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Fibromyalgia: The Invisible Illness

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disease affecting aprox. 4-11% of the US population. It is very difficult to diagnose, is often misdiagnosed and for those who eventually do get a diagnosis, there is no cure nor an effective treatment. It is known as "The Invisible Illness" due to the fact that many who suffer from it appear to be healthy. This is far from the truth. FM is a symptomatic disease and effects everyone differently. Typically, symptoms include chronic, widespread pain that normal pain medications do not relieve, chronic fatigue beyond normal tiredness that rest does not help, sleep deprivation, anxiety, IBS, cognitive dysfunction, short term memory problems and depression.

FM is a debilitating disease that often results in the inability to function in normal, every day activities and in many cases, prevents individuals from working productively in their jobs resulting in disability. Many FM sufferers who are forced to stop working file for SSDI benefits, only to become mired in the present SSA application process, which can go on in many cases for years. SSA presently does not include Fibromyalgia, (FM) in their list of ailments; therefore, it is extremely difficult to prove disability due to Fibromyalgia.

There is hope! Due to the FDA's recent recognition of FM as a valid "disease", more sufferers are getting a diagnosis easier and being treated sooner, where in years past it has been very difficult to do so. Phizer, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer, has released a new drug called Lyrica, offering the first drug passed by the FDA for the treatment of Fibromyalgia. In advertising this new drug, Phizer is promoting awareness of the disease, which is preatly needed. Recent studies have shown that in recent polls, only 46% of Americans knew, when asked, what Fibromyalgia was. Promoting awareness is a huge step towards additional research funding, developing an effective treatment and finding a cure!

You may ask, "Why am I writing about this disease?" The answer is because I have suffered from it for 15 years and it has stolen my life from me. I used to be an active, young woman with many hobbies, interests and friends. I served in the USAF as an Air Traffic Controller, worked 13 years in the Automotive Aftermarket as a Store Manager for Pep Boys. I later became a Master Decorator and managed my own custom Wedding Cake business, while also working full time at a local bakery. I had a wonderful marriage that ended after 23 years, largely due to this disease. As my disease progressed, I eventually had to stop working and almost ended up homeless before my SSA disability was approved. I live with constant pain, take strong narcotics just to manage it and rarely have the energy to get out of bed. Being disabled and basically "house-bound", I have devoted many hours of dedicated research to learning everything I can about Fibromyalgia and now maitain a website, support forum and blog on the disease in an effort to help those who suffer from it; to further awareness and support SSDI Reform.

If you or someone you know has been touched by Fibromyalgia, yours or their best chance in battling this disease is "information". Learn everything you can about FM from every resource you can find. Knowledge is the key to successful treatment of this terrible disease.

Diagnose, Treat and Defeat Fibromyalgia!

To your health,
Tammy Elaine McPherson

Contributor's Note
Information provided is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace a consultation with a licensed physician.