Frequently Asked Questions
Here you will find some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Unrelenting Fatigue (UF) which has been taken from our on-line survey results and previous webinars. For those who responded to the survey - thank you. For those who are looking for answers to these and other questions, keep asking until you find them, it is the only way you will find your path to wellness. For other questions, call toll free 1-866-443-4276 and speak with a National Patient Representative.
Q. Will it ever go away?
A. For many patients, comprehensive treatment of the underlying causes can completely eliminate many of the symptoms and if not eliminate, substantially reduce the severity and frequency. It is possible for patients to achieve this level of success allowing them to lead more normal, active, and fulfilling lives. Your goal and the goal of your health care provider should be to first identify and address all the causes of your pain and fatigue. This goal can be achieved by working with a specialized physician.
Q. Is the pain that other FM patients experience as severe as mine, and do they take as many painkillers as I need to take to simply survive from one day to the next?
A. Severe insistent pain is the most common symptom of Fibromyalgia. Patients often describe it as experiencing the worst flu ever had and then getting hit by a truck. Many patients take relatively high doses of pain medications in order to physically manage simple day-to-day tasks. Keep in mind the painkillers are simply masking the symptoms, not addressing the physiological and underlying problems that are causing the pain. The use of painkillers is a commonly used option to relieve the symptoms. The temporary relief achieved by painkillers is helpful as a short-term stabilizer, but never acceptable as a long-term solution.
Q. Could this become fatal?
A. Fibromyalgia (FM), Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and Unrelenting Fatigue (UF) are not known to be the specific cause of any one person's death to date. However, some underlying etiologies present in FM/CFIDS/UF patients may make you more susceptible to life threatening illnesses. An example of an underlying etiology is a suppressed immune system, which may cause FM/CFIDS/UF patients to develop illnesses such as staph infections, pneumonia, and viruses that may affect vital organs. Unable to adequately fight off these illnesses or keep them in check, they can lead to some very serious consequences. Another common problem for FM/CFIDS/UF patients is that occasionally their symptoms mask symptoms of something more serious. For instance, FM patients often experience tightness in the chest, pressure on the upper torso, tingling, and numbness in the arms or on one side of the upper body. These symptoms are similar to those experienced during a heart attack or stroke. FM patients are warned not to take these masked symptoms lightly and seek medical assistance.
Q. My doctor thinks my FM is caused by emotional problems. Can this be true?
A. While researchers and specialists in this field are making great strides to educate, many health care professionals still think that FM, CFIDS, and UF are manifestations of psychological problems, not physiological problems. High levels of stress can be a trigger for the onset of FM/CFIDS/UF. Therefore, health care professionals often diagnose patients with depression. These practitioners often prescribe anti-depressants or mood altering medications, which again, only temporarily mask the symptoms and do not lead to a long-term solution. In reality, anger and depression are often symptoms of living with the chronic pain and lack of compassion and understanding. The key to overcoming this is to find a health care provider who understands the complexities of these conditions and acknowledges that they are real and very much based in your body, not your head.
Q: What tests do you perform that other physicians do not?
A: Standard reference ranges within tests are not effective. FFC understands the gap of what is considered “normal” and is able to diagnose based on the true levels. Therefore, we do extensive lab testing which entail 20-30 or more, specialized blood tests that allow us to look at the overall big picture. We are committed to finding out what is causing the symptoms that our patients present. For example, we test many of the hormones in our system - from sleep hormones such as melatonin to female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. We also look at other hormone levels, such as human growth hormone and testosterone because both women and men need an adequate amount of testosterone. We evaluate the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary functions. We also perform viral and bacterial infection tests, where we look for 8 -10 different possible viral, bacterial, and fungal infections that may be present in your system and affecting your immunity.
Q: What can be done to treat the 'brain fog' associated with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue?
A: We incorporate a number of therapies and adjust treatment based on individual patient response. Thyroid supplementation for those with hypothyroidism or thyroid resistance can have a profound positive effect. Prescription medications such as Provigil and Adderall may assist to improve focus and concentration as well as nutritional supplements developed specifically to address brain fog.
Q: Is Fibromyalgia hereditary?
A: A number of studies have demonstrated through the use of gene mapping that there are certain genes that make one much more prone to becoming afflicted with FM and CFIDS. For instance, certain mutations in genes that code for enzymes or adrenal function can make one 8 times more likely to get CFIDS or FM. This research has been expanded and is currently underway to more closely look for the specific genetic markers that may lead to the development of FM and CFIDS among family members.
On the other hand, a number of studies have also indicated that non-genetic linked relatives, such as spouses, also have a much higher incidence of FM and CFIDS. Indications are that this is due to the shared environment - nurture. They live together, are in close contact with each other, come down with the same viruses and are exposed to the same chemicals. They eat the same food, use the same cleaning products, drink the same water, and share the same lifestyle. They generally tend to be equally active or passive. Family stresses such as financial are shared, not to mention the family shares all those stresses associated with having a family member with a chronic disease. Frequently with family members, traumas (physical, emotional or viral) that often trigger the onset of these conditions are shared experiences as well. Something as simple as a car accident involving several members of the family, or a virus several family members contract, may trigger FM or CFIDS in one or more of the family members.
Q: It seems like the weather has an effect on my pain. Is that normal?
A: In fact, many fibromyalgia sufferers claim that their symptoms vary according to temperature changes, changes in air pressure, and changes in precipitation in their part of their world. Most fibromyalgia sufferers claim that they experience changes in:
- fatigue
- sleep patterns
- headaches
- muscle pain
- the number of symptom flare ups
According to a study performed in 1981, a large percentage of fibromyalgia sufferers may actually be sensitive to changes in the weather. In this particular study, 90% of patients claimed that weather was one of the most important influences on their fibromyalgia symptoms. And fibromyalgia sufferers aren't the only ones to experience weather-related symptoms.
Q: What percentage of suffers are you finding that have viral infections, bacterial infections, and/or mycoplasma infections?
A: Nationally we see approximately 50% or greater of our patients with multiple underlying infections.
Q: Are there any support groups in my area that I can contact?
A: FFC encourages our patients to become a part of a local support group. If you are not familiar with local support groups, there are several national organizations that we recommend visiting their website or calling.
- National Fibromyalgia Association: 714-921-0150
- Fibromyalgia Coalition International: 913-384-4673
- FACES: 773-936-4183
Q: I would like to participate in ongoing studies, where can I find those?
A: Numerous organizations are conducting ongoing studies on Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Visit http://www.clinicaltrials.gov or http://www.fmaware.org/site/PageServer?pagename=research_clinicalTrials to determine if you are eligible to participate and the requirements for volunteering.
The physicians of Fibromyalgia & Fatigue Centers, Inc. offer a unique treatment approach with proven successful outcomes. We offer a free educational seminar to assist you in understanding your condition and your treatment options. Call toll-free 1-866-443-4276 today to make an appointment or RSVP to our free educational seminar to answer your questions and regain control of your life!