MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT (1)

There are things you can do to help yourself and others with FMS. Start with a positive attitude: “I am not going to die or become deformed from this, and I can live a full and meaningful life”. There are psychological tools for coping, such as: dealing with emotional challenges, reducing stress, becoming involved with a quality support group or a voluntary FMS organization, setting realistic expectations, believing that it can be managed and that you can live a reasonably normal life. There are treatments that can help you manage this illness. Most treatment does not result in progressive improvement, but does provide symptomatic relief and better functioning in daily life.

Components of Therapy for Fibromyalgia Syndrome (1-2)

• A positive and empathetic physician
   
• Firm diagnosis
   
• Patient education
   
• Individualized therapy, considering severity and relative contribution of aggravating factors – address these factors
   
• Addressing psychological factors (anxiety, stress and depression), referral to a mental health professional in difficult cases
   
• Behavior modification through cognitive behavior therapy, focusing on a positive attitude and self-responsibility
   
• Improvement of sleep quality
   
• Gradual increase of physical activities to achieve physical fitness
   
• Physical/occupational therapy, including flexibility and muscle-strengthening exercises
   
• Other non-pharmacologic approaches (biofeedback, meditation, hypnotherapy, electro-acupuncture)
   
• Simple analgesics (acetaminophen and low-dose NSAIDS)
   
• Serotonergic/noradrenergic (mostly antidepressant) medications; anxiolytic drugs (in patients with significant anxiety)
   
• Myofascial therapy, including injection of symptomatic tender points with a local anesthetic
   
• Multidisciplinary approach under “one umbrella”, incorporating cognitive behavior therapy, physical fitness exercises, relaxation techniques, and other forms of therapy

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Avoid Perpetuating Factors That May Cause A “Flare” (2,5)

Weather changes, cold drafts, dampness, noise, poor sleep, excessive physical activities and stress are all reported to be aggravating factors and can really set off or aggravate FMS pain. Other factors include working in one place with arms suspended above the work surface, repetitive activities, and remaining in one position for prolonged periods of time. Sustained contraction of shoulder muscles to support arms in front tends to produce pain in the neck, upper back and shoulders that gradually builds and spreads up and down the back. Infections and stress also aggravate FMS symptoms. FMS is not simply a stress reaction; it is a condition that is aggravated by any combination of stress factors.

Developing a Positive Strategy (1,2)

The first step in learning to live with FMS is to develop a positive attitude about dealing with the condition. Those of us with FMS need to go ahead with our lives. The condition is not lethal and we have to go on! Medication will help, but we need to do our parts. We must try to modify our stresses and make exercise (to achieve physical fitness) a regular part of our lives. We need to avoid those activities that aggravate our muscles especially on “bad days” and learn to control our tendencies to “overdo it” at home, work or school. Finally we need to educate our families and friends about FMS so that they will understand our problems and us. Find good information sources to keep current on what’s happening with fibromyalgia. And try to help research the best way you can. Only research can cure FMS.

Written by Shari Ferbert (I want to thank Dr. Yunus for taking the time to medically review and edit this document. I have learned a lot from Dr. Yunus, and I hope this informational document will help you learn more about FMS as well.)

© Copyright AFFTER 1999 (Duplication of this document is allowed only if copied in its entirety for nonprofit use, and kept in original form.)

REFERENCES

1. Muhammad B. Yunus, MD – Based on his April, 1999 lecture in a seminar on FMS held in Rockford, IL. Dr. Yunus is a professor of medicine in the section of rheumatology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. He is well known for his research, patient care, and teaching of fibromyalgia syndrome.
2. Consultant, June 1996 issue (Volume 36) – Based on articles written by Dr. Yunus “Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Blueprint for a Reliable Diagnosis” (pages 1260-74), and “Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Is There Any Effective Therapy?”(pages 1279-85).
3. Arthritis and Rheumatism 1990 (Volume 33, pages 160-72). The American College of Rheumatology criteria for FMS article (primary author: Dr. Frederick Wolfe).
4. Bailliere’s Clinical Rheumatology 1994 (Volume 8, pages 811-37). This article is on psychologic aspects of FMS and DSS (currently called CSS) by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
5. The Fibromyalgia Times Newsletter (FMAA) – From an article “Fibromyalgia: A Perspective for Patients”, by George Waylonis, MD; Clinical Professor, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Ohio State University.

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Why Donate To AFFTER?

AFFTER continues to grow and prosper as a not-for-profit organization, just as awareness of fibromyalgia has spread throughout the general population. Recent TV commercials about fibromyalgia have caused people to seek a diagnosis for their myriad of symptoms; they are seeking information and support. AFFTER is proud to be the one that so many turn to. Our presence and credibility within the medical and fibromyalgia communities are undisputed as we celebrate our 12th year as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
AFFTER is on a mission to help those affected by fibromyalgia. We continue to advocate and create awareness for fibromyalgia; provide educational materials for the patient population, medical community and the general public; and coordinate charitable events to fund fibromyalgia research, including some of our own.
Results of our research were the subject of abstract presentations at the annual conference of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Our 5k Charitable Event in 2009 was fruitful, as was the “Hope Rocks” pageant in 2010. AFFTER keeps momentum going into 2011 with two events; “Miss Hope” charitable pageant in May to celebrate Fibromyalgia Awareness Day, and AFFTER’s “Hope Relay for Fibromyalgia” in August. Proceeds from these events go directly into an account designated specifically tor research.
Donations entrusted to AFFTER are used wisely and are necessary for us to operate. AFFTER is passionate about our cause. We offer ongoing support and education to keep you informed of research news, updates from the medical community and educational materials from a variety of sources. Our on-line news groups have been helping to connect and support people from around the globe for almost a decade.
Facebook has enabled us to reach out to even more people in recent months.
Please join AFFTER in our quest to make a difference in the lives of those with fibromyalgia!

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