As many as 25 million people in the United States may have Fibromyalgia.
The worst thing those with Fibromyalgia have to face is ignorance.
It is still so hard in some areas to get diagnosis that previous estimates may be just the tip of the iceberg.
The good news is that in October, 2000 a combination treatment method that can reverse all symptoms was discovered.
Some have said that mostly intelligent, educated, over-achiever, white women past 40 get fibromyalgia. Except for the age distinction, and possibly more sedentary lifestyles, that concept doesn't seem reasonable.
More likely, it's just that those of us with adequate resources can best fight to get diagnosis and treatment.
Access to the internet, educational background, having health insurance and personal contact with scores of people everyday through work were vital to diagnosis and successful treatment in my case.
There must be equal numbers who are suffering in isolation, with no support, without resources, who are having their credibility questioned, and are not getting help.
Maybe those whose lifestyles are not directly tied to measured performance can more easily be made to believe that this is all in their heads.
Maybe it is easier for those of us with deadlines, quotas, and finish lines to recognize the drastic change that takes place when Fibromyalgia hits us.
Maybe we get more support from friends and family who are accustomed to our normal work level and know immediately when it drops off.
If these things are correct, it is up to those of us who have resources to get the word to others who suffer equally but are not being justly treated or may not have the strength to believe that they can be helped.
It is also now known that large numbers of men, younger women and children also have FMS.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with AADD, Ulcerative Gastritis, TMJD, GERD, bulged discs, chronic headaches, chronic sinus problems, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, Irritable Bowel Syndrome or insomnia should be evaluated for FMS.
"The best minute you spend is the one you invest in someone else."
