many years, have constantly found that work out help in decreasing fibromyalgia pain and exhaustion and improve overall quality of life.
Myth: People with fibromyalgia are never able to do anything.
Reality: Fibromyalgia victims may not all the time feel up to going out or contributing in plans and activities, but it doesn’t mean they should automatically be expelled. Sometimes they may say “no,” but other times they may say “yes.” It never hurts to ask and let them decide whether or not they’re up for something.
Myth: Fibromyalgia is a woman’s disease
Facts: The majority of people with fibromyalgia are women (about 80%). But, remember that fibromyalgia is a common condition. Many men are diagnosed as well. Both genders, though, responded in the same way to fibromyalgia treatment as well as other nondrug treatments such as workout. From teenagers to older people fibromyalgia is also seen in all age groups. But the symptoms more typically begin in a person’s 30s. Fibromyalgia occurs around the globe. And it appears in all ethnic groups and cultures.
Myth: Fibromyalgia isn’t a real diagnosis
It’s an actual chronic illness. ‘Oh I’ve heard, isn’t that the opinion when doctors don’t identify what’s wrong?’ Or ‘oh, that’s not a real illness.’ People must teach themselves before commenting on something they don’t know anything about. It’s not a ‘real diagnosis. It’s been so hard for me to acknowledge my life with fibromyalgia because I feel like I’m still waiting for an authentic answer. But I already have it, and it is fibromyalgia
Myth: Fibromyalgia is a “catch-all” diagnosis
Reality: Fibromyalgia can take time to diagnose because the symptoms overlap with those of other illnesses. Diagnostic testing that can discover fibromyalgia doesn’t exist, but the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has established criteria to conclude when a diagnosis of fibromyalgia should be made. These comprise of having a history of widespread pain lasting longer than three months.
Myth: The pain of fibromyalgia is mild.
Reality: Few people only acknowledge mild symptoms, particularly when they are being appropriately treated. For others, the pain can be severe. It can have a significant impact on quality of life. Effortless things they once took for granted, like working, going for a walk, household responsibilities, and taking care of their families can become hard. Symptoms also frequently get worse under anxiety or even under certain weather circumstances.
Myth : Its “all in your mind.”
“Definitely that I’m making it up/that it’s all ‘in my head.’ Also when I was in agony before diagnosis but a doctor dismissed the pain as down to my depression despite me being adamant it was different.” – Dani S.
Reality: People with fibromyalgia are not “making up” or “imagining” their symptoms. Fibromyalgia pain is real and valid. Read the study which proves fibro is not all in your heads here.
Myth: People with fibromyalgia are “lazy.”
Reality: The pain, exhaustion, brain fog, sleep disturbances and other symptoms common among those with fibro can be devastating and affect a person’s capability to perform even basic, daily tasks such as showering or preparing dinner. Being limited by this illness does not equate to being “lazy.”
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Reference:
- The Mighty
- 9 Myths and Facts About Fibromyalgia By Mikel Theobald via Everyday Health
For support and Discussion join the group “Living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness”
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