Fibromyalgia myths: The truth about 9 common myths

From the Mayo Clinic


Fibromyalgia myths: The truth about 9 common myths
Fibromyalgia myths — Don't let fibromyalgia myths keep you from seeking treatment for fibromyalgia.
From MayoClinic.com
Fibromyalgia is a widely misunderstood condition that causes widespread pain and fatigue. If you've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and are trying to learn all you can about the condition, you may come across some of the many common myths and misconceptions about fibromyalgia. Don't let these myths confuse you or discourage you from seeking help for your fibromyalgia symptoms. Here's a look at nine common myths about fibromyalgia and why each is wrong.


Myth: Most doctors don't believe fibromyalgia is a real condition.


Truth: This myth may come from a misunderstanding. Since fibromyalgia is defined by a list of symptoms, claiming that fibromyalgia isn't real is essentially saying that your symptoms aren't real. That doesn't make sense. Most doctors believe your symptoms are real.

The controversy comes when deciding whether fibromyalgia is a disease process that can be reversed or cured. Most doctors believe fibromyalgia is a set of symptoms that aren't caused by an underlying disease. Most doctors believe that fibromyalgia symptoms can be managed, but there is no underlying disease to "cure."

In some cases, a doctor may not be familiar with fibromyalgia. He or she can refer you to someone who knows more about the condition.

Finding a compassionate doctor can be a frustrating part of living with fibromyalgia. But don't give up if you haven't found the perfect doctor. Focus on finding a doctor who is willing to listen to you and take you seriously.

Finding a doctor who's an expert on fibromyalgia may not be practical, for instance, if there aren't many specialists in your area. But a doctor who's willing to learn more about fibromyalgia and listen to your concerns can be an invaluable ally.


Myth: Fibromyalgia damages your joints.


Truth: Though fibromyalgia pain can be severe at times, it doesn't damage your bones, joints or muscles. Some people worry that when pain worsens, it means that fibromyalgia is progressing. But that isn't the case. While increasing fibromyalgia pain can make it difficult to go about your daily activities, it isn't damaging your body.


Myth: You look fine, so there's nothing wrong with you.


Truth: You know this is a myth, but friends, family and co-workers who don't understand fibromyalgia may sometimes hold this belief. It can cause tension when others wonder if you're faking your pain because they think you don't look sick. Resist the urge to get angry and withdraw rather than explain how you're feeling.

Open and honest communication can help others better understand fibromyalgia. Be honest about how you feel and let others know that if they have questions, you're willing to listen and explain.


Myth: You were diagnosed with fibromyalgia because your doctor couldn't find anything wrong with you.


Truth: Fibromyalgia is a specific diagnosis based on your symptoms, not a diagnosis you're given when there's nothing wrong with you. The American College of Rheumatology developed a set of criteria to help doctors diagnose fibromyalgia.

Diagnosing fibromyalgia often takes time. Since there's no single test that can confirm you have fibromyalgia, your doctor will often run tests and procedures to rule out other conditions. Enduring repeated tests can be frustrating, but it's an important part of determining whether your symptoms are caused by fibromyalgia or something else. The results will guide your treatment.


Myth: Fibromyalgia causes pain. Those other symptoms you're experiencing must be caused by something else.


Truth: Fibromyalgia can cause symptoms in addition to pain. Many people with fibromyalgia also experience fatigue and difficulty sleeping. Other fibromyalgia symptoms may include headaches, sensitivity to light, dizziness, memory problems, and numbness and tingling in your arms and legs. A number of other conditions commonly accompany fibromyalgia, including irritable bowel syndrome, bladder control problems and mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety.


Myth: No treatments for fibromyalgia exist, so it's no use going to the doctor.


Truth: There's no standard treatment for fibromyalgia, and the Food and Drug Administration has approved just one drug for treating fibromyalgia. But you have many options for controlling fibromyalgia pain, including medications, lifestyle changes, and complementary and alternative treatments. Often you'll need to try a few treatments in different combinations to determine what works best.


Myth: On days when you're feeling good, you should try to do as much as you can since you may be unable to accomplish everything you want on other days.


Truth: Overdoing it on the good days may catch up with you. You may feel exhausted the next day and your fibromyalgia symptoms could worsen. But that doesn't mean you should keep your activity to a minimum. Doing very little could weaken your muscles and increase your pain.

Cope with the good days and the not-so-good days by finding a balance. Pace yourself. Set goals for each day. Your goals should be reasonable. And they should include daily exercise and time for yourself, such as time to relax or listen to music.


Myth: Fibromyalgia is a life-threatening disease.


Truth: Fibromyalgia isn't fatal and it doesn't damage your body. Fibromyalgia symptoms fluctuate over time, sometimes getting worse and sometimes becoming milder. Fibromyalgia pain rarely disappears completely, but you can learn to gain some control over it.


Myth: You can't have a productive life with fibromyalgia.


Truth: Learning to control your fibromyalgia pain takes time. It's likely that the pain will never completely go away and you'll have to accept that your life might never be the same. But that doesn't mean your life can't be satisfying and productive.

Work with your doctor to adapt your daily activities so that you can have time and energy for what's important to you. Your strategy may include a number of approaches, such as setting goals, for instance, making time for relaxation exercises every day, or making lifestyle changes, such as walking most days of the week.

Last Updated: March 21, 2008
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This is interesting Jacki but I've heard some of these myths about fibro. For instance, if the doctor can't find anything else, it's fibro. They almost had me convinced I had fibro once but it was all stress related, in my head

Thanks for posting this Jacki so we can understand better

Thanks Jackie, I tend to over due it when I am feeling good I think, then I have the really bad days....I need the balance.

I do the same thing Terry. Even though I know I will pay for it, on my good days I try to get as much done as I can because I know on the bad days I won't get anything done. And then I have another bad day caused by overdoing it. It's a visious cycle. And you'd think that I would have learned by now! I just can't seem to help myself. In fact, today I cleaned out the shed and got it organized...now I'm hurting. But I kept telling myself "it has to be done before it gets too cold for me to be outside" and I pushed myself to get it all done today. And, on top of that I said two other grands could sleep over tonight. Guess I'll be trying out that new pain med tonight!
Jacki

I am doing the same thing! I started out the day with little pain, so I am tackling the mountain of laundry and cleaning the apt. and putting the Halloween decorations away because my new boyfriend is coming up from Phoenix tomorrow....I am already feeling the pain, but I will finish! If I get done in time I will post about the "new" boyfriend....this is another one of "God works in mysterious ways"! or one could say "be careful what you ask for" but it is the answer to my constant prayer for the complete healing of my heart and that I really don't need or want any new lessons!.....

Terry, you and I definately need lessons on not overdoing it on our good days! It's just so hard to keep from playing catch up on the good days. I get so frustrated when I can't keep up with things on the bad days and then I just can't stop myself from overdoing it on the good ones to make up for what didn't get done. It's horrible! I'm actually a bit manic about it and make the poor girls a bit crazy. I am trying to be better about it. I think if I had help keeping up with the daily stuff I wouldn't be so bad, but it's only me and the girls.
Speaking of which...it's a good day today and I have some errands to run and a bedroom to clean.

I am really lucky, I have have 3 days in row that are good, I have gotten lots done! I took down all of the Halloween decorations, cleaned the apt., did the laundry, spent all day yesterday with Jack walking around the shops, and have been getting tons done at work today! I am not limping at all, my back hardly hurts, or my leg, or my neck! But I am waiting for the the other shoe to fall so to speak....but in the mean time......it feels so good not to be hurting and taking the pain meds So, as you say, on ward till we fall again....

I'm exhausted just reading about everything you've been doing Terry! I got my errands run, but never did get Chey's room done. I did make it through a PTA meeting though. Today I'll try to get both girls bedrooms done. And we're still waiting for the details on Jack!
Jacki

What did I miss? Who is Jack?

Who is Jack??? Well that would be the million dollar question!! The short story is: as most of you know, I was an abused child, I came out of childhood with a lot of anger issues & trust issues. I managed over the years to get my head straight, my soul healed and have been praying for my heart to be healed so that I could give and receive love again.
About 3 weeks ago I received an email from Classmates.com saying a classmate of mine from High School named Jack M. had emailed me, I nearly ! He was not only my first love, he was my first husband! So off to the website I went wondering what the h***? His first words were "Hi Sweatheart" and his last were "I am so sorry, I hope you are have a nice life"
I answered back with a hello, how are you and by the way I had a terrible head injury with a loss of much memory and asked him "Exactly why did we get divorced?" From there, we have had so much fun you would not believe, ......we met for lunch a week later and it was like we never parted.....35 years almost to the date of our wedding we are both much older, wiser and of course different in many ways, but as soon as I saw those green eyes again, it was all over for me....and he said said as soon as he saw my blue ones, it was all over for him too, just like when we first met....I am so comfortable with him, and for the first time I can remember, ever in my world, I feel safe, loved, like I am at home. This is a bit frightening for me, but since as they say the milk is spilt, I might as well swim in it!
Talk about bizzare........or the Lord working is mysterious ways, or be careful what you ask for? Time will tell....but I know how ever this ends, my heart will be healed I know now that I never stopped loving him with all of my heart.....
So, that is who my Jack is....

Terry I truly am so happy for you I'm really glad that you two are back together. But please, please be careful. I'd hate for you to get hurt again

Terry I hope this works out for you but as Nickey said, please be careful

So happy for you Terry. I hope it all works out. Love is in the air

I'm so happy for you Terry! I hope it works out for you and Jack.

I am, kinda, but I told him what I was thinking and feeling, and the weirdest part is, he has been praying for the exact same thing....and well, I am telling you guys, the fireworks are a flying.... but we are taking are time as far as anything other than spending out days off together and getting a lot of exercise....... hehehehehehehe I'm hardly even playing WoW!

I'm glad to hear that you are taking your time, and communicating Terry. That's so important. I really wish you the best, and hope it works out well for you.

We want details when you get back. Easy goes it friend

It has gone really well! His son with downs syndrome has accepted me and we stopped by my brother's even and they all got on great! His oldest son Troy is a younger version of Jack, in all it has been a really nice weekend. He even gave me a key to his house in case I need to pop in any time....He has nothing to hide from me We are going to San Diego nest week for my brother in law's 60th birthday party.... It may seem fast, but, I feel like I have never stopped loving him.... I am still here, I am leaving tomorrow, my brother intoduced my to "chocolate martini's, YUM , he has gone to take Casey home to his mom's...he is a great kid...
Thanks for all of your support...but, slowly, too late, I am already as in love as I was at 18... or, still am, take your pick.... but I have my brother's blessings on this one and he is a hard one to convince, he met Jack again today and really liked what he saw...

I'm so happy for you Terry. I honestly, truthfully, from the bottom of my heart hope this all works out

Thank you Brianna, that really means so much to me Jack told me last night that my brother Steve thanked him for putting such a wonderful smile on my face! He said he hasn't it in many years I know this is going way fast..... but, it feels so right, like it was always meant to be..... for both of us; we aren't just kids walking into this blind, we were once before crazy in love, it is like it never really went away

It's great that both of your families are supportive Terry. That's so important. I'm really happy for you!

Fast or slow it doesn't matter Terry. All that matters is you know it's right. It must feel so good too to have everyone's approval

I didn't even realize I was looking for that too

It's when you aren't looking and you least expect it that it finds you Terry.

Had a great day yesterday and over did things as usual. And I'm paying for it today. Can't sit for more than a few minutes at a time, and every muscle and joint in my body is screaming. I wish I could force myself to go easy on the good days and not spend them making up for the bad days but it's just so hard to do that. When I have a good day I feel like I have so much to cram in to make up for bad days and to get ahead for the next bad patch. I had some outdoor stuff that needed to be done before the bad weather hits and I got most of it done yesterday. I'm glad it's all done but even as I was doing it I knew I would suffer for several days and still couldn't stop myself. How do you balance it?