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| Fibromyalgia rolls in like storm clouds over the ocean |
Fibromyalagia creates a veritable storm of symptoms that are fairly straightforward: widespread pain in the muscles and joints, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog. Some people have additional symptoms such as headaches, abdominal distress, anxiety, and depression. Patients have different levels and different combinations of these symptoms. When I was ill with fibro, I had several secondary issues, but my primary symptoms were severe pain in multiple muscle groups and debilitating chronic fatigue.
What causes fibromyalgia? No definitive cause has been established. According to the Mayo Clinic website: "Researchers believe repeated nerve stimulation causes the brains of people with fibromyalgia to change.This change involves an abnormal increase in levels of certain chemicals in the brain that signal pain (neurotransmitters).The brain's pain receptors seem to develop a sort of memory of the pain and become more sensitive, meaning they can overreact to pain signals." This explains how the disease operates but further research is needed to discover the underlying cause that triggers these changes in the neurotransmitters.
It is useful to look at the current theories regarding probable causes for the onset of fibromyalgia. Knowing what triggers the disease can help us design strategies to fight fibro. It is possible for symptoms to improve, and in some cases, like mine, to eventually completely resolve.
Autoimmune System Failure
There seems to be a breakdown in the autoimmune system of patients with fibro. Many patients with fibro suffer from other diseases related to the immune system including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Hashimoto's disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and Sjogren's syndrome.In all of these diseases a defective immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy tissue producing inflammation and damage.
Fibromyalgia sufferers and people suffering from other chronic autoimmune diseases can increase their chances for improvement by doing things to help the immune system function better. When the immune system starts working like it is designed to work, disease symptoms may improve. When my immune system recovered enough to start functioning normally, my fibromyalgia symptoms completely resolved. I have been symptom free for over three years.
Three ways to help boost your immune system:
- Get rid of as many chemicals as possible from your home.
- Stop eating processed food full of artificial ingredients and toxic additives.
- Start eating real foods full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that help the immune system function more effectively.
Fibromyalgia often runs in families. There may be something in the genetic makeup that makes some folks more susceptible to eventually developing fibromyalgia. There is nothing you can do to change your genes. You can't go back in time and choose a different set of parents and grandparents.
However, if someone in your family has fibromyalgia or another autoimmune disorder, it is imperative to create a healthy lifestyle. Eating real whole foods, getting adequate sleep, eliminating exposure to toxic substances in processed food and your home environment, and getting enough exercise contribute to your overall well-being. This can help delay the onset of fibromyalgia. And it can increase the chances for improvement if you have already been diagnosed with fibro.
Trauma
Some patients have an onset of fibromyalgia after experiencing physical trauma such as having an infectious disease like flu or pneumonia, being in a bad car accident, or having serious surgery. Others develop fibro after experiencing severe emotional trauma like the death of a loved one or going through a rancorous divorce.
You can minimize the risk for these fibro triggers by protecting yourself from infectious disease. Wash your hands frequently. Get a flu shot. It is recommended that people age 65 and older get a pneumonia vaccine. A pneumonia vaccine is also sometimes recommended for those age two and up who have some type of immunosuppressing disease. Consult your physician about recommended preventive shots and vaccines.
If you develop an infectious disease, have an accident or serious surgery, follow your doctor's recommended treatment. Get enough rest, eat healthy foods, allow yourself adequate time to recover.
Often we have absolutely no control over life circumstances that cause emotional trauma and heartache. Having supportive friends and family can be helpful during these times. You may need to see an experienced counselor or psychologist to help you negotiate the turmoil caused by an unexpected emotional crisis. Allowing time for recovery from grief and distress is just as important as taking the time we need to recover from physical ailments.
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