Fibromyalgia. What were your first signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia?

Lady Gaga - does she have fibromyalgia?

Lady Gaga – does she have fibromyalgia?

Welcome to the latest in our series of fibromyalgia blogs where we explore your experiences of the early signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia.  You can see all our previous fibro blogs here – https://patienttalk.org/?tag=fibromyalgia.  Well worth it as there are some great fibro hints.

All of us are individuals who may suffer from the same medical conditions but in very different ways.  We hope that you will use this blog to share with our readers your fibro story.  In particular the early signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia.

For most people with fibromyalgia the key symptom is widespread and long term pain.  The effect on our lives can be debilitating.  People with fibro also may suffer from what is called Allodynia.  This is where a person feels pain from a source which normally would not provoke pain.  A good example of this would be a change in temperature or sometimes just even touch.  Nerve or neuropathic pain is also common.  Check out our previous blog on the subject – https://patienttalk.org/?p=281.

Common signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can include:-

a)      Fatigue.  This in some cases can be extreme.  Please check out our previous blog about ways of fighting fatigue – https://patienttalk.org/?p=239

b)      Related to this is what is often described as “Fibro Fog”.  These are problems with both memory and concentration which lead to a sense of confusion.

c)       Irritable bowel syndrome.  Normally either diarrhea or constipation but sometimes  bloating as well.

d)      Sleeping issues which can include insomnia.  For more information please take a look at this blog https://patienttalk.org/?p=246.

e)      Depression and anxiety.

But, of course, fibromyalgia is a syndrome.  A syndrome could be described as a “constellation of symptoms”.  This means that each person with fibromyalgia experiences it in a unique way.

This is where you come in.  We would be very grateful if you could share your experiences of the signs and symptoms of fibro with other readers.  As always we are very interested in anything you have to share but you may find the following questions a good guide:-

1)      What was your first symptom of fibromyalgia?

2)      How long after it appeared did you get diagnosed with fibro?

3)      What sorts of pain do you experience with your fibromyalgia?

4)      What would you say is the worst symptom of fibro?

5)      How do you manage your symptoms?

Please feel free to add anything you think will be of use or interest in the comments box below.

Thanks very much in advance.

Treating Pain in Multiple Sclerosis

Image result for Multiple Sclerosis Vlog: Treating Pain in MS


MS Hurts! In this vid I teach you how to treat pain from Multiple Sclerosis. If you are impacted by MS and want to up your game, then start watching this vid right now!

This vid was originally part of a 80 minute livestream and I’ve chopped up the content to make it more easily digestible for you!

Multiple Sclerosis and Pain – What available treatment options and how do I manage the symptoms?




Pain and Multiple Sclerosis

Pain and Multiple Sclerosis

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society have produced this excellent video on multiple sclerosis and pain.

In particular it looks at the treatment options available and how to manage the symptoms of pain in multiple sclerosis.







Adhesive capsulitis – what are the signs of Frozen Shoulder?




Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder is a condition that leads to pain and stiffness of the shoulder. It’s also known as adhesive capsulitis or shoulder contracture.

The symptoms tend to gradually get worse over a number of months or years. You’ll typically experience shoulder pain for the first two to nine months, which can be severe, followed by increasing stiffness.

[Original article on NHS Choices website]

The stiffness may affect your ability to carry out everyday activities. In particularly severe cases, you may not be able to move your shoulder at all.

The condition may improve with time, but this can sometimes take several years.

Read more about the symptoms of frozen shoulder.

When to see your GP

You should visit your GP if you have persistent shoulder pain that limits your movement.

The earlier frozen shoulder is diagnosed, the more likely it is that treatment can help prevent long-term pain and stiffness.

Read more about diagnosing frozen shoulder.




What causes frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder occurs when the flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint, known as the capsule, becomes inflamed and thickened. It’s not fully understood why this happens.

The following can increase your risk of developing a frozen shoulder:

a previous shoulder injury or shoulder surgery
diabetes
Dupuytren’s contracture – a condition where small lumps of thickened tissue form in the hands and fingers
other health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke

It’s estimated that up to 1 in 20 people in the UK may be affected by frozen shoulder at some point in their life. Most people who get frozen shoulder are between the ages of 40 and 60. The condition is more common in women than men.

Read more about the causes of frozen shoulder.




How frozen shoulder is treated

Most people with frozen shoulder eventually get better, even without treatment. However, appropriate treatment can help reduce pain and improve the movement in your shoulder until it heals.

The type of treatment you receive will depend on how severe your frozen shoulder is and how far it’s progressed. Possible treatment options include:

pain treatments
shoulder exercises
physiotherapy

If your symptoms haven’t improved after six months, surgery may be recommended.

Read more about treating frozen shoulder.

A Chronic Pain Personal Bill of Rights – which of these do you agree with and what would you add?

As I’ve mentioned a few times on this blog I’ve been working in healthcare information is some form or another for over a decade now.

In my days as a opinion researcher with people in pain a theme regularly came up in interviews of how many people felt – both powerless and overwhelmed by chronic pain.

So I was very interested when one of my readers sent me this infographic which offers some ideas for “A Chronic Pain Personal Bill of Rights”.

I must admit that while I agree with the sentiments of the infographic I have to say I don’t really see how it could be described as a Bill of Rights. No mention of access to decent pain management for instance.

But really that is just me.

What do you think of it? And what would you add to a “Chronic Pain Personal Bill of Rights”? Please do share you thoughts in the comments section below.

Many thanks in advance.


Click on the image for the full version!

A chronic Pain Personal Bill of Rights

From Visually.