What to Do if You Have Fibromyalgia
If you are one of the 3 to 6 million people, 80 to 90 percent of which are women, in the United States who is suffering from fibromyalgia, then you probably know the frustration of suffering from frequent exhaustion and seemingly endless pain in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Even worse, you are probably also familiar with the embarrassment and hopelessness of visiting physician after physician, none of which seem to know what is wrong with you. Now that you finally have your diagnosis, however, what should you do?
In the next few paragraphs, you will receive a quick overview of what you can expect over the next several months and years from this condition, as well as a little advice on what to do if you are too ill to hold down your job and how to go about getting the insurance benefits you deserve.
What to Expect from Fibromyalgia
Since there is no cure for this disease, the best thing you can do is to know what to expect from fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia, also known as fibrositis, chronic muscle pain syndrome, psychogenic rheumatism, and tension myalgias, is characterized by the previously mentioned symptoms of extreme and frequent tiredness and overall pain, as well as the secondary symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and heightened sensitivity. The good news is, however, that fibromyalgia is neither progressive, life-threatening, or crippling, and certain self-help strategies and lifestyle changes have proven helpful in easing discomfort.
There are a variety of things that may cause fibromyalgia, including, but not limited to, chemical changes in the brain, injury, infection, and abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system. Frequently, either because of these root causes or as a result of the fibromyalgia itself, other conditions, such as depression, may accompany fibromyalgia. The mixture of these conditions may make it difficult for an individual to hold a steady job or may result in their taking a large number of sick days. If this is your case, check with your individual insurance provider to find out if anything can be done to help your situation. Some providers will give you benefits under the long-term disability section, some will have special benefits for people suffering from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other such illnesses, and some providers will be very unhelpful.
Of course, the most important factor in dealing with this condition is education. Read the policies of your insurance coverage, if possible, before you become extraordinarily ill. Read information gathered by national health centers on fibromyalgia to make sure you are not caught off-guard by unexpected complications. A good patient is one who is well-informed and knows how to listen to his/her body. With a little effort, you will be able to fight this disease to the best of your ability. Good luck!
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