Fibromyalgia symptoms
My doctors are suggesting I might have some form of fibromyalgia. I am so tired, I cannot stay awake during the day and then I sleep badly at night. I am lethargic and depressed and feel unable to concentrate which is no good because I am currently doing a Masters degree and starting to fall behind.
Thought to affect between two and four percent of the adult population, fibromyalgia is a rheumatic auto-immune condition that is closely linked with Chronic Fatigue.
Although symptoms such as disturbed sleep, fatigue and stiffness can vary, the key characterising symptom is wide-spread musculoskeletal pain. Indeed, the only real difference between those meeting the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue is the degree of pain that FM patients report and Substance P, a pain neurotransmitter, has been found at levels up to 300% higher in FM patients than normal controls.
The current clinical definition of FM is widespread musculoskeletal pain in all four quadrants of the body that has been present for at least three months and tenderness at 11 of 18 specific designated points on the body. Some 90% of FM sufferers are female and the average age of onset is slight less than 50 years.
There is also often an overlap between patients with FM and gastrointestinal disorders, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – some 70% of FM patients have IBS as well and food sensitivities - so you may need to address this too by taking digestive enzymes and a good quality probiotic supplement, (available from Victoria Health; 0800 413 596).
One of the new generation combination supplements designed specifically to help counter energy depletion associated with FM is Fibro-My-DMG (from Victoria Health, as above), which includes energy-boosting Malic acid, magnesium and Nicotininamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH) all of which the body needs to make more energy. It also includes Dimethylglycine (DMG), a form of the amino acid, glycine, to help reduce overall stress on the body and promote better quality sleep. It costs £24.95 for 90 capsules. Take three a day.