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>Hi ,

I have only just looked at messages and was appalled to read what

the cardioligist said about FMS. I am disgusted that this day and

age there is still soo much ignorance in the medical world.

I had a similiar experience with a doctor my husband was seeing

after his accident at work with his back. This doctor was working

for the insurance company and I had requested a copy of his report

as he had been really rude to my husband. When I read the report he

had put in it that the patients wife (me) had a condition that

really didn't exsist and there was no medical proof of it !!! I was

ropeable so I sent a letter of complaint and told him that the World

Health Organisation recognises it as a real illness, so maybe he

should start reading some more medical journels and get in the real

world.

He was a very nasty man, just trying to discredit my husband and

myself.

Not fair that we have to keep fighting to be recognised. I even said

in my letter that he would need to hurt his back or suffer from FMS

himself to have any empathy for his patients !!

I found out later that this doctor only works for the insurance

company and has no paying private patients.!! Now I know why !!

Hang in there, sincerly .

> I just accompanied my 55 year old mom to the cardiologist.  He had

me come in the room with her since I have been a cardiac patient for

the past ten years (since I was 26).  I had to go over my history of

what is wrong with mine, so he can see what types of things run in

the family.  In my medical history, my Fibromyalgia was mentioned. 

He said " Oh don't even get me started on Fibromyalgia " .  He said

that he doesn't believe its a disease or even exists.  This is kind

of funny, since he is best friends with my family doctor who

diagnosed me years ago before sending me to U of M.  He said most

diagnosed are middle age women who are extremely overweight.  I was

thinking hello! I was diagnosed at 30 (not middle aged) and I was

5'9 and 140 pounds (not extremely overweight).  He said these people

are sedentary.  He never sees runners get FMS.  Which isn't true. 

I've a friend who is very petite, about 5 feet tall and 105 lbs. 

She is a massage

> therapist and very active.  I was a little frustrated yet then

thought, this guy is a cardiologist.   He keeps up on heart

conditions, and he's supposed to have people try to stay in shape

and to get exercise.  He might not be on the up and up of

rheumatological and nervous system disorders that affect the body. 

Not to mention since there are some doctors that haven't even heard

of it, or seem to know what it is.  So I tried not to take too much

offense.  Then I thought, you are a medical professional spouting

off about something you aren't even sure of! I'm going to tell my

doctor he is not allowed to go golfing with him anymore since they

just got back from a three day golf outing until he educates his

friend on FMS

>

>

>

>

>

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Hi !

It is just appalling isn't it? I get so outraged for all of us any time someone

makes a comment like that! And he was so degrading about it and stereotypical. 

He's lucky I didn't have a temper and throw something at him.  He was taking my

history first since I already see a cardiologist so he'd have a background of

what goes in the family.  For all he could have known since he doesn't have my

mom's entire medical file, SHE could have had FMS as well! She doesn't not that

we know of but still! It's disgusting what happened with you and your husband as

well! I personally think if they don't have anything to say about a medical

condition that is helpful they should glue thier mouths shut! They should

realize stress and upsetting a patient is bad for any kind of health! I

definitely agree they need to read more medical journals! I should unanomously

send him a monthly magazine from the National Fibromyalgia Association:)

From: michellefollet <michellefollet@...>

Subject: [ ] Re: Fibromyalgia

Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 1:29 AM

>Hi ,

I have only just looked at messages and was appalled to read what

the cardioligist said about FMS. I am disgusted that this day and

age there is still soo much ignorance in the medical world.

I had a similiar experience with a doctor my husband was seeing

after his accident at work with his back. This doctor was working

for the insurance company and I had requested a copy of his report

as he had been really rude to my husband. When I read the report he

had put in it that the patients wife (me) had a condition that

really didn't exsist and there was no medical proof of it !!! I was

ropeable so I sent a letter of complaint and told him that the World

Health Organisation recognises it as a real illness, so maybe he

should start reading some more medical journels and get in the real

world.

He was a very nasty man, just trying to discredit my husband and

myself.

Not fair that we have to keep fighting to be recognised. I even said

in my letter that he would need to hurt his back or suffer from FMS

himself to have any empathy for his patients !!

I found out later that this doctor only works for the insurance

company and has no paying private patients.!! Now I know why !!

Hang in there, sincerly .

> I just accompanied my 55 year old mom to the cardiologist.  He had

me come in the room with her since I have been a cardiac patient for

the past ten years (since I was 26).  I had to go over my history of

what is wrong with mine, so he can see what types of things run in

the family.  In my medical history, my Fibromyalgia was mentioned. 

He said " Oh don't even get me started on Fibromyalgia " .  He said

that he doesn't believe its a disease or even exists.  This is kind

of funny, since he is best friends with my family doctor who

diagnosed me years ago before sending me to U of M.  He said most

diagnosed are middle age women who are extremely overweight.  I was

thinking hello! I was diagnosed at 30 (not middle aged) and I was

5'9 and 140 pounds (not extremely overweight).  He said these people

are sedentary.  He never sees runners get FMS.  Which isn't true. 

I've a friend who is very petite, about 5 feet tall and 105 lbs. 

She is a massage

> therapist and very active.  I was a little frustrated yet then

thought, this guy is a cardiologist.   He keeps up on heart

conditions, and he's supposed to have people try to stay in shape

and to get exercise.  He might not be on the up and up of

rheumatological and nervous system disorders that affect the body. 

Not to mention since there are some doctors that haven't even heard

of it, or seem to know what it is.  So I tried not to take too much

offense.  Then I thought, you are a medical professional spouting

off about something you aren't even sure of! I'm going to tell my

doctor he is not allowed to go golfing with him anymore since they

just got back from a three day golf outing until he educates his

friend on FMS

>

>

>

>

>

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Guest guest

I am not really surprised by that reaction. Many doctors in this area feel

the same way. I have been told many times the fibro is not even a real

disease. And basically the same thing you were told.

I was told it was a disease that was made up to accommodate fat, lazy

overweight middle age women who no longer wanted to work. I was shocked at the

crudeness of it but not really surprised.

None of the rheummy I have seen except for the first one even treats fibro.

My first rheummy treated fibro if you also had another rheumological

disease.

None of the internal med or family docs have encountered treat fibro

either. When you say fibro they say...I do not treat that and recommend that

you

find a pain management specialist that does see fibro patients.

I have gotten to the point that I do NOT mention that I have fibro dx in my

records at all. I let the doc if they even bother to read the records find

it themselves.

At this point I do not have health insurance so I am not seeing any docs. I

am pretty much fed up with doctors. I am trying a homeopath next.

Toni

**************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for

fuel-efficient used cars.

(http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)

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You know what- I have both RA and Fibro and its gotten so bad that I dont

even tell people about the Fibro anymore. I dont have the energy to educate

them and it just upsets me more and more when people are saying it doesnt

exist.

I have this stupid fear of people thinking that things arew in my head when

there really is something wrong. I had endometriosis and dealt with the " its

all in your head " for years, so that I am paranoid about it now.

And how sad is it that you have to be embarrassed or defensive to tell

anyone what is wrong with you?

And to add to the above - I am 5'6 and 129 pounds. Not obese- but I do

admit I am not that active because of my RA.

Jill

On 6/26/08, stephanie <stephieann2@...> wrote:

>

> Hi !

> It is just appalling isn't it? I get so outraged for all of us any time

> someone makes a comment like that! And he was so degrading about it and

> stereotypical. He's lucky I didn't have a temper and throw something at

> him. He was taking my history first since I already see a cardiologist so

> he'd have a background of what goes in the family. For all he could have

> known since he doesn't have my mom's entire medical file, SHE could have had

> FMS as well! She doesn't not that we know of but still! It's disgusting what

> happened with you and your husband as well! I personally think if they don't

> have anything to say about a medical condition that is helpful they should

> glue thier mouths shut! They should realize stress and upsetting a patient

> is bad for any kind of health! I definitely agree they need to read more

> medical journals! I should unanomously send him a monthly magazine from the

> National Fibromyalgia Association:)

>

>

>

> From: michellefollet <michellefollet@...<michellefollet%40>

> >

> Subject: [ ] Re: Fibromyalgia

> < %40>

> Date: Thursday, June 26, 2008, 1:29 AM

>

>

> >Hi ,

>

> I have only just looked at messages and was appalled to read what

> the cardioligist said about FMS. I am disgusted that this day and

> age there is still soo much ignorance in the medical world.

>

> I had a similiar experience with a doctor my husband was seeing

> after his accident at work with his back. This doctor was working

> for the insurance company and I had requested a copy of his report

> as he had been really rude to my husband. When I read the report he

> had put in it that the patients wife (me) had a condition that

> really didn't exsist and there was no medical proof of it !!! I was

> ropeable so I sent a letter of complaint and told him that the World

> Health Organisation recognises it as a real illness, so maybe he

> should start reading some more medical journels and get in the real

> world.

> He was a very nasty man, just trying to discredit my husband and

> myself.

>

> Not fair that we have to keep fighting to be recognised. I even said

> in my letter that he would need to hurt his back or suffer from FMS

> himself to have any empathy for his patients !!

>

> I found out later that this doctor only works for the insurance

> company and has no paying private patients.!! Now I know why !!

>

> Hang in there, sincerly .

>

> > I just accompanied my 55 year old mom to the cardiologist. He had

> me come in the room with her since I have been a cardiac patient for

> the past ten years (since I was 26). I had to go over my history of

> what is wrong with mine, so he can see what types of things run in

> the family. In my medical history, my Fibromyalgia was mentioned.

> He said " Oh don't even get me started on Fibromyalgia " . He said

> that he doesn't believe its a disease or even exists. This is kind

> of funny, since he is best friends with my family doctor who

> diagnosed me years ago before sending me to U of M. He said most

> diagnosed are middle age women who are extremely overweight. I was

> thinking hello! I was diagnosed at 30 (not middle aged) and I was

> 5'9 and 140 pounds (not extremely overweight). He said these people

> are sedentary. He never sees runners get FMS. Which isn't true.

> I've a friend who is very petite, about 5 feet tall and 105 lbs.

> She is a massage

> > therapist and very active. I was a little frustrated yet then

> thought, this guy is a cardiologist. He keeps up on heart

> conditions, and he's supposed to have people try to stay in shape

> and to get exercise. He might not be on the up and up of

> rheumatological and nervous system disorders that affect the body.

> Not to mention since there are some doctors that haven't even heard

> of it, or seem to know what it is. So I tried not to take too much

> offense. Then I thought, you are a medical professional spouting

> off about something you aren't even sure of! I'm going to tell my

> doctor he is not allowed to go golfing with him anymore since they

> just got back from a three day golf outing until he educates his

> friend on FMS

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

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Guest guest

Thank you for this . The more people that know about Fibromyalgia, the more money that will be raised for research. One thing in this article was wrong though, FMS is not in the muscles, it is in the connective tissue that holds the muscles together. I developed FMS after almost breaking my ankle in half, and having to have surgery on both sides of my ankle Many people develop FMS after traumatic injury either physical or emotional. Within months the ankle healed but the body got worse and worse. Now that I know how to care for myself with this disease I am much, much better, without having to use pain medication except for Aleve for an occassional headache.

Peace, Love, Light, and Joy, Cherylvisit me at: www.myspace.com/senegalady

"You need to smile to your sorrow because you are more than your sorrow." Thich Nhat Hanh

In a message dated 10/21/2008 3:22:57 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, jsm2224@... writes:

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Fibromyalgia

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose. (See diagnosing fibromyalgia.) Fibromyalgia can be triggered (or made worse) by a number of different factors, such as:

Overexertion

Stress

Lack of exercise

Anxiety

Depression

Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances

Trauma

Extremes of temperature and/ or humidity

Infectious illness.

The cause or causes of fibromyalgia are not known.

The suggested causes include:

Immune system problems - Certain immunologic abnormalities are common among people with fibromyalgia. Some suggest that fibromyalgia is the result of toxins accumulating in the muscles from lactic acid build-up.

Physically Unfit Muscles

Disturbance in brain chemistry - Many people who develop fibromyalgia have a history of clinical depression.

Sleep Disturbances or Insomnia. Many researchers have noticed that fibromyalgia sufferers have a low level of serotonin. They suggest that the central cause of the pain of fibromyalgia is due to this low level of serotonin. Chronic low levels of serotonin cause the sensation of pain to be greatly exaggerated. The low levels of serotonin also may be the culprit of the insomnia and sleep disturbances found in fibromyalgia patients.

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, or with the fungus Candida albicans

Food allergy (dairy products, wheat, fermented foods, and nightshades-potatoes, eggplant-are most common)

Emotional stress

Intestinal candida overgrowth

Nutritional deficiencies

Adrenal exhaustion

Chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings

Anemia

Hypoglycemia

Hypothyroidism.

Fibromyalgia is closely related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which causes similar symptoms, except that in fibromyalgia, muscle pain predominates over fatigue, whereas in CFS, fatigue predominates over pain.

See Also: Causes of Fibromyalgia By S. on

Next Topic: Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances

[Fibromyalgia Home][Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Home][Diseases Home]

Science News

Share Blog Cite

Print Email Bookmark

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease

ScienceDaily (May 14, 2008) — “Drug approved. Is disease real?â€

See also: Health & Medicine

Joint Pain Fibromyalgia Pain Control Arthritis Menopause Diseases and Conditions

Reference

Liver transplantation Growth hormone treatment Chronic pain Chronic fatigue syndrome

“Does it really exist or is it all in women’s heads?â€

“The doctors are in. The jury is out. “

The New York Times headlines rankle Barbara Keddy. For more than 40 years, she has suffered from fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. But the condition is little understood and difficult to diagnose. As borne out by the headlines, some doctors are hesitant to acknowledge it even exists.

After retiring from teaching at Dalhousie University four years ago, Dr. Keddy decided it was time for an in-depth investigation of fibromyalgia, which is much more common among women than men and so has become known as primarily “a woman’s disease.†As a nurse, medical sociologist, university professor and researcher who suffers from the condition herself, she has a unique perspective to offer.

Drawing on her own experiences as well as those of 19 other women, Dr. Keddy discusses current theories of causes and treatments in her book, Women and Fibromyalgia: Living with an Invisible Dis-ease (iUniverse Co.). She also maintains a blog (http://www.womenandfibromyalgia.com) exploring the daily difficulties faced by fibromyalgia sufferers.

“When I became affected by this (after the birth of her first child by Caesarian section), they didn’t know what to call it,†says Dr. Keddy, professor emerita with Dalhousie’s School of Nursing, who was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia 30 years after first experiencing the symptoms. “All I knew is that I was sore all over.â€

“Sore all over†is a refrain among fibromyalgia sufferers, who have been stigmatized as chronic complainers, says Dr. Keddy. Other symptoms include generalized stiffness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, lack of concentration and digestive upsets. The musculoskeletal condition is aggravated by dampness and difficult weather conditions. The pain can be managed—climates with dry heat help, as do some medications—but it doesn’t go completely away.

“The audacity! The women who have this condition hurt in all the same places and have the same symptoms. So how can they say that it’s all in women’s heads?â€

She suspects many more women have fibromyalgia than have been diagnosed. Called “the invisible disease,†fibromyalgia doesn’t affect the major organs, can’t be revealed with x-rays or blood tests and isn’t life threatening.

Because of the soreness and pain it causes, fibromyalgia has come to be associated with arthritis and rheumatism. But Dr. Keddy believes the condition is a neurological hypersensitivity, caused by an over-stimulated nervous system.

“Fibromyalgia involves pain in the muscles, whereas arthritis is in the joints—but somehow fibromyalgia has landed there (with arthritis) as a home base,†she says. “My thinking, and I’ve interviewed hundreds of women not just the 20 who are profiled in the book, is that it’s due to a hyper-aroused nervous system.â€

Dr. Keddy believes women are more susceptible because they are caregivers, thinking about others before they think of themselves. “Some women have highly developed intuitive skills honed to such an intense stage that the nervous system becomes highly sensitive and hyper aroused,†she says. “Then, there’s a trigger, a dramatic event—perhaps the death of a loved one or an operation such as a hysterectomy—and the nervous system is pushed to the extreme.â€

Adapted from materials provided by Dalhousie University.

Need to cite this story in your essay, paper, or report? Use one of the following formats:

APA MLA

Dalhousie University (2008, May 14). Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 21, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/05/080513191552.htm

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FDA Approves First Drug For Treating Fibromyalgia (June 22, 2007) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Lyrica (pregabalin), the first drug to treat fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Lyrica reduces pain and ... > read more

Marijuana-based Drug Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain, Study Suggests (Feb. 18, 2008) — Patients with fibromyalgia treated with a synthetic form of marijuana, nabilone, showed significant reductions in pain and anxiety in a first-of-its-kind study. Fibromyalgia syndrome has no cure, is ... > read more

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P.S. Beware of people saying that they have cured themselves only to find out that they are trying to sell you something. The best things for Fibromyalgia are good diet (balanced), moderate exercise, good sleep, anything that lowers your stress level (music, meditation, naps, accupuncture, light massage, etc.). Everything within moderation is what I try to live by if I am to keep the FMS under control.

Peace, Love, Light, and Joy, Cherylvisit me at: www.myspace.com/senegalady

"You need to smile to your sorrow because you are more than your sorrow." Thich Nhat Hanh

In a message dated 10/21/2008 3:37:42 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, senegalady@... writes:

Thank you for this . The more people that know about Fibromyalgia, the more money that will be raised for research. One thing in this article was wrong though, FMS is not in the muscles, it is in the connective tissue that holds the muscles together. I developed FMS after almost breaking my ankle in half, and having to have surgery on both sides of my ankle Many people develop FMS after traumatic injury either physical or emotional. Within months the ankle healed but the body got worse and worse. Now that I know how to care for myself with this disease I am much, much better, without having to use pain medication except for Aleve for an occassional headache.

Peace, Love, Light, and Joy, Cherylvisit me at: www.myspace.com/senegalady

"You need to smile to your sorrow because you are more than your sorrow." Thich Nhat Hanh

In a message dated 10/21/2008 3:22:57 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, jsm2224@... writes:

Home

Search Holisticonline

Grandmas RemediesQuality vitamins, natural remedies

Specialgifts.comBig savings on gemstones, jewelry and gifts.

Alternative Medicine

Stress Management

Conditions/ Treatments

Preferred Providers

Holistic Living

Alternative Therapies

Acupuncture

Aromatherapy

Ayurveda

Biofeedback

Chelation Therapy

Herbal Medicine

Homeopathy

Humor Therapy

Hydrotherapy

Imagery

Light Therapy

Massage

Meditation

NLP

Nutrition

Prayer/ Spiritual

Reiki

Shiatsu

Yoga

FAQ (Health)

Feedback

Register

Media

Fibromyalgia

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose. (See diagnosing fibromyalgia.) Fibromyalgia can be triggered (or made worse) by a number of different factors, such as:

Overexertion

Stress

Lack of exercise

Anxiety

Depression

Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances

Trauma

Extremes of temperature and/ or humidity

Infectious illness.

The cause or causes of fibromyalgia are not known.

The suggested causes include:

Immune system problems - Certain immunologic abnormalities are common among people with fibromyalgia. Some suggest that fibromyalgia is the result of toxins accumulating in the muscles from lactic acid build-up.

Physically Unfit Muscles

Disturbance in brain chemistry - Many people who develop fibromyalgia have a history of clinical depression.

Sleep Disturbances or Insomnia. Many researchers have noticed that fibromyalgia sufferers have a low level of serotonin. They suggest that the central cause of the pain of fibromyalgia is due to this low level of serotonin. Chronic low levels of serotonin cause the sensation of pain to be greatly exaggerated. The low levels of serotonin also may be the culprit of the insomnia and sleep disturbances found in fibromyalgia patients.

Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, or with the fungus Candida albicans

Food allergy (dairy products, wheat, fermented foods, and nightshades-potatoes, eggplant-are most common)

Emotional stress

Intestinal candida overgrowth

Nutritional deficiencies

Adrenal exhaustion

Chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings

Anemia

Hypoglycemia

Hypothyroidism.

Fibromyalgia is closely related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which causes similar symptoms, except that in fibromyalgia, muscle pain predominates over fatigue, whereas in CFS, fatigue predominates over pain.

See Also: Causes of Fibromyalgia By S. on

Next Topic: Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances

[Fibromyalgia Home][Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Home][Diseases Home]

Science News

Share Blog Cite

Print Email Bookmark

Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease

ScienceDaily (May 14, 2008) — “Drug approved. Is disease real?â€

See also: Health & Medicine

Joint Pain Fibromyalgia Pain Control Arthritis Menopause Diseases and Conditions

Reference

Liver transplantation Growth hormone treatment Chronic pain Chronic fatigue syndrome

“Does it really exist or is it all in women’s heads?â€

“The doctors are in. The jury is out. “

The New York Times headlines rankle Barbara Keddy. For more than 40 years, she has suffered from fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. But the condition is little understood and difficult to diagnose. As borne out by the headlines, some doctors are hesitant to acknowledge it even exists.

After retiring from teaching at Dalhousie University four years ago, Dr. Keddy decided it was time for an in-depth investigation of fibromyalgia, which is much more common among women than men and so has become known as primarily “a woman’s disease.†As a nurse, medical sociologist, university professor and researcher who suffers from the condition herself, she has a unique perspective to offer.

Drawing on her own experiences as well as those of 19 other women, Dr. Keddy discusses current theories of causes and treatments in her book, Women and Fibromyalgia: Living with an Invisible Dis-ease (iUniverse Co.). She also maintains a blog (http://www.womenandfibromyalgia.com) exploring the daily difficulties faced by fibromyalgia sufferers.

“When I became affected by this (after the birth of her first child by Caesarian section), they didn’t know what to call it,†says Dr. Keddy, professor emerita with Dalhousie’s School of Nursing, who was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia 30 years after first experiencing the symptoms. “All I knew is that I was sore all over.â€

“Sore all over†is a refrain among fibromyalgia sufferers, who have been stigmatized as chronic complainers, says Dr. Keddy. Other symptoms include generalized stiffness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, lack of concentration and digestive upsets. The musculoskeletal condition is aggravated by dampness and difficult weather conditions. The pain can be managed—climates with dry heat help, as do some medications—but it doesn’t go completely away.

“The audacity! The women who have this condition hurt in all the same places and have the same symptoms. So how can they say that it’s all in women’s heads?â€

She suspects many more women have fibromyalgia than have been diagnosed. Called “the invisible disease,†fibromyalgia doesn’t affect the major organs, can’t be revealed with x-rays or blood tests and isn’t life threatening.

Because of the soreness and pain it causes, fibromyalgia has come to be associated with arthritis and rheumatism. But Dr. Keddy believes the condition is a neurological hypersensitivity, caused by an over-stimulated nervous system.

“Fibromyalgia involves pain in the muscles, whereas arthritis is in the joints—but somehow fibromyalgia has landed there (with arthritis) as a home base,†she says. “My thinking, and I’ve interviewed hundreds of women not just the 20 who are profiled in the book, is that it’s due to a hyper-aroused nervous system.â€

Dr. Keddy believes women are more susceptible because they are caregivers, thinking about others before they think of themselves. “Some women have highly developed intuitive skills honed to such an intense stage that the nervous system becomes highly sensitive and hyper aroused,†she says. “Then, there’s a trigger, a dramatic event—perhaps the death of a loved one or an operation such as a hysterectomy—and the nervous system is pushed to the extreme.â€

Adapted from materials provided by Dalhousie University.

Need to cite this story in your essay, paper, or report? Use one of the following formats:

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Dalhousie University (2008, May 14). Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 21, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/05/080513191552.htm

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Home Search Holisticonline Grandmas Remedies Quality vitamins, natural remedies Specialgifts.com Big savings on gemstones, jewelry and gifts. Alternative Medicine Stress Management Conditions/ Treatments Preferred Providers Holistic Living Alternative Therapies Acupuncture Aromatherapy Ayurveda Biofeedback Chelation Therapy Herbal Medicine Homeopathy Humor Therapy Hydrotherapy Imagery Light Therapy Massage Meditation NLP Nutrition Prayer/ Spiritual Reiki Shiatsu Yoga FAQ (Health) Feedback Register Media Fibromyalgia

What Causes Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose. (See diagnosing fibromyalgia.) Fibromyalgia can be triggered (or made worse) by a number of different factors, such as: Overexertion Stress Lack of exercise Anxiety Depression Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances Trauma Extremes of temperature and/ or humidity Infectious illness. The cause or causes of fibromyalgia are not known. The suggested causes include: Immune system problems - Certain immunologic abnormalities are common among people with fibromyalgia. Some suggest that fibromyalgia is the result of toxins accumulating in the muscles from lactic acid build-up.

Physically Unfit Muscles Disturbance in brain chemistry - Many people who develop fibromyalgia have a history of clinical depression. Sleep Disturbances or Insomnia. Many researchers have noticed that fibromyalgia sufferers have a low level of serotonin. They suggest that the central cause of the pain of fibromyalgia is due to this low level of serotonin. Chronic low levels of serotonin cause the sensation of pain

to be greatly exaggerated. The low levels of serotonin also may be the culprit of the insomnia and sleep disturbances found in fibromyalgia patients. Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), the virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, or with the fungus Candida albicans

Food allergy (dairy products, wheat, fermented foods, and nightshades-potatoes, eggplant-are most common) Emotional stress Intestinal candida overgrowth

Nutritional deficiencies Adrenal exhaustion Chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings Anemia Hypoglycemia Hypothyroidism. Fibromyalgia is closely related to chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which causes similar symptoms, except that in fibromyalgia, muscle pain predominates over fatigue, whereas in CFS, fatigue predominates over pain. See Also: Causes of Fibromyalgia By S. on Next Topic: Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances [Fibromyalgia Home][Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Home][Diseases Home] Science News Share Blog Cite Print Email Bookmark Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease ScienceDaily (May 14, 2008) — “Drug approved. Is disease real?” See also: Health & Medicine Joint PainFibromyalgiaPain ControlArthritisMenopauseDiseases and Conditions Reference Liver transplantationGrowth hormone treatmentChronic painChronic fatigue syndrome “Does it really exist or is it all in women’s heads?” “The doctors are in. The jury is out. “ The New York Times headlines rankle Barbara Keddy. For more than 40 years, she has suffered from fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain and fatigue. But the condition is little understood and difficult to diagnose. As borne out by the headlines, some doctors are hesitant to acknowledge it even exists. After retiring from teaching at Dalhousie University four years ago, Dr. Keddy decided it was time for an in-depth investigation of fibromyalgia, which is much more common among women than men and so has become known as primarily “a woman’s disease.” As a nurse, medical sociologist, university professor and researcher who suffers from the condition herself, she has a unique perspective to offer. Drawing on her own experiences as well as those of 19 other women, Dr. Keddy discusses current theories of causes and treatments in her book, Women and Fibromyalgia: Living with an Invisible Dis-ease

(iUniverse Co.). She also maintains a blog (http://www.womenandfibromyalgia.com) exploring the daily difficulties faced by fibromyalgia sufferers. “When I became affected by this (after the birth of her first child by Caesarian section), they didn’t know what to call it,” says Dr. Keddy, professor emerita with Dalhousie’s School of Nursing, who was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia 30 years after first experiencing the symptoms. “All I knew is that I was sore all over.” “Sore all over” is a refrain among fibromyalgia sufferers, who have been stigmatized as chronic complainers, says Dr. Keddy. Other symptoms include generalized stiffness, sleep disturbance, fatigue, depression, lack of concentration and digestive upsets. The musculoskeletal condition is aggravated

by dampness and difficult weather conditions. The pain can be managed—climates with dry heat help, as do some medications—but it doesn’t go completely away. “The audacity! The women who have this condition hurt in all the same places and have the same symptoms. So how can they say that it’s all in women’s heads?” She suspects many more women have fibromyalgia than have been diagnosed. Called “the invisible disease,” fibromyalgia doesn’t affect the major organs, can’t be revealed with x-rays or blood tests and isn’t life threatening. Because of the soreness and pain it causes, fibromyalgia has come to be associated with arthritis and rheumatism. But Dr. Keddy believes the condition is a neurological hypersensitivity, caused by an over-stimulated nervous system. “Fibromyalgia involves pain in the muscles, whereas arthritis is in the joints—but somehow fibromyalgia has landed

there (with arthritis) as a home base,” she says. “My thinking, and I’ve interviewed hundreds of women not just the 20 who are profiled in the book, is that it’s due to a hyper-aroused nervous system.” Dr. Keddy believes women are more susceptible because they are caregivers, thinking about others before they think of themselves. “Some women have highly developed intuitive skills honed to such an intense stage that the nervous system becomes highly sensitive and hyper aroused,” she says. “Then, there’s a trigger, a dramatic event—perhaps the death of a loved one or an operation such as a hysterectomy—and the nervous system is pushed to the extreme.” Adapted from materials provided by Dalhousie University. Need to cite this story in your essay, paper, or report? Use one of the following formats: APA MLA Dalhousie University (2008, May 14). Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Disease. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 21, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/05/080513191552.htm Ads by GoogleAdvertise hereFibromyalgia DisabilityCan't work because of Fibromyalgia? Qualify for disability income!www.Allsup.comFree Fibromyalgia GuideThis Guide Has Already Helped 9,677 Win Disability Income Fibromyalgia!FreeFibromyalgiaGuide.com/Fibromyalgia GuideGet The Fibromyalgia Facts You Need s Hopkins Guide - Yours Freewww.sHopkinsHealthAlerts.comFibromyalgia or Crazy?You're Lazy, Crazy or Depressed. Some Doctors Don't Get It. I Do.www.TheFibroExpert.com"I Cured My Fibromyalgia"Fibromyalgia 5 Step Cure Using Easy-to-Find Groceries at Homewww.FibromyalgiaCured.com Related Stories FDA Approves First Drug For Treating Fibromyalgia (June 22, 2007) — The U.S. Food and Drug

Administration today approved Lyrica (pregabalin), the first drug to treat fibromyalgia, a disorder characterized by pain, fatigue and sleep problems. Lyrica reduces pain and ... > read more Marijuana-based Drug Reduces Fibromyalgia Pain, Study Suggests (Feb. 18, 2008) — Patients with fibromyalgia treated with a synthetic form of marijuana, nabilone, showed significant reductions in pain and anxiety in a first-of-its-kind study. Fibromyalgia syndrome has no cure, is ... > read more Fibromyalgia: The Misunderstood Disease (June 2, 2007) — Fourteen years ago, phine began to experience severe pain throughout her body. As her symptoms became worse, she sought help from a variety of specialists, but no one could diagnose her ... > read more Abnormal Pain Memory Helps To

Explain Fibromyalgia (Nov. 1, 2000) — The symptoms of fibromyalgia may be the result of a central nervous system that "remembers" pain sensations for an abnormally long time, according to research presented at the American ... > read more Pain From Fibromyalgia Is Real, Researchers Say (Nov. 28, 2006) — Many people with fibromyalgia -- a debilitating pain syndrome that affects 2 to 4 percent of the population -- have faced the question of whether the condition is

real. Increasingly, though, the ... > read more Search ScienceDaily Tell me and I'll forget Show me and I may remember Involve me and I'll understandsending healing and soulful messages from the angels of mystic I'm following the rainbow of love

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