Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue

Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue have been slow to be recognized as real medical conditions in the United States, perhaps because the symptoms of both can also be the symptoms of other, possibly life-threatening diseases. Most conscientious physicians want to rule out all other possibilities before diagnosing these two debilitating but not dangerous illnesses. For this reason, among others, patients with these conditions often travel from doctor to doctor for many years before being told that their chronic problems meet the diagnostic criteria for Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue, and not something else.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is characterized by a cluster of symptoms that include pain in the body’s soft tissues, disturbances of sleep, chronic fatigue, and other consequences of poor sleep, including gastrointestinal disorders, cloudy thinking, and forgetfulness. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is often considered along with FMS because of their similarities. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or extreme, and are usually treated with pain and sleep medications. Good nutrition, with special attention to food sensitivities and cravings, can improve symptoms. For the patient, major challenges are learning to make life adjustments to accommodate the body’s needs, and obtaining validation from others who are still skeptical about these conditions. “But you look so good!” people are apt to say to the person who is suffering from pain and exhaustion that is not visible to others. Samantha herself has Fibromyalgia, and lives successfully within the demands of self-care and social skepticism.

If you or a family member suffers from either of these conditions and you would like education and support for coping, call Samantha (508-207-7149) to set up an introductory appointment. Then you can decide where to go from there.