Fibromyalgia The Invisible Syndrome

Many people haven’t heard and have no idea what the condition Fibromyalgia is. It is a disabling form of state that creates debilitating fatigue, sleep disturbance, travelling pain, joint stiffness, brain fog, depression and many more. In addition, people affected by the disorder frequently experience a range of other symptoms that involve multiple body systems.
To accurately diagnose Fibromyalgia (FM), a doctor familiar with FM will perform a tender point test applying pressure with an approximate force of 4kg. If the patient has pain in 11 of these 18 tender points in combination with meeting other diagnosis criteria, then the doctor may diagnose FM.
The pain of FM has no boundaries. Doctors cannot "see" and may not understand the sources of a sufferer’s pain or fatigue. However, what they do observe is the anxiety and frustration with having to deal with these symptoms around-the-clock, which may wrongfully lead them to conclude that the symptoms are of a psychological nature. Also, the old school of thought regarding pain is that it is produced by tissue injury, and there is no obvious source of tissue injury in patients with FM. Regardless, if a doctor does not believe that symptoms are real, the sufferer owe it to himself to find another doctor who believes in him and will work with to help reduce the symptoms.
In my personal case as a sufferer, it was not until I landed on the surgery carpet of the fourth GP that I approached, when I finally found a friendly ear that took me seriously. This followed a recommendation from a fellow sufferer. So if a sufferer should in his travels come across such a GP please don't hesitate to recommend to others.
Another important thing for Fibromyalgia sufferers is emotional support, as the long-term nature of this condition tends to drag people down. Depression is common in sufferers and counseling and anti-depressant therapies can be used to overcome this.
Once FM has taken hold, you have to recognize it may be more difficult for you to pursue your present career. This of course will depend on the degree of incapacity you are experiencing. The very nature of this condition can make working extremely difficult as the smallest of exertion leaves you shattered.
It's important to think positively to be able to live with this condition and make a lifestyle as normal as possible.

If you need more information about fibromyalgia go to http://www.fibromyalgiatoday.com