Elissa's Fibromyalgia

Index Page




Letter to "Normals" Click Here



I WAS TURNED DOWN FOR SSDI ON AUGUST 23, 2007!
The appeal has been sent in and is still in process as of Oct 2008. Please read the letter I sent to local congressional figures including Gov, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
SSDI basically said my Dr's records for the past two years and the specialist that I saw did not jive with the "Objective" Dr's conclusion. A Dr that met with me once for about 20 minutes and never saw me again. May I add that this Dr was NOT a Rheumatologist, he was a Orthopedic Dr (that SSDI sent me to) and as well all know... Orthopedic Dr's have no knowledge of Fibro. Also the Judge misquoted the workforce guy saying that he said I could return to work as a Office Manager. He (Workforce person) did NOT say that! He said I could not return to that line of work and could only handle a entry level position. I am so mad I could scream!!!! Click on the link below to view the letter.
*Link to my letter to Governor Schwarzenegger and other members of congress - click here




What is Fibromyalgia?(fye-bro-my-AL-gee-ah)
(as defined by the Arthritis Foundation) is an arthritis-related condition that is characterized by generalized muscular pain and fatigue. The term "fibromyalgia" means pain in the muscles, ligaments and tendons. This condition is referred to as a "syndrome" because it's a set of signs and symptoms that occur together.

Fibromyalgia (FM)(As defined by the National Fibromyalgia Association) is a chronic pain illness that is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue and sleep disturbances. The most common sites of pain include the neck, back, shoulders, pelvic girdle and hands, but any body part can be involved. Fibromyalgia patients experience a variety of symptoms of varying intensities that wax and wane over time.

Who is affected?

It is estimated that approximately 3-6 million Americans suffer from FM. Though Woman are seven times more likely to develop FM than Men, it can strike men, women and children of all ages and races. Because of its debilitating nature, Fibromyalgia has a serious impact on patients' family, friends, and employers, as well as society at large. Studies have reported disability rates at up to 44 percent in people that suffer from FM.

What are the symptoms?

FM is characterized by the presence of multiple tender points and a constellation of symptoms.

Pain: The pain of FM is profound, widespread and chronic. It knows no boundaries, migrating to all parts of the body and varying in intensity. FM pain has been described as deep muscular aching, throbbing, twitching, stabbing and shooting pain that defines the very existence of the Fibromyalgia patient. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient. The severity of the pain and stiffness is often worse in the morning. Aggravating factors which affect pain include cold/humid weather, non-restorative sleep, physical and mental fatigue, excessive physical activity, physical inactivity, anxiety and stress. The pain is always present. The "regular" everyday pain is comparable to the aches and pains of someone suffering from the flu. The pain during a flare up could be 10 times worse if not more.

Fatigue Many people complain of fatigue; however, the fatigue of FM is much more than being tired. It is an all-encompassing exhaustion that interferes with even the simplest daily activities. It feels like every drop of energy has been drained from the body, which at times can leave the patient with a limited ability to function both mentally and physically.

Sleep Problems Many Fibromyalgia patients have an associated sleep disorder which prevents them from getting deep, restful, restorative sleep. Medical researchers have documented specific and distinctive abnormalities in the stage 4 deep sleep of FM patients. During sleep, individuals with FM are constantly interrupted by bursts of awake-like brain activity, limiting the amount of time they spend in deep sleep.

Other symptoms Additional symptoms may include: irritable bowel and bladder, headaches and migraines, restless legs syndrome (periodic limb movement disorder), impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities and rashes, dry eyes and mouth, anxiety, depression, ringing in the ears, dizziness, vision problems, raynaud's syndrome, neurological symptoms and impaired coordination.




Please feel free to contact me at elissa@myfibrosite.com or Click on the e-mail link below.
For more information on Fibromyalgia click on the icons below









VIEW MY MESSAGE FORUM BELOW
Free Message Forum from Bravenet.com
 Free Message Forums from Bravenet.com



PLEASE SIGN MY GUESTBOOK


Sign my Guestbook from Bravenet.com
 Get your Free Guestbook from Bravenet.com














Need Reciprocal Links? - Easily find link partners at SimplyLinking.com





© 2008, Elissa's Fibromyalgia