Is Fibromyalgia Hereditary?

Many individuals believe that the condition known as Fibromyalgia is a hereditary condition and can be passed down from generation to generation. However studies have shown that although this is the case in some families it is not the case in others – here we look at the case for and against.

Is Fibromyalgia Hereditary?

Studies have shown in recent years – and most of these studies it should be pointed out were carried out in the United States as the medical community in the United Kingdom are still unsure as to the causes of Fibromyalgia – that there is roughly a twenty five per cent chance you will suffer from Fibromyalgia if one or other of your parents have suffered from it.

Information would indicate that women are more likely to contract the illness than men and that it can lie dormant in an individual’s body until a traumatic event triggers it off. Such traumatic events would include:

• Child birth
• Pneumonia
• Being involved in an accident
• Problems with the Thyroid

Many mothers and daughters share the same symptoms of Fibromyalgia and indeed many daughters fall foul of the condition shortly after they have given birth to their first child. It would appear that there is a genetic link between mothers and daughters but the link between fathers who have the condition and their sons is not as easily identified. This may be because that although men can suffer from the condition there are not as many men suffering from it as there are women.

How Do I Know if I am Suffering from Fibromyalgia?

This is a difficult question and one that many doctors find difficult to answer; because Fibromyalgia and M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) both have similar symptoms doctors can sometimes misdiagnose the condition. Likewise because both Fibromyalgia and M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) exhibit overlapping conditions such as Insomnia, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Chronic Fatigue they are often difficult to diagnose at all.

Many patients suffering from either Fibromyalgia or M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) find that it can take anything up to two years before they receive a final diagnosis as to what the nature of their condition actually is.

There are symptoms associated with both conditions that should set alarm bells ringing and thus have you making an appointment to see your doctor. These include:

• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Heavy limbs
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Pins and needles
• Short-term Memory problems

if you suffer from any of the aforementioned conditions with any regularity you should make an appointment as soon as possible to see your doctor. Also it is worth while keeping a diary of your experiences so that he or she may make a more informed diagnosis.

What Should I Do if I am Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia?

If you have been diagnosed with either Fibromyalgia or M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) then the first thing is not to panic. This may sound easier said than done but you should try and remain calm and positive. Many individuals suffer from both Fibromyalgia and M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) and manage to live productive and active lives. However it should be said that if you have contracted the more chronic version then you may find activities that you took for granted more difficult and much more tiring.

Many people panic when they find out that neither Fibromyalgia or M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) have a cure; the most you can hope for is to keep the condition under control by taking regular breaks to rest, changing your diet and your lifestyle, and trying to remain positive throughout.