Does anyone here know anything about fibromyalgia?

My girlfriend has it...apparently. I am not sure what to make of it because she and/or her doctors seem to think that the solution or treatment for her means taking SO many painkillers...constantly...that she can hardly function. ( she cannot drive, work and barely leaves the house now) is that really better than her original problem??? what do you think/hear/believe?

I have Fibromyalgia. It is a real disease, with a real diagnosis. Some people believe that is it not a real disorder, but that is because they do not have all of their facts straight.

I'm really glad that you are trying to be supportive of your friend. Fibromyalgia can cause serious debilitating fatigue, pain and depression. It is very difficult for some people to understand that Fibromyalgia is "real" because there is no blood test or X-ray that can lead to the diagnosis. Unfortunately for those of us who have had Fibro for a long time, have had to endure people who have the opinion that it's not really a specific disease. There are various treatments that can help eliviate the symptoms, i.e. diet changes, moderate exercise, pain medication and sleep medications. Each person is different in their degree of this illness, so each treatment may need a little tweaking to make them feel better.

You are doing the best thing possible for your friend by being supportive and open minded. One person who responded to your question was obviously misinformed and unknowledgable, so I am sorry they offered their opinion.

Order of therapy.
1. Analgesics (pain killers) - Long term usage discouraged.
2. Physical therapy -- very effective.
3. Local injections at trigger points with steroid and anesthetic - very effictive.

Find information at the site below.

I have it and have learned some painkillers make it worse by making you hurt worse. LITERALLY!!
Physical therapy is wonderful...stretching and loosening up, LOVE IT. Take everyday in stride, Don't over do it but definitely be active. Definitely try to eliminate stress. Plenty of sleep. Stress and sleep are two major components in this. There are meds to help sleep and other meds to help with the widespread pain of the condition, but honestly (EXPERIENCE) some of those do make it worse.
I wish your friend good luck and well health. Also, visit the website listed.

Fibromyalgia is another of those 'diagnoses' when nothing else fits. It involves a number of potential discomforts that can seriously impact on your ability to live a 'normal' life.

Some authorities still question the diagnosis -- and for a number of sufferers it seems likely that the causes may lie in hormonal disturbance such as that caused by a dysfunctional thyroid.

There are folks who have benefited from a more natural approach, which is said to work both quickly and effectively to subdue symptoms and help get sufferers back to near normal functioning.

Some additional details and natural treatment resource here:
http://www.gonando.com/fibromyalgia-symp...

Check out http://www.fibromyalgiasource.com for lots of articles and information about Fibromyalgia and how to cope with it.