Friday, January 26, 2024

Welcome

Hello and welcome to the website for South Jersey Connections! 

IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to view all of the content, please continue to scroll down all the way, and upon reaching the very bottom, click on "older posts."

Our group has been meeting for many years in south jersey with the goal of helping those with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome to manage these conditions as well as possible.

If you are interested in upcoming support group meetings, and/or if you'd like to be added to our group email list, please email Jay Steele at steele104@aol.com. Jay has had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for many years and has been leading the support group meetings since 2016.





Some Coping & Management Strategies

 For Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Getting Informed – knowledge of this disease can be very helpful and empowering. Rheumatologists can diagnose and explain the conditions well, but for the most thorough information there are many books out there. Some of them are very good and some of them are very bad.

Top 3 Book Recommendations – Taking Charge of Fibromyalgia (2005 Edition) by Julie Kelly & Rosalie Devonshire. The authors are doctors with fibromyalgia who started the first support group in the 90’s. Understanding and Conquering Fibromyalgia by JG Schnellman, PHD (The author is another dr. with the disease). The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fibromyalgia (2nd Ed.). Note: 2 of these 3 books are carried by the Camden County library. They can also be bought for about $5-10 used on ebay. 

Pain Management Strategies: Pacing, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Medical Marijuana, Healthy Diet (organics, etc), Exercise (finding what works for you), Positive Thoughts, – all of these strategies and many, many more are examined and outlined in the books above.

Appreciation: Focusing on what I CAN do, appreciating the little things (nature, etc), having gratitude for the blessings that we do have, finding new activities and hobbies to enjoy and distract us

Getting Out of Ourselves  Spirituality/Helping Others/Volunteering through community or religious group, The 12 Step Program, The Serenity Prayer, Zen Buddhism, Meditation, Music, Listening to Other’s Stories/Issues (Getting into the shoes of another can give us a break from our own thoughts)

Support Groups: Connect us to others who relate, believe us, and empathize which can create community and reduce feelings of isolation. We can exchange ideas that could be helpful and we can find common bonds. Some other various local support groups can be found at The Starting Point (www.StartingPoint.Org)

Joy, Laughter, and Mental Vacations:

Baby Animals/Hugs: Studies have found observing baby animals & other animals we enjoy, in person or online/tv can increase people’s levels of happiness. Hugs have been found to decrease pain & stress (if ok)

Laughter: spending time talking with people who make us laugh, comedy films/programs, animals

Movies/TV: films and programs can move us, inspire us, distract us, make us smile or laugh out loud, and can challenge us and make us think. They can get us into other’s stories and adventures. Programs about travel and shows/films that take place in other regions and countries can be like a virtual trip without the cost and hassle of the physical travel. Some travel videos and films can take us to places that are very difficult to actually get to anyway.

The Happy Documentary: Explores ways people find their happiness, scientifically and anecdotally, in spite of extreme challenges (On Netflix or ebay used for about $5-12). Directed by Roko Belic.

Jay’s Film Recommendations - Happy (Documentary), The Good Lie, The Upside (about disability), The Golden Girls * (on DVD Season 5 – the first 2 episodes feature main character with chronic fatigue), Collateral Beauty, Wonderful World, Music and Lyrics, Jeff Who lives at Home, The Dead Zone (1983), The Magic of Belle Isle, Peaceful Warrior, Vamps (2012), Musical Chairs (2012/handicapped protagonist), Butterflies are Free (1972 about disability) The Man From Earth, Just Like Heaven, Waiting for Forever, Cake (J. Anniston/star has chronic pain), The Day The Earth Stood Still, Contact, Cocoon, School of Rock, Wild China (virtual visit), The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai, Happy Accidents,  Ghost Busters, Fools Rush In, The Family Stone, Definitely Maybe, At First Sight (about disability), Admission, Losing Isaiah, One Last Thing (2018), Bowfinger, Homie Spumoni, Big Trouble in Little China, Kung Fu Panda, Self/less, Big (1998)

Everyone is different and what works for some may not work for others. For questions about any of these strategies you can email Jay Steele of South Jersey Connections at steele104@aol.com

Resources (Exercise Videos, Books, Interviews, etc.)

 1. Book Recommendations 






2. Theme Songs for Coping & Validation
see the music section of this site or click this link here



3. Exercise Video Recommendations
click the link under photos below to see the videos
*** you can pick & choose which parts to do at your own pace












* The Taoist video is a $10 download that is well worth it.



4. Resource Image from one of our members





5. Radio Interview on Coping
with Chronic Pain and Fatigue

A 24 Hour 365 Day a Year Virtual Meeting of sorts

Diagnosing Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome


A Rheumatologist is a doctor that formally diagnoses fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue




Fibromyalgia/CFS Theme Songs/Anthems


1. A Fibromyalgia/CFS Theme Song/Anthem
What I Can Do  
from the album For Tha Love by Jay Steele

the song can be heard on all platforms including the links below:
youtube (the song by itself)
bandcamp (with the whole album/track #10

LYRICS

What I Can Do 

The courage to change... the things I can... (Intro)

It affects us in different ways but the pain is the same end result
that remains that we hope it would change - and then there's
the fatigue that we wish that it would leave - and medicine
make ya feel better then - when it hurts - but for some like me
it makes it hurt worse - acupuncture helps sometimes (plus)
havin a positive mind and healthy diet - I try it - it helps me
to survive it - I've realized it - there's so much that I can't do
but so much that I can do (echoes) it's how I think - so I don't
sink - into that slinking stinking thinking - my opinion how
I'm living is the only way of thinking - what we're given's like a
prison - no cure and no prescriptions get rid of it - ya gotta
learn to live with it - it ain't the prettiest - the grittiness
is ridiculous but for me the life lessons is limitless
if riddled with this affliction it's for you that I'm singin
I try not to sink into depression and remember
my blessings - and I try to carry that message (echo)
(managin my pain... managing this thing)

This is for my people with fibromyalgia - I have it too                    Chorus
and you feel like people won't believe you - I know how it go
'cause I deal with it too - pain we feel is true - I deal with it too


One evening in my first support group meeting - she told me
to focus on what I can do - and now - that's what I plan to do
it's true - I stand strong like bamboo - despite what I'm feeling
and despite what you hearing - it's real - and it's lame
how some people don't believe that something exists
if they ain't have the same pain - it's a shame but I gain
from the doctor that explained the pain wax and wane
and may not stay the same - so when it hurts I be thinking
it could change any minute - its opened my eyes
I've hosted so many meetings - so I could try to help others
when I help another it helps me to get by and makes me feel
that I have a purpose providing service to those that need it
I believe it - it's a whole new way of life and it's nice
to help others who deal with the same type

Lady Gaga has it - it's real and it's dramatic - it make me have
to practice what I preach - so I can keep my sanity - it's how
I manage the thing that has damaged me - it's moving 'cause its
made me improve and become a better person - and the curse
can be a blessing - I guess that's the lesson I've learned as I've
turned from being self centered - self centric I said I meant it
helpin others makes me feel best and I'm invested in this message
Collateral Beauty is a movie that moved me I relate to losing see
the adversity - showed me what my purpose be with urgency
(I) can't do a lot at once - I break it up - its called 'pacing'
in my rhymes I'm explaining how I'm dealing with my pain and
I'm remaining appreciative - maintaining my creative
state of mind - I'm inclined to empathize with the kind
that's afflicted with this disease that we survive while we alive


2. Another song for the invisible disability community is:
Musical Soup for tha Soul (Ways 2 Cope)
from the album A Refreshing Contribution by Jay Steele
a song all about coping strategies 

the song can be heard on all platforms including these links below:
youtube (the song by itself)
bandcamp (with the whole album/track #2)

LYRICS 

Musical Soup for tha Soul (Ways 2 Cope)


If you looking for a ray of hope - I got ways to cope - when it's cold   CHORUS
it's musical soup for tha soul

My father was abusive and said my mom was stupid - support herself? he said
she couldn't do it and he knew it - he tried this one job - results he didn't yield
he quit - then my mom joined the top of this field - in hindsight sayin' success
in her life - it was born right out of spite - crazy right? the same plight  she made
it right - ain't it nice - when the type of nice victim take a chance - and the 
circumstances flip and land winnin'? we didn't plan missin' or the hand we was
given - but I'll be damned if we didn't take a stand to get fixin' (our circumstances)
I understand that's the mission when pain hit and rain drip and - stay sane and 
stay livin' and never let the hate make ya give in - let it make ya driven wit' a 
vision to help others that's strugglin' - wit' love - that's upliftin' - that's the lessons
I've learned and been given - while livin' - thru wild livin' I've been in and trials
I was flippin' (into)

Musical Soup for Tha Soul - 'cause my goal is not to fold - but to rise     CHORUS 2
find ways to thrive - help others with the struggles of their lives
in trouble I'ma strive to find the calm in the middle of the storm wit my mind

Musical solace - like watchin' Mister Rogers - some doctors did tests - showin' 
goin' in nature - seein' animals lowers stress - they laughter is the best medicine
injectin' this into my daily regimen - a veteran - hugs not drugs - they've shown
by showin' love wit' your arms - (it) can reduce some harm - in the body like a 
charm - on top of laughin' is distraction - like the action of gettin' a book and 
readin' - to get out my head - I'm leavin' - or seein' a movie might move me 
to see a view I need - breathe - (echo) a mediation can help my elevation 
to a better place and better station - my occupation to find ways to help my
community - which grants me some immunity from depression - I got that 
arrested - by focusin' on what I have as my blessings - yes whenever I'm tested 
I'm mindin' this message - gotta get my rest in wit' my daily stretchin' regimen (and) 

I avoid negative heads - instead I find friends wit' kind minds and respect that'll
help - that's not obsessed with they self - or findin' wealth - for me music works
well - to find relief wit' a beat - to find peace - or just seek it to enjoy it
like many people I employ it - self pity I avoid it - life is short - I'm'a try to find
the joy in it and spread it - I try to do this wit' my rhymes and my message
when you get it - I hope that you spread it too - investin' in a better you - I don't
dwell in negativity - I dwell in positivity and all the grand things that's upliftin' me
and how I can be more forgivin' and givin' and livin' in this way - I stay more amazed
to see givin' things away helps me feel more free - and helpin' others - it seems 
even more it helps me - when I give - I receive - it seem I don't get what I want 
but I get what I need to find peace that I seek

Why don't you come down to my vibe now?                              OUTRO/Alternate Hook

Pacing is Important!


Pacing Illustrated

One of the biggest challenges of living with and managing fibromyalgia is feeling like things cannot be done, because it causes too much pain or there is not enough time. However, pacing, the practice of doing a little bit at a time and then coming back later to work further on the task, is of critical importance and usefulness!

Pacing is a challenge because we really want to do what we want to do for as long as we want to do it, usually until the activity is completed in our estimation. When not utilizing pacing techniques, individuals can cause flare ups of their symptoms and end up setting themselves backwards. To make matters worse, even without pacing, the task(s) still may remain unfinished.

Yet, when embracing pacing, those with chronic pain and fatigue can complete tasks while still effectively managing their symptoms. It all comes down to acceptance of the situation and learning to break things up - to step away from it after a short amount of time - and then to come back to it.

To illustrate, when Jay Steele, the host of South Jersey Connections Support Group meetings, first began experiencing severe fibromyalgia, he felt he could no longer enjoy drawing and creating artwork. This had been one of his passions since at least the age of 6 when he won first place in a school wide art contest in elementary school. 

When Jay's wife suggested that perhaps he could still persist in his creative endeavors, Jay scoffed and shot down the idea. He believed it to be impossible and kept focusing on the pain that would amass in his hands, arms, and wrists from the activity and how frustrating it would be to have to keep stopping.

Sometime later, Jay set out to attempt drawing in a new and different fashion. He decided he'd draw for 30 minutes and then stop - with a plan to try to do another 30 minutes the next day or a few days later. The first time he tried this, sure enough after 30 minutes, he didn't complete much of the drawing. He felt slightly frustrated, but then assessing it from a different perspective, he saw that he had made a fine and significant start and that he now had something to look forward to coming back to soon!

30 minute increment after 30 minute increment continued to accumulate as days passed. It took weeks, but this anecdote about pacing led to the beautiful bamboo drawing that can be found atop this section! This is a classic case of pacing illustrated! 

As a result of this persistent pacing, Jay now has a wonderful accomplishment that he and those who appreciate fine art can appreciate forever. This piece now adorns the walls of his home, and this website, while serving as an ever present example and reminder of the blessings that pacing can provide in helping to create rewarding and fulfilling lives in spite of chronic illness.

What is Fibromyalgia (Article)

 Lady Gaga Has Fibromyalgia. What is ItIt’s a Crippling Disease That’s Often Misunderstood

NBCNews.Com/Better  September 20, 2017

Lady Gaga's announcement on Twitter that she suffers from fibromyalgia was met with an abundance of well wishes, but more moving were the empathetic responses from others coping with the condition. Not only did fans feel for the "Born This Way" star, they could relate — many gushed with gratitude that Lady Gaga stepped up to raise awareness for a disease that is all too often misunderstood, misdiagnosed or just missed altogether.

"Very often fibromyalgia patients go from doctor to doctor searching for an answer," says Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann, assistant professor of medicine in the division of Rheumatology at UCLA. "Doctors will look for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and when they don't find either, they'll stop there."

Fibromyalgia doesn't lend itself to a strict definition or diagnosis. Essentially, “it’s a disorder characterized by widespread muscular pain, often accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue,” says Volkmann. There's no way of testing for it: blood work won't tell you if you have it, nor will an X-ray or any other kind of black and white medical exam, so diagnosing it is a matter of ruling out other diseases, as well as of "piecing together a constellation of symptoms," says Volkmann.

The primary symptom of fibromyalgia is pain — often quite acute pain — occurring sometimes at the slightest touch.

"Anyone can feel a pinprick to a small extent, but a person with fibromyalgia may feel it amplified," says Volkmann, adding that someone with this condition will also experience pain in very specific areas.

"We look for pain in specific parts of the body: discrete areas, not like soft tissue swelling over a joint. We usually pinpoint muscle areas: 18 points throughout the body," says Volkmann, referring to this graph, which illustrates the accentuated pain points on people with fibromyalgia.

Pain is the main symptom, but doctors also look for profound disorders in sleep, which can lead to chronic fatigue and mood disturbances including depression.

"Brain fog is another common symptom that probably relates to the sleep disorder," notes Volkmann. "Fibromyalgia patients may sleep a couple hours a night or sometimes go days without sleep — and then sleep a lot."

Symptoms can be so disabling that patients may be unable to work. And though the condition isn’t in itself fatal, the reactive depression can be so severe that when untreated, it could lead to suicide, Volkmann says.

Roughly five million people in the U.S have fibromyalgia but the number is probably higher. Dr. Volkmann alone treats hundreds of patients a year.

“I have always been honest about my physical and mental health struggles. Searching for years to get to the bottom of them. It is complicated and difficult to explain, and we are trying to figure it out. As I get stronger and when I feel ready, I will tell my story in more depth, and plan to take this on strongly so I can not only raise awareness, but expand research for others who suffer as I do, so I can help make a difference. I use the word "suffer" not for pity, or attention, and have been disappointed to see people online suggest that I'm being dramatic, making this up, or playing the victim to get out of touring. If you knew me, you would know this couldn't be further from the truth. I'm a fighter. I use the word suffer not only because trauma and chronic pain have changed my life, but because they are keeping me from living a normal life. They are also keeping me from what I love the most in the world: performing for my fans. I am looking forward to touring again soon, but I have to be with my doctors right now so I can be strong and perform for you all for the next 60 years or more. I love you so much.” - Lady Gaga

There is no definitive cause for fibromyalgia, but it may stem from an “underlying increased sensitivity to pain,” says Volkmann. People who have autoimmune disease such as lupus and RA are also generally more at risk for developing fibromyalgia.

“We also think psychological stress can contribute to it,” says Volkmann. “People can develop it after a major life stressor, trauma or surgery, as well as by stress accumulated over time.”

Dr. Daniel Arkfeld, associate professor of clinical medicine and USC's Keck School of Medicine of USC and the director of rheumatologic education underscores the correlation between poor sleep patterns and fibromyalgia. (One sleep lab study found that 45 percent of people with fibromyalgia had obstructive sleep apnea).

"If there's a train that goes by every hour and [awakens you at night], this could trigger fibromyalgia symptoms," says Arkfeld. "Sleep is very important."

But ultimately, "it's not as simple as the disturbance in sleep. Some people get it and we just don't know why," says Arkfeld, adding that he too treats hundreds of patients with fibromyalgia.

Anyone with fibromyalgia should be in treatment with a rheumatologist, a type of doctor who specializes in autoimmune conditions. Now technically, fibromyalgia isn't classified as an autoimmune disorder (as more research is fielded, this could change), but its symptoms have so much in common with certain autoimmune disorders that a rheumatologist is the best-versed in helping patients manage the condition.

"Because rheumatologists are adept at managing pain, they do a nice job at not masking it with opiates, but getting at underlying causes," says Volkmann, adding that a variety of treatments can be used to help patients — many of them rooted in lifestyle adjustments.

"We work on treating the pain component, but we also work with lifestyle: getting patients on a regular sleep schedule, a regular eating schedule and also coping with stress," says Volkmann. "We recommend meditation and yoga or other light exercise (patients may be limited in what they can do physically). Studies have found that Tai Chi and acupuncture can also help alleviate some of the pain."

A rheumatologist may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (these are essentially stronger versions of Aleve and Ibuprofen), along with Cymbalta, Lyrica and Savella — all brand name drugs targeted at treating symptoms of fibromyalgia —but there’s some controversy around them. Arkfeld doesn’t shun them, but he doesn’t rush to hand them out either, finding that “these drugs maybe work maybe 20 percent of the time and can have a lot of devastating side effects.”

The point Arkfeld emphasizes is that doctors can’t “just throw pills at these people and expect them to get better.” Yes, pills can help (particularly, he finds, those that help with sleep are beneficial), but Arkfeld insists that doctors need to work with patients on a more holistic level and meet with patients on a regular basis (once a month for the first six months at least).

Volkmann adds that while some fibromyalgia patients need strong painkillers like Vicodin, rheumatologists generally look to avoid prescribing opiates.

"More and more we try to avoid opiates because of the risks of addiction and dependency, and because the patient will need more over time to get the same analgesic effect," says Volkmann.

Hormones seem to play a role in fibromyalgia, as women are far more likely to suffer from it.

"Fibromyalgia is much more prevalent in women — with at least a ratio of 5:1 female to male; although prevalence in men is rising and probably under-diagnosed in men,” says Volkmann. “Statistically men don't go to the doctor as much as women."

The fact that women are more prone to fibromyalgia has worked tremendously against learning about the disease. Only in the past few decades has the condition been seen as more than "the hysterical female" disease, Arkfeld notes.

Fibromyalgia may now finally be validated as a real illness, but the hysterical female stigma still weighs on patients looking for answers. A.C Warner, a 28-year-old MFA poetry student with a graduate assistantship was diagnosed with fibromyalgia when she was still in high school, but it took a while to find a doctor who would take her seriously. One doctor assumed she was lying about her symptoms altogether to cover up something she had done. Why the runaround and the dismissive doubt?

THE 'HYSTERICAL FEMALE' STIGMA HAS STYMIED PROGRESS

"Because I was young and female, and female patients' pain is rarely taken as seriously," says Warner, who also has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. "And [because] there's no test you can run and get back concrete results, there are still doctors who don't think it's a real thing. I went through all sorts of tests and whatnot for about a year and a half until I was referred to a rheumatologist."

The rheumatologist had Warner perform a series of movements and asked her some questions and “pretty much knew immediately” that she was suffering from fibromyalgia.

Jane Harris, a 45-year-old writer and single mom of three, was diagnosed with fibromyalgia eight years ago — two years into a search for answers.

“I was going to specialists all the time to find the cause/solution of my chronic pain,” says Harris. “At 35, I felt like I had the body of an 80 year-old. I hurt everywhere all the time, and I was exhausted.”

Both Harris and Warner have customized treatments that work for them, but flare-ups can knock them off their feet.

“When I have a flare-up it isn't just my joints that hurt, or the tension headaches or the muscle soreness, it's my skin, too, like every inch of my body is being scrubbed raw with sandpaper,” says Harris. “I work very hard to control my environment to minimize stress and avoid flare-ups.”

Warner, who has to be mindful of the clothes she wears because on her worst days her skin feels bruised all over such that even a clothing tag or a mildly rough seam feels like it's cutting into her, finds that her flare-ups are likely to occur during dramatic shifts in the weather, or after too much physical stress

“Some days I manage better than others,” says Warner. “I'm never 100 percent A-okay. On a very, very rare occasion I feel almost ‘normal’ and I feel like a superhero and like I can do anything.”

Patients can go years not knowing what is wrong with them, and what’s worse, not being taken seriously by doctors. And even when they do receive proper diagnosis, they may struggle with feelings of self-doubt and blame.

Celebrities are (surprise!) human, so we shouldn't be shocked that they suffer from medical conditions just like us; but Lady Gaga's move to cast her own struggles with fibromyalgia into the spotlight feels special because it could help shatter remaining stigmas around the disease. 

About Support Group Meetings

              None of us wants to have the disease of fibromyalgia. No one wants to have chronic fatigue syndrome or chronic pain. We’re not happy to have it. We would all cure it today if we could. All of us have war stories… We all have horror stories and tragic stories of our pain and of all that we have lost due to our symptoms. Unfortunately, if you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, the medical field has likely told you that there is no cure. As much as we want to fully control our disease and symptoms; most of us have found that we can’t control it or get rid of it.

However, many of us have found that we can manage it and we can manage how we feel about our lives. It isn’t always easy, but many of us have found many things that work for us in managing our chronic pain and fatigue. Those of us who have found what works for us often want to make an effort to share it with others. Of course, what works for one of us may not work at all for another of us, but we can share our strategies in an effort to help each other. Many of us have found that we feel good about helping others and that helping others actually helps ourselves just as much or more than it helps the person we are trying to help.

In doing this work, we have found it is important to remember not to preach or to lecture each other on what we should do. Instead, we have found it effective to talk about what works for us personally, remembering to use “I” language. For example, rather than telling the group, “You all need to work out more and you’ll feel better,” we have found it more helpful to instead share something like “I have found it helpful to exercise a little bit each day instead of a lot at one time.” This way, the speaker is sharing what is helpful for them without lecturing or pushing their views on to others.

One of us who has learned how to manage his illness quite effectively for a considerable length of time, and who actually has come to feel quite content with his life as a result, once remarked after a meeting, “I don’t want to hear people crying and complaining about their lives. I want to hear about what works.” Ideally, we would all be here because we felt great about our lives and just came to help others by sharing what works for us.

On the other hand, many of us first come to a meeting feeling as though no one will listen, no one believes me, no one cares, no one understands, and no one can relate to my pain. This group, however, is a place where you will be listened to, you will be believed, you will be understood, and you will find that others can relate to your symptoms. This is also a caring environment. You can even ask for a hug here if you want and you will be given one. Research has shown that hugging a person can actually relieve stress and create an environment where some healing can occur in the body. However, for some of us hugs are painful, and we find it important to remember that before giving out random hugs.

There are no dues or fees required to attend these meetings. Senior members of the group do have resources to share with those who are interested. In the end however, no one ought to feel like they must do anything. We all make the decisions about what we want to try and when we want to try it for ourselves. In addition, no one is required to share at a meeting who doesn’t want to do so. Some of us come in with a desire to just listen, and many of us have found it helpful to listen, because we hear much of our own stories in what others share with the group. Many of us have found it profoundly helpful simply to meet and be surrounded by others who deal with chronic pain and chronic fatigue.

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Mission Statement

  Our mission is to educate, empower, listen, inform, and to be compassionate, caring, and most of all to bring HOPE to all who suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Our meetings are a testament to the fact that other people in this area can understand and relate to many of our experiences. In dealing with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome many of us have found peace, solace, and serenity in realizing we are not alone.


National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

 

Each year on May 12th, millions of people observe National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day.  This day shares the spotlight with other May 12th awareness days such as International Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological & Neurological Diseases or International Awareness Day for MCS, ME/CFS and FM, which are observed globally.

Fibromyalgia affects more than 12 million Americans.  It is a musculoskeletal syndrome and causes a variety of symptoms. Some of them include:

·         widespread pain

·         tender points

·         incapacitating fatigue

·         anxiety

·         depression

·         migraines/chronic headaches

·         irritable bowel syndrome

·         irritable bladder

·         insomnia

·         hypersensitivity to cold/hot

·         swelling

·         fibro fog (inability to concentrate/focus)

·         difficulty remembering

·         numbness

·         stiffness

·         decreased energy

·         noise, light and odor sensitivity

·         skin sensitivity

Symptoms may come and go, lasting a few minutes, an hour, a day, a week, a month, or a year. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, a variety of treatments and therapies focus on reducing the amount and frequency of pain. They also aim to improve sleep. Therapies such as exercise, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care aim to manage symptoms without pharmacological interventions. Prescriptions manage pain, improve sleep, and combat depression, too.

HOW TO OBSERVE #FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay

Learn more about fibromyalgia. Support those who have been diagnosed with the condition. If you have symptoms described above, seek medical attention from your physician for a referral or diagnosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, continue to seek treatment or share the treatments that have worked for you. Use #FibromyalgiaAwarenessDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY HISTORY

The first National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day was observed in 1992 in honor of the birthday of Florence Nightingale. Historical documentation suggests Nightingale may have suffered from symptoms similar to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.  For more information visit www.fmcpaware.org.