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Fibromyalgia Syndrome, also known as the abbreviation FMS or FM, is an illness with varying severity that can occur in people of all ages, though is usually concentrated with women in their thirties through to their fifties.
Fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, but is characterized by debilitating fatigue and pains. Fibromyalgia can come and go, or last for long periods. Individuals affected often describe feelings as mild fatigue to overwhelming tiredness accompanied by pain in many areas throughout their bodies. These symptoms and feelings can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose.
Despite the often occurring feelings of depression and bleakness associated with Fibromyalgia, help is available. While there is no magical cure or remedy, a combination of approaches can help reduce the feelings of fatigue and pain.
Fibromyalgia has often been referred to as the 'invisible illness'. Characterizations such as this can make the individual frustrated, insecure, depressed and with feelings of hopelessness. The important thing to remember is that this syndrome, while not fair, can be dealt with day to day as to lessen it's extent and provide the individual with a better quality of life.
Fibromyalgia can develop:
- In people of any age
- most common in women
- most common between the ages of 35-60
- most recent estimates suggest it affecting between 2% and 4.5% of individuals (British estimate)
There is no cure for Fibromyalgia, however, Fibromyalgia, unlike some other diseases and syndromes, is not life threatening. The most harmful threat with Fibromyalgia is individuals losing a high level of their quality of life. There is hope though, that with a combination of medications, holistic approaches, meditation, life style changes and complimentary therapies the symptoms related to Fibromyalgia can be reduced.