Fibromyalgia

What It Is and How to Manage It Part 2

Does fibromyalgia cause permanent damage?

No. Although fibromyalgia causes symptoms that can be very uncomfortable, your muscles and organs are not being damaged. This condition is not life-threatening, but it is chronic (ongoing). Although there is no cure, you can do many things to help you feel better.

Is there any medicine I can take to help my symptoms?

Several medicines can help relieve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Many of these medicines are taken before bedtime and improve your sleep. They also help the pain and other symptoms.

You will probably begin to notice the benefits of these medicines in about 6 to 8 weeks. When you begin taking these medicines, it is common to feel very groggy the following morning. Other possible side effects include dry eyes and mouth, nightmares, constipation and increased appetite. These side effects are worse when you begin taking the medicine and improve with time.

What else can I do to relieve my symptoms?

One of the best things you can do is low-impact aerobic exercise. Examples of this type of exercise include swimming or water exercise, stationary bicycling and exercising on ski-type machines. You may need to begin at a very low level of exercise (5 minutes every other day is helpful at first). Continue to increase the length and frequency of exercise until you are exercising for at least 30 to 60 minutes at least 4 times a week. Once you reach this point, you can consider switching to high-impact exercises, like walking, jogging and tennis.

Because the symptoms of fibromyalgia are made worse by stress and poor sleep, it is important to cut stress out of your life whenever possible and to get as much sleep as you need. Since alcohol and caffeine cause poor sleep, avoid these substances around bedtime.

Other simple lifestyle changes may be helpful. For example, try keeping your activity level the same each day. Many people with fibromyalgia try to do as much as possible on "good" days, which leads them to have several "bad" days. If you keep your activity level even, you may not have as many "bad" days.

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