Community Profile

For patients, family, friends, doctors, and anyone else affected by the syndrome.

This comm is still very much a work in progress. Please help me shape it and bring it to life.

This comm is for:

1. Seeking and giving support. But please remember that people may not want pep talks. People aren't always in the mood for cheer when they're tired and/or in pain. For pure positivity, please visit fibro_life (though crossposting is welcome).

2. Asking questions. Anything related to fibromyalgia. From the basics to the obscure. We're not doctors, but we'll do our best.

3. Giving answers. Suggestions, recommendations, strategies, tidbits... whatever. Take them with a grain of salt, though. As mentioned, we're not professionals. And even the professionals will tell you we have a lot to learn.

4. Relating experiences. Again, anything having to do with the syndrome.

5. General posts about fibromyalgia. If it's related to fibro, it's on topic.

Please also check out fibro_life, which is dedicated to moving forward in a positive direction.

About fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Patients tend to suffer from poor sleep quality - requiring more sleep and still feeling tired during the day. Patients can also rapidly tire from physical or mental activity.

It also involves hypersensitive nerves. This leads to joint pain, muscle aches, and extreme tenderness. Small pressures, particularly at 18 key points, can cause intense and lingering pain. Hypersensitivity also extends to other senses, resulting in heightened sensitivity to lights, sounds, and smells.

"Fibro fog" is another common symptom. Patients have difficulty concentrating, performing complex mental tasks, maintaining mental focus, and keeping track of memories. This is probably caused by the hyperactivity of the sensory nerves - all that extra input taxes the brain's resources.

Severity of the various symptoms varies from patient to patient and from day to day. It can range from mild impairment to almost complete debilitation.

The causes of the syndrome have yet to be determined. There are a great variety of treatments, but no cure.

Some information from the Mayo Clinic:

9 Common Myths

Understanding the Diagnosis Process

Create a Plan For Coping

Last but not least:

National Fibromyalgia Association