Have you ever struggled with symptoms to have every health care provider do test then tell you that what you are experiencing is not real? Do you wonder are the issues you are feeling in your head or a bigger problem? Here we will discuss three ways to know are your fibromyalgia symptoms real.
This was my initial experience with learning about my diagnosis. I went from doctor to specialist to determine if the pain I was feeling was real to be told it was “in my head” or I was “just depressed”. Finally, a Nurse Practitioner friend said to me, “you are the happiest depressed person that I have ever met.” We then began to determine the answer to my question- Are your fibromyalgia symptoms real?.
What are fibromyalgia symptoms?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. It is believe that researchers think the brain and spinal chord translate pain and non-pain signals all wrong. Many times a sufferer begins to notice symptoms after an event like an intensive surgery, a traumatic psychological experience, an intense infection or in my case, it can be small things that overtime create the pain miscommunication with the brain.
Symptoms are different for everyone and every season. The following shows an overarching list of the major symptoms while there are many subcategories that also fall under fibromyalgia as well.
Fibromyalgia is a complex diagnosis without easy answers to the care. The symptoms carry with them nuances and twist for each patient. The symptoms effects vary from day to day and person to person. The care therefore is not text book for the healthcare professional. There is no quick fix or easy button.
So what do you do with these symptoms when no one thinks they are real?
First and foremost do not give up. Keep searching for a health care professional who will hear your concerns and help you walk through the diagnosis. There are medical professionals who have experience and an understanding of fibromyalgia.
Secondly, get to know your body. When you find understanding in what triggers a flare then you can begin to avoid those situations. Certain activities cause overwhelm which effect the extreme fatigue so changing the schedule then you can help avoid those fatigue shut downs. When you focus on a healthier diet then your body responds to the good nutrition in a better way. The G.I. issues lessen and you are able to move more. On days that you are able to move then take time to do an activity that you love.
The third way to work through symptoms that no one thinks are real
is to educate yourself. Find books, websites like this one National Fibromyalgia Association, and join groups with other fibromyalgia sufferers and see what they are learning. There are new advancements in medicine all the time and there will be better answers tomorrow than there are today. While you are educating yourself then journal what you are learning about this disease. Journal what you are learning about your own life. As you take a look at patterns and paths your life took then maybe you can find healing for your own mind. When we look for answers then I believe we can retrain our brain to learn the way it manages the pain.
The three ways to work through symptoms that no one thinks are real can be simple. You should keep looking for a doctor that hears and understands your symptoms, get to know your body and manage those symptoms and educate yourself on the disease. Managing the symptoms are your responsibility. You are the one who is in charge of your health and well being. Do not wait on others for that task.