1. A pain!!!!

2. Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that causes pain and stiffness throughout the tissues that support and move the bones and joints. “a central nervous system disorder that results in abnormal pain processing” ‘the invisible disability’ or the ‘irritable everything syndrome’

3. Not fully understood but thought to be triggered by: –Stressors – chronic but not acute –Shock –Trauma –Viral Infection –Could be an inherited weakness, but is not a generic disease

4. Pain: in muscles, tendons and ligaments Fatigue Headaches & migraines Restless legs syndrome Non-restorative Sleep: insomnia, hypothalamic dysfunction Irritable Bowel Syndrome Memory lapses (Fibro fog!) Anxiety & Depression

5. Difficult to acquire! Many medics don’t recognise it Reluctance to diagnose Need to eliminate other problems Tender point test required Usually diagnosed by rheumatologist

6. 11 needed for a diagnosis Part of chronic pain & distress

7. Approx 3% of the population Women outnumber men by 9:1 on tender point diagnosis but otherwise 3:2 No age discrimination Children and teens can have it too

8. NO! but remission is possible YES!!

9. NHS Medicine Prescription Drugs Pain Management Complementary Medicine Therapies Supplements Self Management Exercise – Pacing – Nutrition Stress reduction Everyone is different!

10. NHS website says these drugs are used to treat fibromyalgia: Antidepressants (short term relief) Painkillers (not very effective) Tranquillizers Anti-inflammatory drugs Dopomine agonists Neuropathic pain medicines

11. Omega 3 Fish Oils Multivitamins & Minerals Magnesium Melatonin (available from USA) Calcium & Vit D Vit B & B12

12. Hypnotherapy & Neuro-Linguistic Programming Acupuncture - Alexander Technique Body Massage - Head Massage Reiki - Craniosacral Therapy Reflexology - Aromatherapy Chiropractic - Osteopathy Yoga - Herbal Remedies Meditation - Prayer Bowen Technique Relaxation

13. Family and Friends Social Services Welfare Benefits Expert Patient Programme Support Groups – e.g. Fibromyalgia Support Group for Surrey and Sussex

14. Mostly in USA Last few years some breakthroughs Limited in UK because of lack of funds

15. Internet Books CDs DVDs Magazines

16. Research may eventually find a cure if it’s multifaced and looks at subgroups Meanwhile it’s ‘trial and error’ hoping to find something that helps HOPE springs eternal!