"Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Chronic Fatigue – Best Strategies for Work!"
By Carol Ryland
Fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome are considered to be autoimmune diseases... meaning that people suffering with one or both of these illnesses have immune systems that are attacking their own healthy organs and tissues. The medical community also classifies these conditions as "syndromes." Both illnesses are represented by a group of symptoms and characteristics which occur simultaneously. Millions of Americans are affected by these illnesses, most of them women.
People with fibromyalgia experience intense pain all over, particularly at specific points on the body. They constantly feel exhausted. It's also common for fibromyalgia sufferers to have difficulty concentrating, following instructions and remembering things... a condition called brain fog. Because of these symptoms, many sufferers are forced to put severe limits on their physical and cognitive activities, including at their place of work.
Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers deal with extreme fatigue, chronic pain, and a group of other issues including a flu-like condition with chronic cough and sore throat. People with chronic fatigue syndrome are not just tired all the time. They are so run down that it becomes difficult or even impossible for them to function at home and at work. Some sufferers become severely disabled or even bedridden.
The scientific and medical communities theorize that fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome are actually different manifestations of the same autoimmune disease. Both syndromes are chronic and are subject to flares when symptoms intensify suddenly. They include pain, fatigue and numerous other symptoms like these: memory and cognitive problems, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, jaw and facial pain, and sleep that doesn't refresh.
Family, friends, co-workers, bosses and even physicians may not believe that a sufferer is ill with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms are often ignored or dismissed for and getting diagnosed with either one or both conditions can take months. Even then, misdiagnosis can happen. Either syndrome can cause an individual to quit a job or make modifications at work and at home, just to be able to do simple everyday tasks.
Every fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue sufferer is unique. Their genetics, physiology, other health conditions and medications can directly affect the success of a treatment program. The key seems to be in finding a treatment program that works for the individual. That's why fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers learn to develop these coping skills:
Fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue are believed to be initiated by a virus. They also have a genetic component. The Center for Disease Control and the American Medical Association also now believe that both of these autoimmune diseases (as well as many other illnesses) can receive a positive benefit through nutritional means. By improving the individual's general health, symptoms can be controlled and alleviated.
I have used the above list of coping techniques for years, as a fibromyalgia "survivor." By far, the best results I've had in controlling my symptoms, was the addition of a nutrition supplement program to compliment my medication and coping skills. I still use it today, and I know it can help you. For information on natural treatments to help you overcome your symptoms, contact me by clicking on one of the links now!
http://www.overcomefibro.com/fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-at-work.html
Fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome are considered to be autoimmune diseases... meaning that people suffering with one or both of these illnesses have immune systems that are attacking their own healthy organs and tissues. The medical community also classifies these conditions as "syndromes." Both illnesses are represented by a group of symptoms and characteristics which occur simultaneously. Millions of Americans are affected by these illnesses, most of them women.
People with fibromyalgia experience intense pain all over, particularly at specific points on the body. They constantly feel exhausted. It's also common for fibromyalgia sufferers to have difficulty concentrating, following instructions and remembering things... a condition called brain fog. Because of these symptoms, many sufferers are forced to put severe limits on their physical and cognitive activities, including at their place of work.
Chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers deal with extreme fatigue, chronic pain, and a group of other issues including a flu-like condition with chronic cough and sore throat. People with chronic fatigue syndrome are not just tired all the time. They are so run down that it becomes difficult or even impossible for them to function at home and at work. Some sufferers become severely disabled or even bedridden.
The scientific and medical communities theorize that fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome are actually different manifestations of the same autoimmune disease. Both syndromes are chronic and are subject to flares when symptoms intensify suddenly. They include pain, fatigue and numerous other symptoms like these: memory and cognitive problems, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, jaw and facial pain, and sleep that doesn't refresh.
Family, friends, co-workers, bosses and even physicians may not believe that a sufferer is ill with fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome. The symptoms are often ignored or dismissed for and getting diagnosed with either one or both conditions can take months. Even then, misdiagnosis can happen. Either syndrome can cause an individual to quit a job or make modifications at work and at home, just to be able to do simple everyday tasks.
Every fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue sufferer is unique. Their genetics, physiology, other health conditions and medications can directly affect the success of a treatment program. The key seems to be in finding a treatment program that works for the individual. That's why fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers learn to develop these coping skills:
- · Become educated about your illness, educate others at home and at work
- · Be realistic, reduce your responsibilities and expectations
- · Avoid physical activities that overstress your body; if something causes pain - don't do it -- A good rule-of-thumb is to stop before you're ready to stop so that your body won't force you into downtime
- · Become organized; prioritize; keep calendars, schedules and take notes
- · Work with your doctor and your employer to find ways to do your job without overdoing; consider changing jobs to something less demanding before considering disability
- · Surround yourself with people who understand your condition and can offer helpful ideas for day to day living, join a support group to help with the stress
- · Pace yourself and know when to say "that's all I can do for now."
- · Avoid crashing - if you go too long or do too much, you'll pay for it through intensified symptoms and prolonged recovery.
- · Improve your general health by improving your nutrition; strengthen and repair your body – autoimmune diseases tear down body tissues
Fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic fatigue are believed to be initiated by a virus. They also have a genetic component. The Center for Disease Control and the American Medical Association also now believe that both of these autoimmune diseases (as well as many other illnesses) can receive a positive benefit through nutritional means. By improving the individual's general health, symptoms can be controlled and alleviated.
I have used the above list of coping techniques for years, as a fibromyalgia "survivor." By far, the best results I've had in controlling my symptoms, was the addition of a nutrition supplement program to compliment my medication and coping skills. I still use it today, and I know it can help you. For information on natural treatments to help you overcome your symptoms, contact me by clicking on one of the links now!
http://www.overcomefibro.com/fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-at-work.html
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