Fibromyalgia is an illness that primarily affects the muscles and sleep of those that have been diagnosed with it. However, there are also health complications that can arise from having this illness. It apparently is not an easy illness to diagnose. There are no blood tests or anything that alert the doctors that it is indeed fibromyalgia. It’s more of an in depth study by doctors, on the patients with it, that leads to the diagnosis. It can take time and repeated visits to one’s doctor, in order to get a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
A person that has this illness often finds themselves unable to live a normal life. They are sometimes so tired that they literally cannot get out of bed. Their muscles are also so painful that they find it hard to function in daily life. They are more inactive, due to the illness, and this can cause other health problems. Those with fibromyalgia have problems with their sleep, since the illness apparently leaves them feeling very tired. Sometimes all that they can do is stay in bed and sleep. It is not that they have no desire to get up and function on a normal level. It is, instead, that they physically cannot get up and fulfill daily obligations because of the illness.
It is my understanding, through some research on fibromyalgia, that there are some doctors that feel as though there may be a link between fibromyalgia and abuse. There was a survey done on people that were experiencing fibromyalgia. The survey suggests that it may be linked to an abusive childhood. More commonly, it may be linked to childhood sexual abuse. It seems that, for some, the more a person was abused as a child, the more painful the fibromyalgia may be for the patient.
I am certainly not educated enough on this topic. I have much to learn on it. However, it is something I plan to research more.
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I don't know what I think about this. I suppose abuse can be a contributing factor (which may eventually be proven), but I tend to believe that it isn't necessarily "the" reason for fibromyalgia. I have listed a little info about people I personally know who suffer with fibromyalgia.
My mom has suffered with fibromyalgia for many years, experiencing a lot of painful discomfort, sleepless and tossing nights, slight lapses of memory and concentration, and bouts of depression (all symptoms) although she never suffered from any of these prior to the onset of it. It is believed that her mom suffered from it, too, but diagnosis of it barely existed in my grandmother's lifetime so it was never established as such. Neither of them, though, to my recollection or ever with any evidence presenting itself in any form to me suggests that either one experienced anything that would be identified as abusive, except they both worked hard in rather harsh/non-idealistic workplace conditions.
1. A dear friend of mine in West Virginia - lives with various other medical conditions, lived a rather difficult, physically difficult life and continues to do so, but there has never been mention or signs of abuse.
2. A cousin of mine - lived through a number of tumultuous family-related events throughout her growing up years, many of which were extremely painful and scary emotionally.
3. Her mom - was abused, possibly as a child and definitely as an adult, and became verbally and emotionally abusive herself.
4. A person I used to date- was severely abused by her mom, does have another medical condition (diabetes) and, due to her "job"/experiences in Vietnam during the war, suffers from post-traumatic syndrome.
So, it's sort of a mixed-bag, although abuse does heavily exist. So do other things that coincidentally are in common with all of them.
I wonder if the link is not so much about abuse, but about a great deal of stress that a person finds themselves in. Thank you for sharing. I appreciate getting the input of others on this topic.
good luck sweetie. Let us know what you find out.
Thanks Dale! I will let you know.
Child abuse is probably important primarily as a significant stressor. It is one of many things that can elevate levels of cortisol - which can be damaging - and apparently can disregulate the immune system, leading to autoimmune conditions. What complicates research is that some people are more genetically susceptible to stress than others.
Rather than thinking of child abuse as "the cause", it's wise to think of stress as a likely risk factor. For the purpose of prevention, though, it is important to get the message out that harsh childhoods can really impact some children, especially those who are genetically vulnerable. That means that some children need extra special care to avoid developing problems. For example, if you have an autoimmune disorder and a history of high life stress, your children and other children in your family may be a little more likely to respond to stress with immune problems.
Therefore, it may be important for future generations to give these kids extra TLC to help the next generation avoid the problems.
For the sufferer of an autoimmune condition, paying extra attention to relationships, trying to ensure that you have good supportive nurturing friendships, and giving yourself the sort of messages you needed as a child may be therapeutic. If you had an aversive or abusive childhood, I might recommend some imagery exercises in which you work on replacing harsh childhood memories with warm fantasies of what you wished had been going on. The mind responds to fantasies much as it responds to actual experience, so if you repeatedly fantasize about the childhood you wish you had had, you might be able to mitigate against some of the harsh effects of your actual childhood.
As a psychologist suffering from an autoimmune problem, I've used these techniques myself. Of course, for those who can get it, the support of a good therapist can be very helpful too. Especially if you can get help with stress management, hypnosis, or the kind of long term treatment that helps people work through stressful past events.
I was diagnosed with fibro over 7 years ago. And yes I've heard the "abuse" supposed link >>> the "trauma" lord I could go on!lol And I'm sure if anyone has had this for at least a year and has been seeing their primary doc ( I suggest a rhumatologist<< sorry spelling ) they've heard so much that it felt almost embarrassing to express the severe pain and agony most ppl with fibro have.
The deal is >> There has yet to be enough funding for the research. In April 2003 . The center forawarness and studies for Fibromyalgia opened in Boston.
There are places like this popping up all over the country. But as many of us know fibro is for the most part a woman's issue.
I'm not saying this a a feminist>> it's just the truth.
Women don't receive the same medical attention as thier male counterparts.
It wasn't until 1994 that breast cancer was taken seriously enough to call it "an epidemic"
>>>>>> just a note here about cancer>> my grandmother was a nurse back in the late 20's and people were actually told that what ever was wrong with them was all in their head!<<<<<
And now it's the most funded disease in the WORLD. (as it should be.)
Sound familiar?
No it's not in our heads.. I surly go along with my Rhumy dr that it's not do to stress trauma or abuse>> all of these factors will make even the common cold worse.
I feel so badly when I feel people are being brushed off with these lame excuses for this horrid condition. If DR"S don't have anwers then so let it be>> there will be some and I think very soon. Just don't make up crap DOC!! To think you have done your job. Any doctor that contiues to tell anyone that it's all in thier head.. should be reported. If they did say that they haven't done anything to edjucated themselves in this area.
There is a book "fibromyagia for dummies" >> In fact there are many books that are out or coming out soon that will detatch all of the "old
time" excuses.
.........................................................................................a bit about me>>
I take ultram and walk. I've gained wieght and at the moment feel like crap.
I broke my back a few years ago.. and I just finished rehabilitation last summer.
The exersizes help with the overall pain. But some days/nights>> I just need to get through it.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I hope I made some sense here
peace and HEALTH to all
I was diagnosed with fibro over 7 years ago. And yes I've heard the "abuse" supposed link >>> the "trauma" lord I could go on!lol And I'm sure if anyone has had this for at least a year and has been seeing their primary doc ( I suggest a rhumatologist<< sorry spelling ) they've heard so much that it felt almost embarrassing to express the severe pain and agony most ppl with fibro have.
The deal is >> There has yet to be enough funding for the research. In April 2003 . The center forawarness and studies for Fibromyalgia opened in Boston.
There are places like this popping up all over the country. But as many of us know fibro is for the most part a woman's issue.
I'm not saying this a a feminist>> it's just the truth.
Women don't receive the same medical attention as thier male counterparts.
It wasn't until 1994 that breast cancer was taken seriously enough to call it "an epidemic"
>>>>>> just a note here about cancer>> my grandmother was a nurse back in the late 20's and people were actually told that what ever was wrong with them was all in their head!<<<<<
And now it's the most funded disease in the WORLD. (as it should be.)
Sound familiar?
No it's not in our heads.. I surly go along with my Rhumy dr that it's not do to stress trauma or abuse>> all of these factors will make even the common cold worse.
I feel so badly when I feel people are being brushed off with these lame excuses for this horrid condition. If DR"S don't have anwers then so let it be>> there will be some and I think very soon. Just don't make up crap DOC!! To think you have done your job. Any doctor that contiues to tell anyone that it's all in thier head.. should be reported. If they did say that they haven't done anything to edjucated themselves in this area.
There is a book "fibromyagia for dummies" >> In fact there are many books that are out or coming out soon that will detatch all of the "old
time" excuses.
.........................................................................................a bit about me>>
I take ultram and walk. I've gained wieght and at the moment feel like crap.
I broke my back a few years ago.. and I just finished rehabilitation last summer.
The exersizes help with the overall pain. But some days/nights>> I just need to get through it.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I hope I made some sense here
peace and HEALTH to all