Fibromyalgia like its counterpart M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) can and often does materialise and then disappear without warning leaving the sufferer in a state of confusion as to whether or not they are getting better or simply feeling better in their mind.
One of the most common misconceptions about both these conditions is that they are psychosomatic and are simply the product of an anxious mind. This is most definitely not the case and both Fibromyalgia and M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) are very real conditions with very real symptoms attached to them.
How Can I Be Sure I Have Fibromyalgia?
Initially it is hard to tell for sure if you have been afflicted with either of the aforementioned conditions. This is because they both have a tendency to ‘flare up’; meaning that they can cause the sufferer great discomfort and distress one day and show no symptoms at all the next. It is unfortunate that both Fibromyalgia and M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) are conditions that can take some time to develop to the extent where they are diagnosable by your doctor.
Describe your current flare up and we will help you identify likely triggers and what might ease it.
Try our Flare Up Analyser free, here on this site →I Have Good Days and Bad, Is This Normal with Fibromyalgia?
Many sufferers of Fibromyalgia have good days when their condition is manageable and bad days when they find it almost impossible to function to any degree of normality. This is something that researchers are trying to understand but for the most part at the moment it would seem this is because the condition itself may have its roots in the sufferer’s genetic make-up. Indeed there are suggestions that Fibromyalgia can be hereditary.
Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.
How Long Do I Have to Have Fibromyalgia Before it is Considered Chronic?
Rather like its counterpart M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) Fibromyalgia is referred to as Chronic Fibromyalgia if the sufferer has been plagued by it for a period of six months without a break in its attack of the body. As with M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) your doctor will carry out a series of tests designed to confirm or deny whether or not the condition is Fibromyalgia. This involves testing a series of pressure points (18 in total) around the body and also measuring resistance to pain etc.
Again as with M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) Fibromyalgia can have a myriad of other symptoms most of which can be treated with conventional prescription medications whilst the underlying condition itself has no cure or recognised treatments that prevent it from getting any worse.
How Long Does It Take a Doctor To Diagnose Fibromyalgia?
This is a question that differs in answer depending on your GP; in reality a lot of doctors are not particularly clued in on Fibromyalgia and consider it for the most part to be something that is a product of a depressed mind. Those doctors who are knowledgeable on the condition could make a diagnosis in perhaps three months but you should be aware that it can take much longer given the fact that the symptoms of the condition – just as with M.E (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) vary from patient to patient. It is worth noting that no two sufferers will have the same ailments as a result of Fibromyalgia which is why the process of diagnosing it can take so long.
Also it is worth recognising the fact that many doctors are wary of making a diagnosis too early these days in case it is the wrong one and leaves them open to a negligence claim.
If you are concerned as to whether or not you have – or think you are in the early stages of contracting Fibromyalgia – then you should consult your doctor as soon as you can. He or she will be able to perform the necessary tests and offer some useful advice and support although it is worth mentioning again that your doctor will only be able to treat those ailments which are the symptoms of Fibromyalgia as opposed to treating the condition itself.
I have had periods when I am ok and can work etc no problem but over the years I have had flare ups when the pain is so bad that I can literally not bear it. At the moment I am having one of those and each time I have one it is worse than the last time.
I work at an NHS GP Surgery and you would think this a good thing however some of the GP's are very understanding but my own is "old school", and I am not convinced he "believes " that Fibromyalgia which I have now had a diagnosis of (1month ago) really exists.
I am really struggling, this is the first time in 20 1/2 years I have been signed off from work because of the pain and fatigue. I am waiting for an appointment with the pain clinic but am told it could be a long wait and work are really not as supportive as I had hoped.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
I'm still at work but it is difficult as they don't understand how to deal with it
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