Thursday, March 28, 2024

How To Beat Fibromyalgia Fatigue

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Is It Possible That I Have Pots And Was Incorrectly Diagnosed

My journey: how I beat fibromyalgia & chronic fatigue

This is entirely possible. Given how common POTS symptoms are and how unfamiliar many doctors are with this condition, diagnostic mishaps happen. POTS is frequently misidentified as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome, anxiety disorder, ADHD, irritable bowel syndrome, myositis, etc. It is also possible that you have both POTS and one of these conditions, which may complicate the diagnosis. Sometimes people with POTS are told that its all in your head, implying that the cause of their symptoms is psychological. If you feel like something is physically wrong, dont hesitate to seek a second, and even a third or fourth opinion.

COVID-19 and POTS: Is There a Link?

Although many people recover quickly from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, others who recover may continue to experience symptoms for months. Researchers are still determining the cause of these extended symptoms, but some COVID-19 “long-haulers” may actually be dealing with POTS.

What Causes Fibromyalgia Symptoms To Flare

Fibromyalgia symptoms can happen without warning. But certain events may trigger flare-ups, including:

  • Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. You may have more trouble sleeping, more widespread pain, or headaches just before your period when your hormone levels drop. Your periods may also be more painful.9
  • Stress.Chronic stress may raise your risk for getting fibromyalgia.7 Also, short-term stress, such as work stress, or stressful events, such as a death of a loved one, can trigger flare-ups in people who have fibromyalgia.
  • Changes in weather. Some women report pain with changes in barometric pressure or on hot, humid days.

Fibromyalgia Is A Masked Depression

Another myth is that FM is a masked depression or an affective spectrum disorder.24 The lifetime prevalence of depressive disorders in FM patients ranges between 40% and 80%, depending on the instruments and diagnostic criteria used.25 However, not every patient with FM is depressed and not every patient with depressive disorder reports chronic widespread pain.13,26 The association of FM and depressive disorders can be explained by symptom overlap and shared biological and psychological mechanisms.26 The German guidelines state that FM and depression are not interchangeable.13

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Natural Treatment #: Tai Chi

Tai chi is an ancient Chinese practice. It involves moving your body slowly and gently through a series of poses. It has shown some potential for easting fibromyalgia symptoms.

A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found promising results. Participants with fibromyalgia took part in a 60-minute tai chi class or a wellness education and stretching class. They attended these classes twice a week for 12 weeks. Those who did tai chi experienced improvements in their pain, sleep quality, depression, and quality of life. The benefits were still noticeable 24 weeks later.

Manual lymph drainage therapy is a type of massage. It helps move lymph fluid through your body. Your lymph system helps rid your body of waste and toxins.

In research reported in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapies , scientists tested MLDT on a group of women with fibromyalgia. They did MLDT five times a week for three weeks. It appeared to be more effective than regular massage for reducing morning tiredness and anxiety. Both MLDT and regular massage were linked to reduced pain and improved quality of life.

Which Of The Following Is Often A Symptom Of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

How the Old and Young Can Beat Fibromyalgia

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is a term used to describe a group of symptoms, with fatigue being the most prominent. Other key symptoms include muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, headaches, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes. These symptoms can be as disabling as multiple sclerosis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , and similar chronic conditions.

Fatigue also is frequently a symptom of conditions that are distinct from chronic fatigue syndrome but are often associated with it including some autoimmune disorders and fibromyalgia.

Also Check: Why Do Autoimmune Diseases Cause Fatigue

Foods Likely To Make Symptoms Worse

The following foods may worsen symptoms by increasing inflammation, aggravating food sensitivities, or both.

  • Sugar. Reducing or eliminating sugar can have a significant impact on health for two reasons. First, the medical literature has shown that eating foods high in sugar is linked to increased fibromyalgia pain.1

See The Ins and Outs of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

  • Carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates such as cookies, many breads, pastries, and white rice are digested quickly, causing blood sugar levels to spike. The effect does not last, however, and blood sugar soon drops, making the individual hungry again. These fluctuations can make the fatigue and pain of fibromyalgia worse and contribute to overeating.2When eating carbohydrates, whole wheat sources should be chosen. Whole wheat foods digest more slowly, avoiding the highs and lows that occur with other carbohydrates.

    See Celiac Disease and Low Thyroid vs. Fibromyalgia

    One small research study focused on women diagnosed with fibromyalgia who also had irritable bowel syndrome and a food intolerance. When the women cut back on eating a specific group of carbohydrates, they reported a 50% reduction in irritable bowel symptoms and a 22% decrease in other symptoms, including pain. The restricted carbohydrates were a type not well absorbed in the small intestine. Such carbohydrates include lactose , fructose , and grains.3

  • See What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods?

    Be Aware Of Whats In Your Food

    Food additives are found in nearly every processed or packaged food we eat, so its important to understand how additives can affect your health. Glutamate is one such additive, which is a flavor-enhancing amino acid. Its also considered an excitotoxin. Monosodium glutamate excites nerve cells, but can damage or kill nerve cells in high doses. Aspartate, found in artificial sweetener aspartame, is another such excitotoxin.

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    Does The Patient Suffer From Depression

    If they also complain of tiredness and weight gain consider hypothyroidism.

    If they are tired and nauseated, and describe polyuria or constipation consider hypercalcaemia.

    If they have developed weight gain and thinned or red skin consider Cushings syndrome.

    If they have also lost their libido, or developed erectile dysfunction consider hypogonadism, or hypopituitarism.

    Causes Of Fibromyalgia Symptoms

    Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Beat It with this Energizing Routine

    It can be difficult to be diagnosed with fibromyalgia, as there isnt a definitive laboratory test. While blood work and other tests may be ordered in order to rule out other conditions, doctors often rely on feedback they receive from the patient.

    In general, patients must experience widespread pain or muscle aches that last for at least three months. A physical tender point examination may be conducted where the doctor presses 18 specific points to measure pain and tenderness. Tender points include neck, chest, arms, legs near the knee, at the waist and just below the buttocks.

    Some fibromyalgia patients may actually suffer from neuropathy, as a study found that almost half of the patients suffered from small nerve fiber neuropathy. That is simply nerve pain that is caused by damage to the small nerves which carry pain and other signals from your skin to your brain. Therefore, neuropathic fibromyalgia may be more common than previously known.

    While there is neither a definitive nor singular cause for fibromyalgia, its been linked to the following :

    Risk factors for fibromyalgia include genetics, being female, and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. For some individuals, symptoms begin after a significant psychological stress event, infection, surgery or other physical trauma. Others may have no evidence of a triggering event, and the fibromyalgia symptoms have just accumulated over time.

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    Too Exhausted To Get Out Of Bed

    Like a hangover mixed with flu is how Serena Oppenheim describes the chronic pain and fatigue condition that derailed her career at 23 the same illness that last week prompted Kirsty Young to step down from Radio 4. Heres how found her way back, after being told she was making it all up

    When I heard this week that Kirsty Young had stepped down from presenting Radio 4s Desert Island Discs after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I knew only too well the pain she was feeling. Even now, thinking about the crippling exhaustion I experienced at the start of my journey with the condition 13 years ago makes me want to cry and leaves me shaking and feeling deeply unhappy.

    In 2005, I was all set for a career in international relations. I was a normal, energetic 20-something, full of enthusiasm and brimming with excitement for the next stages of life. I had graduated from Brown University in the USA and spent the summer in Cyprus on a course focused on Middle East Peace for students who wanted to go into a career in foreign policy and diplomacy. I was looking forward to moving back home to London to start my first job.

    I remember that trip to the doctor as if it was yesterday

    There is no such thing as fibromyalgia a doctor told me, looking over my notes. You are absolutely fine.

    Maybe he was right, I thought. Maybe there was nothing wrong with me. Maybe I had been imagining it all.

    Mom Determined To Beat Fibromyalgia With The Healthy Mommy

    Krissy Galbraith shares her journey to better health after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia and refusing to let it beat her.

    I dont know if you have ever heard of fibromyalgia or maybe you know someone who suffers from it. The most common symptoms are widespread body pain and fatigue.

    This year I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and while I wish I didnt have it. I use it as my superpower, my motivator. Every time it gets me down with pain and fatigue, I get straight back up.

    I overdo it a lot, I probably cause my body more pain than I should, by pushing myself to do everything I used to be able to do, but I would rather work hard at gaining as much of my health and fitness back while I can.

    I dont know what the future holds for me. I dont know if this will get worse in time or if by becoming as healthy as I can possibly be Im putting a lot of my symptoms at bay. There is a lot of unknown when it comes to fibromyalgia but I will not let it stand in my way.

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    Krissys Tips For Other Sufferers

    Krissy says the best thing you can do is to get on top of your pain management first and foremost.

    Look at healthy choices and meal prep. Exercise. I started with walking, just a little bit at a time until I could do more.

    My Doctor also recommended aqua-aerobics. I also have really focussed hugely on inner work, such as journaling, yoga, mindfulness and creating.

    I have days when I cannot function and days where Im in pain. I try my hardest to make the most of each day as much as I can.

    My progress has been very slow but Im getting there. Im currently trialing different pain medications to find what works for me and I push through pain a lot.

    Frequent Urination And Urinary Tract Infections

    Pin on Fibromyalgia awareness

    Urinary and pelvic complaints are common symptoms of fibromyalgia, particularly in women with the disease. Bladder incontinence, urinary frequency, and painful sexual intercourse are just a few of the urinary disorders and pelvic symptoms that fibromyalgia can cause.

    Management : If you have stress incontinence you may need to limit your intake of fluids. Pelvic floor exercises also called Kegels are recommended for women with stress, urge, or mixed incontinence. Read more on Fibro and UTI here

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    Can You Have Both Chronic Fatigue Syndrome And Fibromyalgia

    You can have both chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. In fact, many people do.

    These conditions are considered cousins, of a sort. They belong to the same family of illnesses, which is called central sensitivity syndromes.

    The symptoms are extremely similar. So, it can be difficult to tell if you have just one or both of these conditions.

    Until theres better diagnostic testing, it may sometimes be impossible to tell if you have both. It may never even be clear which one you have, either, depending on your specific mix of symptoms.

    Fortunately, the treatments are similar. So, you may get the right treatments even if youre not correctly diagnosed.

    Try Smaller More Frequent Meals

    Many people with chronic fatigue often feel too tired to eat or dont feel hungry. If youre losing weight or struggling to eat enough throughout the day, Groppo recommends trying smaller meals more frequently or adding small snacks between each meal. Eating more frequently may help keep your energy up. Smaller portions may be easier to tolerate as well.

    Also Check: Muscle Aches Joint Pain Fatigue

    Will I Still Be Able To Work With Fibromyalgia

    Usually. Most people with fibromyalgia continue to work, but you may have to make changes to do so. You can cut down the number of hours you work, switch to a less demanding job, or adapt a current job. If you face challenges at work, an occupational therapist can help you design a more comfortable workstation or find more efficient and less painful ways to do your job. A number of federal laws protect your rights.

    However, if you cannot work because of your fibromyalgia, you may qualify for disability benefits through your employer or the Social Security Administration.

    How To Fight Fibromyalgia Fatigue

    Fibromyalgia Pain? How To Beat It! – Dr. Mandell

    Besides pain, anxiety and mental fog, fibromyalgia patients may also suffer from chronic fatigue symptoms. But natural remedies can go a long way toward restoring lost energy. Heres an expert guide to what really works for fibromyalgia fatigue…On bad days, Holly Scott can barely drag herself out of bed, shuffle to the couch and sit down. Ordinary activities seem virtually impossible.When my fibromyalgia flares up, I miss my daughters soccer games and dance recitals, says the 39-year-old Tucson mother of two. Im too tired even to sit through a movie with my husband. Scotts exhaustion is typical of fibromyalgia, a condition that causes widespread muscle pain and tenderness, and can often bring about debilitating fatigue.Thats the result of the body trying to fight chronic pain both physically and mentally, says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! and a leading expert on both fibromyalgia support and chronic fatigue. After a flare-up, women with fibromyalgia find themselves with lagging energy levels because theyve spent a great deal of battling the depression and emotional anguish associated with the disease, Dr. Teitelbaum says.

    For optimum fibromyalgia support, meditate at least once a day for a minimum of 10 minutes, Dr. Yee suggests.Build up to twice a day: once in the morning and once at night.Heres how to get started:

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    When Is Fatigue Considered Extreme

    There is no good criteria for assessing the level of fatigue it depends on the person. However, most people know when their tiredness is more than a lack of sleep. Some of my patients remember the exact day they got hit with fatigue so overwhelming that they knew something was wrong.

    Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

    POTS is a common condition affecting an estimated one to three million Americans. Researchers dont fully understand the causes of POTS, but it is more common in women than men and is more likely to develop in adolescents and young adults.

    How To Fight Fatigue Symptoms Now

    Page Contents

    Not everyone will experience all of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. They can vary from person to person and the severity of the symptoms can change day by day.

    Common symptoms include:

    • Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and/or armpits
    • Unexplained muscle or joint pain
    • Dizziness that worsens when changing positions
    • Unrefreshing sleep
    • Extreme exhaustion after any kind of physical or mental exercise

    So, how do you treat the symptoms short-term and feel better in your day-to-day life?

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    How Are Abdominal Pain And Unintentional Weight Loss Treated

    Abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss treatments can vary because their causes vary. Your doctor will try to determine the underlying cause. However, in the meantime, they may prescribe medication to help control your symptoms.

    If a virus is causing your symptoms, antibiotics wont improve your symptoms because antibiotics are not effective against viruses.

    If your abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss are due to a parasite, your doctor will determine the appropriate medication to kill the parasite.

    Counseling can improve symptoms caused by stress and anxiety. Getting more rest and exercise may also help.

    Recommended Reading: Natural Ways To Fight Fatigue

    The Connection Between Adrenal Fatigue And Fibromyalgia

    Pin on Pregnancy and Postpartum

    Cortisol, your main stress hormone, serves as your bodys primary anti-inflammatory function. Your adrenal glands produce that cortisol. If the adrenals are taxed, and you cannot produce adequate anti-inflammatory cortisol, you will be overly inflamed.

    It creates tremendous wear and tear in the body. And we know that cortisol and adrenaline will hit nerves throughout the body, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, autonomic nervous system, throughout the body, and it sensitizes those nerves, it makes them trigger happy.

    People with Adrenal Fatigue develop chronic fatigue, chronic pain, or both.

    If this continues to occur over time, people with Adrenal Fatigue over time will develop chronic pain, chronic fatigue for others, and both for many.

    For those with chronic pain, its sometimes significant enough to be diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. The official diagnosis is important for research and studies. The diagnosis is also important for insurance and medical coding, so doctors can get paid.

    But while the word Fibromyalgia acknowledges your pain, why is it that cant doctors tell you what this pain is from? A simple diagnosis code doesnt really speak to the root cause.

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