It is very true that fibromyalgia causes widespread fatigue and pain- and is very misunderstood, even in the medical world. If you have been given a diagnosis of fibromyalgia and you want to learn all you can in order to learn to cope with it, you will likely come across many misconceptions and myths regarding this pain disorder.
However, don’t allow these to get you confused or keep you from getting medical or alternative therapy help for your symptoms of fibromyalgia. Following are five of the most common misconceptions and myths regarding fibromyalgia and an explanation of why each one is incorrect.
Doctors Won’t Believe You
It has been said that most doctors do not recognize fibromyalgia as a real condition- it’s all in your head.
This is not true at all! In fact, most physicians do believe that your symptoms are real because fibromyalgia is defined by a list of specific symptoms. However, it is true that most physicians do believe that it is a disease or condition that can’t be cured or reversed.
Typically, your physician will believe that you have a compilation of symptoms that are not necessarily the result of one, specific, underlying disease. So, instead of helping you to find a “cure” for your fibromyalgia, they will actually work to help you learn to cope with your symptoms.
There have been a set of criteria set forth by the American College of Rheumatology for physicians to use to reach a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. However, even with this set of criteria in place, diagnosing the condition can take quite awhile. Many times, physicians prefer to run lots of tests in order to rule out any other possible conditions.
If your physician doesn’t know anything about fibromyalgia, you may want to find one that has more knowledge on the topic. Of course, you may not necessarily find an expert in this field, but you will likely find someone who is familiar with and has dealt with others who have this same condition. You definitely want to find a physician that has compassion and is willing to help you find something to alleviate your symptom flare-ups.
You Look Fine- So You Are
Many times, it can be quite difficult to convince other people that you have the condition of fibromyalgia. This is because the symptoms of this condition will come and go. You’ll have flare-ups and you’ll have times when you seem to be perfectly fine. This can lead people to believe that you are faking it simply to get out or work or to get out of chores at home.
The best way to combat this issue is by educating your friends, family, and even co-workers. Openly communicate with them about the condition of fibromyalgia and explain to them about the pain you’re experiencing. Finally, be honest with them about how you’re feeling and how your day is going.
Forget About Going to the Doctor
Many people believe that since there is no cure and no real treatment for the condition of fibromyalgia that they should just forget about going to their physician. However, you should always go visit your physician regularly when you have this condition. Even though there isn’t a specific cookie-cutter treatment for it, there are some options that your physician is likely to recommend.
For example, there are medications than help with controlling your symptoms. There are alternative treatments and medications available to help control your symptoms. Finally, there are some lifestyle changes that you can put into effect to help control your symptoms. It is definitely worth the time and effort it takes to get an official diagnosis from your physicians so you can work to find treatment options that help you to function.
When You Feel Good, Go Crazy
When you’re dealing with the pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia, it can be difficult to get even the minor daily things done. So, it can be very easy and very tempting to overdo it on those days that you’re feeling great. However, you really shouldn’t do this because it can cause your symptoms to flare up more than usual.
Even on those days you’re feeling good, you should still set realistic goals for yourself and pace yourself. Of course, you don’t want to sit around and do nothing all the time because that causes muscle weakness and can make your pain worse. Still, you shouldn’t go crazy the first chance you get. Do a little at a time, and remember to give yourself breaks- even when you feel good.
You’ll Never Be Productive Again
Many people believe that a diagnosis of fibromyalgia is like a death sentence. They believe that they’ll never again be as productive as they were before their diagnosis and they’ll never be able to enjoy life again. However, again, this is completely untrue.
Sure, it will take you awhile to learn how to control your pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. Also, your pain is likely to never go away 100 percent. Still, you can be a very productive, very happy, and very active individual.
You should understand that fibromyalgia is not a fatal disease- not a death sentence- and it will not result in lasting damage to your body. If you can make the time and effort to learn how to work with your physician (or team of specialists) you can learn how to adapt and still participate in your daily activities.
You’ll be able to learn how to balance your time and your energy and create an overall happy, healthy balance in your life. Always stay positive and find a support group- either online or in person- of people who are successfully living their lives despite their fibromyalgia. Just because you have to live your life differently does not mean that you’ll never be productive again.
Further reading:
5 Fibromyalgia Myths: http://www.fibromyalgia-symptoms.org/myths-about-firbromyalgia.html
Fibromyalgia: https://www.rheumatology.org/Practice/Clinical/Patients/Diseases_And_Conditions/Fibromyalgia
Ideal versus reality: physicians perspectives on patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia:
Fibromyalgia: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/in-depth/fibromyalgia/art-20048097
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