So, what's this fibro thingy illness then?
Fibromyalgia is a neurological condition,
research indicates that it is due to an over-sensitised central nervous system and that the problem may lie in various neuropeptides, which are the signaling molecules in the brain. Unfortunately research into pain is still relatively new and there is much that we don’t know about the way the brain works. “Fibro is a chronic illness characterised by chronic widespread pain, hypersensitivity to pain (and other stimuli), chronic fatigue and sleep disturbances. It is a type of chronic pain condition, but Fibro patients experience a wide range of symptoms that can wax and wane over time.” This quote was taken from the FibroAction website, please visit this excellent charity’s site for further information. There are a range of information leaflets available to download for free and the site is an excellent way to keep up to date with current fibro news and research. You can make a small donation to the Fibro Action via the rather wonderful ‘Ploink’ a micro donation site that lets you give your small change to a range of worthy causes. Just click this link to find out more. The other main UK Fibro charity is The Fibromyalgia Association UK This is an idependent and well established charity with a lively and VERY supportive forum. They can send an information pack to your GP on request, and the site has many other useful resources available. They describe fibro thus - “Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. The pain tends to be felt as diffuse aching or burning, often described as head to toe. It may be worse at some times than at others. It may also change location, usually becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used most. The fatigue ranges from feeling tired, to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. It may come and go and people can suddenly feel drained of all energy – as if someone just “pulled the plug”. Fibromyalgia is a common illness. In fact, it is more common than rheumatoid arthritis and can even be more painful. Prevalence of Fibromyalgia: A Survey in Five European Countries (see www.fmauk.org/prevalence for details) put the prevalence of FM at between 2.9 and 4.7%. People with mild to moderate cases of fibromyalgia are usually able to live a normal life, given the appropriate treatment. If symptoms are severe, however, people may not be able to hold down a paying job or enjoy much of a social life. The name fibromyalgia is made up from “fibro” for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; “my” indicating muscles; and “algia” meaning pain.” There's also a fibro wiki page (of course) which seems ok...not checked it thoroughly yet though... |
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