Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by persistent, chronic pain throughout the body. It’s certainly not a pleasant condition to have. To manage it well, it’s best to detect the warning signs as early as possible. Here are some warning signs that suggest you or someone else may have fibromyalgia. Read on to learn more…
Digestive problems
Fibromyalgia patients commonly report stomach problems, usually related to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which presents with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. Several studies have shown that irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects approximately 70% of fibroid patients and occurs before a fibroid diagnosis. Both conditions have similar triggers.
However, each condition requires a specific treatment approach. Relaxation can help manage digestive issues. Stay away from notoriously irritating foods like caffeine and cruciferous vegetables and use medications or supplements that work synergistically with your fibromyalgia treatment.
The feeling of pain is a common occurrence
Fibromyalgia can make you sensitive to muscle pain, but you may also experience discomfort in other parts of your body. Allodynia is fibromyalgia pain caused by a simple touch, a handshake, or a pat on the back. Changes in neurotransmitters and damage to the light nerve are the main triggers, but poor sleep quality is also a factor.
A similar problem is sensitivity to smells and light, especially when the smells and light are strong. Fibromyalgia also affects the brain’s ability to sort through the sensory input that regularly invades your body. This can negatively impact each sense.
Hyperhidrosis
Excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis, is not considered a major symptom of fibromyalgia, but most people with fibromyalgia complain of this problem. Problems with the hypothalamus in the brain can cause sweating. The hypothalamus controls most of your body’s automatic functions.
The good news is that there are certain medications and lifestyle changes that can help keep it cool. Night sweats can be particularly disruptive, so you should use an antiperspirant before bed. If your condition is severe, Botox injections in the affected areas may be your best option.
Resentment and anger
Constant fatigue and pain can have a profound effect on your daily life in ways you might not have expected. Studies have shown that a number of patients with fibrospinal fluid (FFI) have fluctuating relationships, and only half of these patients report being happy and comfortable in their relationships.
Nearly 20% of people with fibroids report that their partners don’t believe their fibromyalgia is real, and one in three patients say their children get upset when they can’t play with them. Love and affection disappear when resentment takes over any relationship. To overcome this condition, patients are encouraged to consider positive communication.
Mental signs become as serious as physical signs
Fibro patients suffer both physically and psychologically. Ideally, most of these patients suffer from fibro fog, a psychological confusion that can profoundly affect almost every aspect of their lives. For some, fibro fog can be quite frightening and serious.
Research has found that about a third of people with fibromyalgia have severe psychological problems, while another third have moderate psychological problems. The more severe your fibro fog becomes, the more likely you are to suffer physically, emotionally, and socially. This can affect your quality of life and be life-threatening.
The limbs become restless
Besides fibromyalgia pain, insomnia can be caused by several other conditions. Most FM patients complain of goosebumps in their legs and arms at night. Others report feeling a tingling sensation in their finger joints.
These feelings are so overwhelming and uncomfortable that you feel like you’re moving, which always wakes you from deep sleep. Lack of quality sleep can negatively impact your ability to function the next day.
Vitamin D may reduce FM pain
Fibromyalgia pain is associated with vitamin D deficiency. For people with fibromyalgia, vitamin D can be helpful in relieving pain. It can also be a cost-effective option for other treatments. Research suggests that 50% of people are vitamin D deficient.
If you combine this with the increased sensitivity caused by fibro, you’ll find you need twice as much medication to prevent pain. Most patients should take a significant amount of vitamin D to help with pain; around 1000 IU in severe cases.
