3 Truths and 1 Lie about Fibromyalgia

#NHBPM  #HAWMC Today's Prompt: 3 Truths and 1 Lie. Tell us three truths about your condition and one lie. Do think we will be able to tell the difference?

Fibromyalgia is blanketed with misconceptions. Fibromyalgia is not a real illness many say.There are many even among the medical community who hold to the belief that Fibromyalgia is not a real illness and simply in our heads. It is an "Invisible Illness" therefore it must not exist. Let's pull back that blanket and look at the facts, the realities of Fibromyalgia and how it affects those of us diagnosed with it. 

For many patients with Fibromyalgia the journey to our diagnosis is a long and winding trail of doctors and tests not to mention the years of suffering in silence with pain in our joints, muscles and other symptoms because no-one believes us when we tell them our symptoms yet they can see nothing wrong. 

First task is to locate a doctor who knows the condition IS real, Does exist and who will treat us as such. Then follows the testing - the blood-work for other disorders must be ruled out first; Lupus, Rheum, and others...

Specific criteria - Tender Points - must be met in order to be given this diagnosis.  

Those diagnosed with Fibromyalgia experience a heightened sensitivity to pain and for me, what pain I used to be able to tolerate now sends me to the moon in tears. Our brains and spinal cords process pain differently than those without Fibro.

Many of us are unable to work and hold regular jobs knowing not from one day to the next how we will feel. Some days a grocery shopping trip will put me down for the rest of the afternoon. I used to be a strong worker, security and nursing aide were my main jobs yet now I am remanded to go from day to day, moment to moment and I hate it. 

"You don't Look Sick." is something we as Fibromites hear a lot. Simply because we live with an Invisible Illness. Just because it cannot be seen, doesn't mean it isn't there...

My life has changed drastically because of this diagnosis. Eating habits altered to promote healthier eating as my body has become allergic to so many foods and preservatives. 

I am still grateful for the diagnosis because it has helped me in changing my lifestyle for the better. 

FIBROMYALGIA: 

3Truth and 1 Lie ~ You Decide

A) It is a Real Illness

B) It is an Invisible Illness

C) Fibro affects approx 4% of the world

D) Fibro affects only women

Peace

 This post was written as part of #NHBPM – 30 health posts in 30 days: 

http://bit.ly/vU0g9J