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Symptoms vary -

The symptoms of the condition tend to fluctuate. People can go through periods where they are generally fine and experience very little pain, and other weeks where they are incapacitated with pain.

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Treatment -

The symptoms can be accentuated by the weather, stress, and by a person’s health. Symptoms can be treated, but they are unlikely to disappear completely.

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Pain -

The most common symptom is widespread pain. Commonly, people will experience pain in their back and neck. This may also travel to other areas like down the legs, in the shoulders, and down the arms.

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Heightened sensitivity to pain -

Because it affects the nervous system, those who are suffering from the condition can feel a heightened sensitivity to pain. The slightest stub of the toe can cause pain for an extended period.

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Tightness and stiffness -

Tightness and stiffness are common. People most commonly feel it when they have been in one position for an extended period.

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Sleep and cognition -

The condition can negatively affect people's sleep and ability to think and learn.

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Other symptoms -

Headaches, IBS, dizziness, restless legs syndrome, painful periods, anxiety, and depression are some of the other symptoms.

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The cause isn't clear -

What causes the condition isn’t very clear. It’s suspected to be passed on genetically and by certain chemical imbalances.

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Emotional trauma -

It can be triggered by a physical or emotionally stressful event, like an injury, a viral infection, giving birth, having an operation, abuse, or the death of a loved one.

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It's about managing the condition -

In attempting to treat the condition, there is no easy way of doing it. One must just try to ease the symptoms to minimize their negative effect on quality of life.

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There's no one-size-fits-all treatment -

Because symptoms are different from person to person, there is no clear way of treating it. People have to find what works for them. This may be visiting a physiotherapist or a psychologist. 

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Common treatments -

Beyond seeing medical professionals, sufferers are often treated with antidepressants, painkillers, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics.

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Depression -

It can be difficult to live with someone with the condition because they may become depressed, angry, confused, and may lose interest in many aspects of life.

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Support networks -

A huge help to someone with fibromyalgia is a support network of people who are educated on the condition.

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Help first by being informed -

This is where the individuals around the person with the condition can step in. Knowing the symptoms and understanding the condition will help these supporters better understand what the person is going through.

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Support groups -

Support networks are very useful. There are many support groups online, and there are many local ones from city to city, too.

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We must be flexible with the sufferer -

For an individual close to someone with fibromyalgia, learning to be flexible will be useful. They will need to understand that whoever is suffering may feel fine one morning, but be debilitated by the afternoon.

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Be willing to reschedule -

If you’ve made plans to do something together, it will help if you’re understanding and willing to reschedule.

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Exercise may seem daunting -

Physical activity is usually the last thing on someone’s mind when they feel fatigued, tired, and aching all over. However, exercise has been found to ease fibromyalgia symptoms hugely.

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Encourage physical activity -

Suggesting that you go for a walk, a bike ride, or sign up for a fitness class together might be a good way to get them moving. However, don’t be surprised if the answer is a flat no.

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Urge them to join a support group -

Urge your loved one to join a support group. Whether the person goes to a support group physically or virtually, it can be helpful for the person to share their experiences and get advice from others.

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The person caring may need support too -

Caring for someone with a chronic illness is not an easy task. It shouldn’t be taken lightly and is rarely a one-person job.

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Fibromyalgia sufferers want to be understood -

One of the biggest wishes of people with fibromyalgia is to be understood and believed.

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Help in simple ways -

Another way that individuals around the person suffering can help is by lending a hand in the small ways that they can. This could be as simple as cooking something, taking out the trash, or running an errand.

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See the glass half full -

Feeling sorry for yourself or the person suffering from the condition is of no benefit to anyone. Treasure what you both have and try to live your life and encourage them to live theirs to the best of both of your abilities.

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Share with them -

The condition can slow down and even cease someone’s social activity in many ways. They can feel isolated. That’s why it’s even more important to let them know what’s going on.

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Encourage pacing themselves -

Another way of supporting someone with the condition is through encouraging them to pace themselves. This may mean urging them to take a regular rest period and resting more when approaching events, rather than doing too much and taking themselves out of the game for days.

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Notes and reminders -

To help the person with “fibro fog,” which causes confusion, difficulty with concentration, and lapses in short-term memory, encourage them to write notes and reminders, have a daily routine, and keep a calm and organized environment.

Sources: (URevolution) (Everyday Health) (NHS)

See also: Stars who suffer from chronic illnesses

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