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How to Tell If A person Has Fibromyalgia?

Naomi Prex Arbaa, MD

Fibromyalgia often starts out as a question mark, you might notice strange symptoms, but not have any idea where they came from or why you’re feeling this way. You might not even realize you have an illness, instead being told you’re “just getting old” or it’s “just how you are.” Though Fibromyalgia is different for everyone, there are some signs a person might identify if they, too, have fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by widespread pain, exhaustion, cognitive issues and sleep turbulence.

There is no official “test” for fibromyalgia, and many people come across disbelief and judgment when they attempt to find out if they have the condition. Fibromyalgia symptoms can also look similar to other illnesses, making it difficult to diagnose and distinguish.

To conclude if you’re one of the estimated 10 million Americans who have fibromyalgia, you need to take note of the site and brutality of your pain, as well as any of several other symptoms that are commonly linked with the condition. 

On the flip side, you don’t want to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if you don’t have it, so it’s serious that you take careful note of your symptoms and report everything to your doctors. Some of the most common conditions that are confused with fibromyalgia include chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis or other types of pain problems.

If you think you could have it, pack your tolerance. You may need to see several doctors to get the right diagnosis. Once you do, the right treatments can help you feel better. You’ll most likely want to see a rheumatologist, a doctor who’s a specialist in problems with joints, muscles, and bones. Your family doctor may be able to tell you have fibromyalgia if he’s familiar with this condition.

Signs pointing towards fibromyalgia

Some signs may point out that you may suffer from fibromyalgia including, constantly feeling run down, worn out, and unwell. You never feel 100 percent, ever. Feeling like your muscles and joints are on fire and your bones are breaking inside your body with every move you make. Not being able to get to sleep even though you’re so tired, but pain keeps you awake. Extensive pain, fatigue, and losing the ability to keep up with everyday tasks, Constant lactic acid burn in your thighs, add on headaches, spasms, and insomnia.

Feeling like no matter how much sleep you get, you’re still completely and entirely worn out. Waking up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck nearly every single day, you may experience Flu-like overall pain that never goes away. Truthfully, the surest sign is when you have chronic pain, exhaustion, and remembrance issues but doctors can’t appear to find a cause.

Here are the few signs: (Click on them to read more on the topic)

To determine if you’re one of the estimated 10 million Americans who have fibromyalgia, you need to take note of the location and severity of your pain, as well as any of several other symptoms that are commonly associated with the condition.

Related Article: How to Recognize the signs and symptoms of Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia or something else

Just like fibromyalgia several other conditions also cause pain, muscle aches and fatigue just like fibromyalgia. Some conditions causing symptoms similar to fibromyalgia are listed below.

1. Polymyalgia Rheumatica: This disorder causes widespread pain and stiffness that come on quickly.

2. Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is a specific type of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation in your spine.

3. Hypothyroidism: Your thyroid gland is not capable enough to make a certain hormone.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Problems with your immune system cause swelling and pain.

How can you tell if a person is faking that he has Fibromyalgia?

It’s a very important topic because There is a view held by many who don’t experience fibromyalgia that fibromyalgia is not a “real” condition and that people who suffer from fibromyalgia are malingerers, or people who enjoy being ill for the concentration and attention it brings from others. This negative perception can be very harmful to those who are truly suffering from Fibromyalgia. It can be difficult psychologically for those who suffer from fibromyalgia because symptoms are not noticeable to others. No one can tell just by looking at someone that they have fibromyalgia. Because symptoms are not visible, the condition is very difficult to diagnose.

You will know if someone is faking having fibromyalgia when that person get tired of staying home in bed all the time. Also when that person get tired of not being able to do all the things that a person with fibromyalgia can’t do.

People more prone to Fibromyalgia

Although fibromyalgia can affect anyone, scientists approximate that between 80 and 90 percent of the 12 million people affected with the condition are women. Most people are diagnosed during 25 and 60 years of age; although children are not excused. People with certain conditions are also more likely to have fibromyalgia, such as those with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or spinal arthritis. Women who have a family history of fibromyalgia are also more likely to have the condition.

The next step right after you are diagnosed with Fibromyalgia

There is no need to panic if you are diagnosed with fibromyalgia. A good diagnosis is necessary to move forward to the effective treatment plan that consists of combination of medication, exercise, stress reduction and good sleep patterns. This treatment plan will relieve your symptoms and will improve the quality of your life. Physical therapy may play a good role too.

Also Read:

27 Invisible Symptoms of Fibromyalgia you cannot miss

References: 

For support and Discussion join the group “Living with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Illness”

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