Re: FIBROMYALGIA AND HEPATITIS C

[Guest guest]

EXCELLENT Article Don!! Its a keeper! thank you!

Subject: FIBROMYALGIA AND HEPATITIS CTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 7:41 PM

Extrahepatic Manifestations: Fibromyalgia and Hepatitis C Alan Franciscus, Editor-in-ChiefIt is estimated that 3 to 6 million people in the United States have Fibromyalgia (Fibro or FM for short) and while a direct link between Fibromyalgia and hepatitis C hasn’t been established there are more people living with hepatitis C who are also living with Fibromyalgia than the general population. Hepatitis C and Fibromyalgia also share many symptoms such as fatigue, and muscle/joint pain.

Fibromyalgia is a condition (rather than a disease) which causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue and multiple tender points in specific parts of the body. The pain has been described as aching or burning. Fibromyalgia affects people differently and the symptoms or severity of symptoms can not be predicted. Like most autoimmune conditions, more women than men develop Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition – that is it is a life long condition for most people, but it is not a progressive disease and does not shorten normal life expectancy. It can, however, greatly reduce the quality of life of those who suffer from this condition.

Fibromyalgia is sometimes referred to an arthritis-related condition, but Fibro is not a true form of arthritis because it does not cause inflammation or damage to the muscles, joints or other tissues involved. It is, however, considered a rheumatic condition that impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain. The HCV ConnectionThe association or direct link between hepatitis C and Fibromyalgia has not been discovered, but most experts believe that HCV may act as a trigger to the onset of Fibromyalgia. Of interest, one study found that people with Fibromyalgia and HCV exhibit symptoms such as inflammation around a joint, bursa (sac containing fluid for lubrication of joints) and/or tendon, and vasculitis (blood or lymph vessel inflammation) that are not seen in HCV negative people with Fibromyalgia.

The prevalence of Fibromyalgia in people with hepatitis C has been found to be much higher than in the general population – 15 to 19% compared to approximately 2% of the general U.S. population.

SymptomsThe symptoms of Fibro vary from person to person. The most common symptoms and conditions associated with Fibro include:

• Fatigue that can range from mild to severe• Sleep disturbances such as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep and/or waking up feeling exhausted (non-refreshing or non-restorative sleep)• Restless legs syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system that affects sensation and movement in the legs and causes a strong urge to move the legs. Restless legs syndrome can also interfere with sleep since the symptoms are usually worse at night.• Stiffness when waking or after remaining in one position for a prolonged period of time • Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition characterized by stomach pain and bloating and frequently alternating constipation and diarrhea in the absence of any disease• “Fibro Fog” symptoms including difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, mixing up words when speaking or reading (similar to HCV “Brain Fog”)• Headaches

that are usually caused by tight neck and shoulder muscles or from the pain associated with Fibromyalgia• Hyper-sensitivity to light, noise, touch and temperature • Numbness or tingling of the extremities (legs and arms )• Anxiety, depression and irritability due to pain, isolation and the unpredictability of the symptoms• Painful menstrual periods in the absence of an infection• Light-headedness and balance problems such as trouble with balance while standing and difficulty in visual tracking

Causes of Fibromyalgia The exact cause of Fibro has not been established, but it is believed that Fibromyalgia may be caused by a physically or emotionally stressful or traumatic event, repetitive injuries, illness (such as HCV?), rheumatoid arthritis or another type of autoimmune disease. Fibro may also be influenced by a person’s genes and may run in families. In the past, it was believed that Fibro was a disease of the muscles and soft tissues, but researchers have documented brain and central nervous system abnormalities. Another theory is that people with Fibromyalgia may have a gene that causes them to react strongly to certain stimuli that others might not perceive as painful.

Diagnosis Currently, there is no simple blood test for diagnosing Fibromyalgia. Because the symptoms are generalized they can overlap many other conditions so other diseases or conditions should be ruled out. If a physician is not well-versed in Fibromyalgia the diagnosis may be overlooked. Physicians who are familiar with Fibromyalgia can make a diagnosis based on criteria established by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR):

• Widespread pain (right and left side body pain above and below the waist) that lasts for more than 3 months• 11 or more tender points (out of 18) standard possible sites on the body

ManagementThere is no cure for Fibromyalgia, but there are many strategies to manage the condition.

A comprehensive approach with many different health providers (doctor, physical therapist and others) seems to work best – this includes the person suffering from Fibromyalgia.

Pain ManagementThere are no drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat Fibromyalgia, but many medicines have been found to help with Fibromyalgia- related pain and fatigue. Antidepressants have been found to help with managing Fibromyalgia. In addition to treating mood disorders, antidepressants are now widely used to manage pain and fatigue. Over the counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, ibuprofen and other medications are used to treat the pain. For more severe pain, stronger medications and narcotics can also be used, but long-term use should be avoided due to the high risk of physical or psychological dependency. Low-impact exercise and stretching can help with pain, stiffness and mood.

Medications used to help with sleep disorders; restless legs syndrome and other conditions associated with Fibromyalgia can help manage symptoms.

Exercise – Research has clearly found that aerobic and flexibility exercises are some of the best tools for managing Fibromyalgia. Try gentle exercising like walking. Be sure to stretch before and after exercise. New research is examining strength training exercises. Physical therapy has also been found to improve the symptoms.

Sleep – Getting the right type and enough sleep is very important. This can be difficult for people with Fibromyalgia since pain and restless legs syndrome can greatly interfere with amount and quality of sleep. Talk to your medical provider about medications to treat sleep disorders, pain management and restless legs syndrome to help restore quality of sleep (see the HCSP Fact Sheet Sleep and Hepatitis C for tips on managing sleep).

Stress – stress can trigger or worsen the symptoms of Fibromyalgia so stress management is another important tool that a person can use to manage the symptoms. Try relaxation techniques, prayer, meditation and other techniques to lower stress.

Work Adjustments – it may be helpful to find out if an employer allows for flexible working schedules, improving the physical work environment with ergonomically correct equipment such as the chair, desk and computer monitor. Persons unable to work because of Fibromyalgia may be eligible for disability. If you are unable to work you may be eligible for disability benefits from Social Security or from private disability insurance. People with Fibromyalgia have some work place protections. Contact the Americans with Disability office at 1- for more information.

Complementary Medicine – the use of acupuncture, acupressure, t’ai chi, qi quong, massage, biofeedback and relaxation techniques can help to manage symptoms.

Support groups – people with Fibromyalgia, like people with HCV, can greatly benefit from professional counseling and/or a support group to deal with the emotional and physical realities of living with Fibromyalgia.

In the past Fibromyalgia was not taken seriously and there was little research conducted to find the cause and ways to manage the condition. But as we have begun to learn more about the condition and it has been acknowledged more and more research is being done to learn about the cause, management and treatment of this potentially disabling condition. Until more information and medications are available the best advice is always advocate for the best possible care for yourself and others with this condition.

love

don in kansas

[Guest guest]

I agree! Hits the nail right on the head! I'm trying to tell my TTP

group that FM can be the cause of their issues too! It seems that

everyone who had the TTP, a blood disorder which requires plasma

exchange, ends up with the FM/CFS symptoms.

It's so hard to decide what to blame your symptoms on when you have

several chronic issues you are dealing with...although, I'm not really

sure it matters.

Do y'all think if the HepC goes undetected, does the FM go away? Or

is it with you forever...I wonder.... It hurts to ponder that deep

sooo early...back to bed to ponder in my sleep...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz

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> Subject: FIBROMYALGIA AND HEPATITIS C

> To: Hepatitis_C_Central

> Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 7:41 PM

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[Guest guest]

I have never heard of fibro going away,, its my understanding that its a life long syndrome,,

Subject: Re: FIBROMYALGIA AND HEPATITIS CTo: Hepatitis_C_Central Date: Friday, January 9, 2009, 6:56 AM

I agree! Hits the nail right on the head! I'm trying to tell my TTPgroup that FM can be the cause of their issues too! It seems thateveryone who had the TTP, a blood disorder which requires plasmaexchange, ends up with the FM/CFS symptoms. It's so hard to decide what to blame your symptoms on when you haveseveral chronic issues you are dealing with...although, I'm not reallysure it matters. Do y'all think if the HepC goes undetected, does the FM go away? Oris it with you forever...I wonder.... It hurts to ponder that deepsooo early...back to bed to ponder in my sleep...zzzzzzzzzzz zzz> > > From: Christ <ludichrist2000@ ...>> Subject: [Hepatitis_C_ Central] FIBROMYALGIA AND HEPATITIS C> To: Hepatitis_C_ Central@yahoogro ups.com> Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 7:41 PM> > >