Fibromyalgia: There's More to Know . . . Managing Fibromyalgia

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Managing Fibromyalgia

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This is your 1st issue in a 6-part e-mail series on fibromyalgia. This message was independently written by RealAge and contains third-party advertisements. Content in the e-mail or on Web pages linked from the e-mail is not endorsed by the third-party advertiser except those links clearly labeled so. Read more about the high editorial standards of RealAge.

Knowledge Is PowerIt may have taken many months, or even years, but you finally have a diagnosis

Use RealAge Smart Search to look up more information on how fibromyalgia may affect you. for the muscular aches and pains. No, it wasn't in your head. And as you thought, you don't have arthritis. And yes, the pain is real. All too real! Being diagnosed with fibromyalgia may have come as a blow, but you now have a pretty good picture of what you're dealing with. And that's good news,

because you can start learning everything you need to know to better manage your symptoms. The more you know about your condition, the better positioned you'll be to make good decisions about your care. (Learn more about fibromyalgia diagnosis and treatment.)

From our advertiser: Learn how nerve pain can affect your body. How Did This Happen?While you may not have even heard of fibromyalgia before you were diagnosed, the condition is more widespread than you might think, affecting as much as 2% to 4% of the population -- mostly women. No one knows what causes fibromyalgia. It may have a genetic component. And people with rheumatic diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, are more prone to this painful condition. It's possible that the symptoms of fibromyalgia are caused by faulty pain processing in the central nervous system, such that pain is magnified and spread throughout the body. Chemical imbalances in the brain and spinal cord, along with immune and endocrine system abnormalities, may contribute as well. What You're FeelingAlong with widespread muscle pain, stiffness, and tenderness, you may have a variety of symptoms that get better, then worse, and then better again. These symptoms may include the following:

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Headaches and migraines (Find out which type of headache you get.)

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Disturbed sleep (Try these tips for sleeping better.)

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Fatigue (Here's one way to fight it.)

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Irritable bowel syndrome (Use this online questionnaire to see if your symptoms fit the bill.)

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Memory problems (Here is one trick to remembering things better.)

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Restless legs syndrome (Here's what it feels like.)

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Anxiety or depression (Check out the RealAge Emotional Health and Wellness Center for feel-good advice.)Getting TreatedWith the right combination of treatments and self-care, fibromyalgia can be managed and can get better over time. You'll have good days and bad days, and you may feel frustrated at times. But don't give up hope. Continue to educate yourself about your condition so you can be proactive about your care. (Learn more about treatment options.) Use this messaging series as a tool in finding out more about fibromyalgia, your treatment options,

and tips for managing the day-to-day challenges that come with the condition.

From our advertiser: How many people have fibromyalgia? Find out here.

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Savvy Healthcare Tips

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Pain and Discomfort

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