13 Startling Fibromyalgia Facts and 5 Myths Busted
If you are suffering with Fibromyalgia right now, or have done in the past, you may well already know much of this information ... but if not I hope by sharing it here gives you some insight and a context to what you are experiencing.
However, can I ask you this?
Does your partner, your family, your boss and colleagues or your friends REALLY understand what you are going through?
Do they really truly 'Get It'?
I'm not so sure most people out there truly do get the hang of what fibromyalgia sufferers go through.
There is still a BIG mystery around fibromyalgia ... it is after all "The Invisible Condition".
There are no obvious physical signs are there? Nothing on the outside to indicate you aren't well...
... and (just my opinion) I'm not all that sure that all doctors get it either.
So, even if you know all of these facts and figures I'm about to share, my suggestion is that you share this post with everyone you know so that they too can finally get it.
Send it to:
Your partner
Your family
Your boss
Your co workers
Your friends
Your social media 'friends' too ... AND
Anyone else you know has Fibro , or you think they might have
The more people that 'get it' will help not only you gain there support and understanding ...
but will also help raise awareness for the condition, and where there's' awareness there is more empathy for those with the condition ... AND
... potentially more funding becomes available to help find the elusive cure.
13 Startling Fibromyalgia Facts
#1. 5%–7% of the global population suffers from fibromyalgia - so you aren't alone
#2. It’s estimated that fibromyalgia affects 3%–6% of the adult US population and 2%-4% in the UK
#3. The average age range for diagnosing fibromyalgia is anywhere between 35 to 45
#4. The first symptoms start appearing on average at 28 years of age
#5. About 81% of people who suffer from fibromyalgia believe that the condition affects their ability to perform their job
#6. People with fibromyalgia have an increased risk of getting infected with COVID-19 if they suffer from an autoimmune disease too
#7. Between 75% and 90% of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia are women
#8. About 64% of people who have fibromyalgia have experienced trauma as children
#9. Up to 90% of fibromyalgia patients report feeling fatigued
#10. It’s estimated that 33% of people who suffer from fibromyalgia also have a family member who suffers from it
#11. 30%–70% of fibromyalgia patients also suffer from IBS, fibromyalgia global statistics report
#12. Fibromyalgia patients have a higher chance of developing heart conditions
#13. Fibromyalgia symptoms can last around 7 years
5 Myths about Fibromyalgia That Simply AREN'T true:
#1. This condition only affects middle-aged women
#2. You shouldn’t exercise if you have fibromyalgia
#3. Fibromyalgia is a diagnosis doctors use when they don’t know what’s wrong with you
#4. People only imagine they have fibromyalgia
#5. There’s nothing you can do; you just have to learn to live with the condition
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
[Showing this list to the people around you might well give them the clarity and understanding they need in order to support you better]
For most sufferers with fibromyalgia pain all over the body is the main symptom.
Other symptoms include:
- extreme fatigue
- poor sleep patterns
- sensitivity to pain and touch
- extreme muscle stiffness making movement difficult
- difficulty in concentration, memory retention and mental awareness – often referred as “fibro–fog”
- feelings of depression and lack of hope
Getting Some Understanding from Others?
There's a valid reason you feel exhausted most of the time.
There's a valid reason that even the simplest of tasks seems mammoth.
There's a valid reason why you aren't able to go to work today.
There's a valid reason that taking a walk is difficult and painful.
There's a valid reason that having sex isn't top of your mind.
There's a valid reason being hugged hurts and shouldn't be seen as a rejection.
There's a valid reason why you cancelled that 'coffee' meet up with a friend at short notice.
There's a valid reason why you didn't respond to your friends last 6 Facebook posts straight away!
There's a valid reason you forgot to do something.
No You Aren't ...
- Being Lazy
- Stupid
- Making all of this up
- Frigid
- Uncaring
- Unloving
- Skiving
- A rubbish person
- A poor friend
- Just after sympathy
- Clumsy for no reason
- An idiot just because you are slow to answer a question
- Going crazy
Stuff you can do to help
If you see a doctor and get a diagnosis they might prescribe some (pretty powerful) drugs ... these generally are painkillers, antidepressants, medication to help you sleep and possibly muscle relaxants too.
You can also make what are commonly known as Life-style changes and Self-care strategies.
You can read more about some of these strategies here
One of the most important things you can do ... is try to reduce any stress or anxiety you might be feeling about what's happening to you.
Keeping stress under control HAS to be a BIG priority for you .. as raised stress levels are highly likely to cause a flare up and add more to your feelings of hopelessness and misery.
My view is that too much continuous Stress in itself is a 'deadly' condition, with terrible potentially harmful side effects.
Having Fibro is bound to add its own levels of stress ... BUT when those around you can understand what you are going through ... that will help you.
To find out a truly wonderful way to help you to relax and ease some of the stresses you may be experiencing take a look at Reiki for Fibromyalgia ... a simple to do and easy to learn natural healing therapy, that can run alongside and support any medications.
In conclusion, supporting those who live with this often misunderstood condition calls for an understanding of fibromyalgia and spreading awareness of the condition..
By sharing these 13 startling facts and debunking 5 myths, we hope to foster greater empathy and support for fibromyalgia warriors.
Remember, knowledge is power, and when more people are educated about this invisible illness, we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
Let's continue to share this information, support each other, and keep raising awareness for fibromyalgia and other invisible conditions.
I sincerely hope this post helps you ... and remember to share this message with your partner, family, colleagues and friends.
Then check back in with them to make sure they (now) totally 'Get It'
Related Posts:
Discover Why This Surprising Fibromyalgia Treatment Is Worth Trying
Fibromyalgia: 4 Top Vitamins To Help Lower Stress
Please note: If you consider you, or a loved one, has fibromyalgia it is recommended that a diagnosis is obtained from your doctor. There is no suggestion that Reiki can, or will, cure fibromyalgia. Reiki, may however, give some relief of the symptoms.
