Fibromyalgia and My Sex Life
There are many aspects to an illness like Fibromyalgia. There are the aches and pains, the exercise, medications or supplements you may take to help with symptoms, the depression, helping loved ones to understand and much more. However, one area that may be overlooked is the affect it can have on someone’s sex life.
As with many illnesses, a person’s libido can decrease because of the illness itself, or because of some of the symptoms one may have from the illness. As with Fibromyalgia, if someone is particularly painful that day, they may not feel like having sex, but also if their libido is low then that can affect their desire as well. It is important for someone in a relationship to think through these things and discuss them with their doctor, especially if it is causing a problem in their relationship with their spouse.
Healthy sexual activity is important because it not only deepens a relationship, but also releases endorphins in the body. These natural endorphins can help relieve pain and can increase overall well-being in an individual. It is similar in a way to when someone takes a brisk walk or does some form of exercise. It helps your body and your mind.
Since many sufferers are taking some form of medication, it is important to find out the side effects that those medications may have as well. Some anti-depressants and other medications do have sexual side effects, like reduced sex drive. There may be a different medication that could be prescribed with less noticeable side effect, or maybe a lower dose could be used if this is a problem for the patient.
One thing that may help before intercourse, or any form of exercise, is soaking in a warm bath or shower. Even spending fifteen minutes soaking in a hot, but not scalding, bath may relax the muscles and joints and release some stress making the body less painful and stressed.
Also, talk with your spouse and work out the most comfortable positions that will not put pressure on the parts of the body that are most painful.
One of the things that makes us “feel” older is when our sex drive is almost non-existent. We look back and wonder what ever happened to that young, hormonal person. I would highly encourage you to re-introduce sexual activity into your life… it releases those endorphins and makes us feel better, physically, emotionally, and mentally.
This is not always a subject people want to discuss, but it is an issue that many Fibromyalgia sufferers and others have, and want to remedy. So, keep communication open with your spouse, talk to your doctor if you need to make some changes to medications, and relax.
Showing Support to a Fibromyalgia Sufferer
If you live with someone, or know of someone, that has Fibromyalgia you may be wondering the best ways to help them. I know that many people may choose just to take the silent path, not saying much nor doing much to encourage the sufferer, but mostly this is out of ignorance in not understanding the illness. Once someone better understands the illness, then they are more apt to lend some support.
Here are some steps you, as a loved one or friend, can help a Fibromyalgia sufferer get through their days a little easier. It is important to understand the symptoms and things that can cause a flare up. In knowing that, then you may be able to help alleviate some symptoms or help to reduce the flare ups. It also shows the individual that you are interested in helping them and have genuine concern.
It is not uncommon for a sufferer to feel fine in one part of the day, but then maybe overdo it with house work or some other activity and then not feel well later on. Some days it may be necessary to be flexible and willing to reschedule activities that were planned for the rest of the day, or even a few days if a flare is starting. The sufferer probably had every intention of following through with the plans that were set, but once their body starts to ache and retreat, the plans sometimes have to be scaled down.
Even though the one hurting may not want to, it is important to encourage physical exercise. They already have sore muscles, but it has been proven that physical exercise not only helps with the aches and pains, but also with the emotional and mental state of the sufferer. It is good for the caretaker as well! Even if it is just getting out and walking the block, or going to an inside area like the mall and walking, it will be beneficial.
Other things that can help a Fibromyalgia sufferer, is to get in a support group. In fact, it may help the one with the illness, as well as the ones closest to them. There are support groups for both types of individuals. Being able to share similar stories and feelings with others can be very helpful in letting you know that you are not alone. If you cannot get to one in person, or cannot find one in your area, there are some online chat groups or blogs that may be helpful as well. There are many things that can be done to alleviate the stress that is involved with having and caring for someone with Fibromyalgia.
Sleep and Fibromyalgia
Some research shows that one in fifty Americans have Fibromyalgia symptoms, which could mean over five million people. The majority of sufferers are women, almost 80-90% of all sufferers. The illness usually hits during childbearing years and can also attack men and children, although not as commonly as women.
In addition to the common trigger points that are tender on a person with this illness, some people have symptoms of facial and jaw discomfort that can lead to TMJ. Depression is also increased in Fibromyalgia sufferers. Sensitivity to noises, light, touch, smells, some foods and medications can be a part of their symptoms.
One other area that has an effect on those with this illness is sleep. Research has been done to show the correlation between poor sleep habits or patterns and those who develop or have Fibromyalgia. There was an increase in those studied who had poor sleep patterns and then also developed Fibromyalgia. Not only are they looking at how sleep determines if someone is more likely to develop this condition, but it has also been shown that poor sleep patterns in sufferers is common.
Some of the sleep issues experienced include insomnia, difficulty in either falling asleep or frequent wakening in the night, as well as sleep apnea and even restless leg syndrome. If this is the case, many of these people complain of waking feeling tired and not able to concentrate well throughout the day. They often lie down in the day to help curb the exhaustion.
Some things to try for a more restful night’s sleep include getting regular exercise in the day, but not too close to bedtime. Also, avoid lengthy naps in the day and caffeine, both which can affect sleep at night. Keeping the room at a cooler temperature and lessening the noise in the room can help. A sleep diary can help to track patterns, triggers and methods that help someone get restful sleep. Getting a better night’s rest can help the Fibromyalgia sufferer deal better with symptoms in the day and hopefully shorten the length of flare ups.
Resources:
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromayalgia-and-sleep
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/237772.php
http://www.myfibro.com/fibromyalgia-statistics
Men With Fibromyalgia
I have read several different stories lately about men who are being diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Most men, and especially women, do not want to believe it.
Most people feel that fibromyalgia is a women’s disease. It’s kind of like menopause or PMS. How can a man get a woman’s disease.
But, that is all a huge misnomer. While menopause and PMS may be for women only (given our parts are different), the very definition of fibromyalgia makes no distinction between a man and a woman.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder of the muscle tissue and fibrous connective tissue. While it may be true that women are more sensitive to pain than men, the last time I checked, there is no difference between muscles and connective tissues. Both have a similar nature, similar cell structure, and are both subject to pain.
WebMD says that about 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and/or fibromyalgia symptoms. About 90% of those are women. It could be that more men would be diagnosed, but either the men are reluctent to see a doctor over this, or, some doctors are reluctent to diagnose a man to have fibromyalgia.
Of the 18 tender points that are used to diagnose fibromyalgia, women tend to show more sensitivity in more of those points than men.
With all this said, FMS in a man can be just as debilitating as in a woman. It can be crippling. It can completely keep one from doing his job normally. It can cause unrest, lack of sleep, and depression.
The bottom line is that fibromyalgia does not play gender favorites.
Anyone can do a “self diagnosis” by going over the 18 tender points. If half of those seem to trigger, it would be worth the man going in to get a professional opinion from your doctor… at least that is my humble opinion.
Fibromyalgia Commercials
One thing I have seen more and more of over the last few months are commercials on TV for fibromyalgia treatments, medications, and treatment centers. All of these are, of course, sponsored by the pharmacuetical companies who want you to buy their medicine.
Below is a video of one I found on YouTube. These aren’t bad. They raise awareness and help many people. Just be careful that a well produced TV commerical doesn’t help you part with your money. Consult your doctor or someone whose opinion you trust.
This one is sponsored by Pfizer.
Foods that Aggravate Fibromyalgia
I was watching a Fox News station the other day and they had a nice 3 – 4 minute segment on fibromyalgia. That was a nice thing to see.
It was quite good, and the nutritionist on the show was talking about different foods that can aggravate fibromyalgia symptoms, as well as providing some substitutes or alternatives to try instead. Here are some of the notes I scratched down:
One of the things she stated was that there was a trend in people using gluten-free foods as an alternative because foods with gluten can tend to aggravate or flair up some of the symptoms. I had not really heard this before. I might give it a try, but I want to research this a bit more before I spend the money on them.
Here are some of the reactive foods: soy, wheat, caffeine, corn, dairy. She even mentions apples and blueberries.
I can understand some of that. But, soy products are also a trend that I have seen to help fibromyalgia, not cause an aggravation. So, I’m not so sure about that.
Here are some of the substitutes: almond milk, rice milk, millet, quinoa, amaranth.
The nutritionist went on to mention that a deficiency in Vitamin D was also something that can cause fibromylagia symptoms to flare up.
My Response
First of all, when I watch something like this, it is good to see it being covered. But, I’m also like “What doesn’t cause symptoms to flare up?” AND, who can truly afford to be buying all those substitutes?
The substitutes that are generally recommended are either typically only available at a specialty food store for about 50% more, or they are in my local store, but I cannot afford to constantly be using them.
Some things like almond milk… no problem. It’s not that bad. But, it gets down to something different, and this is what I’m driving at, and what I would really like your response from:
Fifty to seventy-five years ago, were there this many women (and men) suffering with fibromyalgia?
I don’t think there was, and I don’t think it is because it just wasn’t being diagnosed.
Were things like rice milk and quinoa being served on the dinner tables of America?
I don’t think so.
Nutrition IS important, but it isn’t as if corn and dairy are the enemy. Something bigger is the issue here.
Women from 50 years ago ate corn, dairy and apples.
Bottom Line
Be smart and use your common sense. If you find a food makes you feel worse, stop eating it, or at least eating as much of it. Don’t jump on every band wagon that says you need to eat this and not that. Part of it is them wanting to make a buck off you. Part of it is they saw it work for one person so it must work for everyone.
Be smart.
Keep asking questions.
In my opinion, there is still something missing, and I feel I have an idea what that is, but it’s gonna take me some time to put that together.
Let me know your thoughts!
The Weather and Fibromyalgia
Although the symptoms of Fibromyalgia can rear up at any time of year, the symptoms can often come on, or get worse with a weather change. Many sufferers feel that with a change in temperature, humidity, precipitation, air pressure and even wind, their symptoms can worsen.
Some of the symptoms that can attack with a weather change are fatigue, sleep disruption, muscle aches and pains, and headaches. Often times the number of symptoms that flare at one time increase as well.
Studies have been done that monitor a patient’s symptoms and the current weather conditions as well. The two were compared to see if there were any correlations. Some professionals suggest that a sufferer may want to do this experiment on their own as well. One can track their symptoms and the weather patterns to see if there are any symptoms that seem to be coming on because of weather changes.
Some have suggested moving to a more moderate climate, where the weather changes and season changes are not so dramatic. This seems to help some people, but often times a person’s body will recalibrate to that new climate and can still suffer symptoms even with small changes in the weather.
Other things that are suggested to help deal with weather changes are to dress in layers, brighten up your home on the inside and avoid colder temperatures. If you dress in layers, then you are able to remove or add a layer as needed. Going from a hot room to a cold room and then back again could aggravate symptoms.
Some people have found it helpful to add a light to the inside of the house, especially during the darker winter months, to brighten up the inside and almost act like the sunshine. It can really improve your mood. If you are out in the cold, try to bundle up and keep your extremities and skin covered, which may help to lessen some symptoms from the cold temperatures.
What affects each fibromyalgia suffer is different and unique, but there are some common factors that seem to affect most all sufferers and weather change is one of those. Being aware of that fact and being prepared for weather changes can decrease the affect it will have on your symptoms.
Fibromyalgia…Not Just for the Older Crowd
When most people think of Fibromyalgia, they often associate it with a condition that strikes older people, usually women. However, that stereotype is not an accurate portrait of those who are diagnosed with the condition. Many young people have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and having fibromyalgia symptoms.
While it is true that the majority of the estimated ten million Americans who have Fibromyalgia are women, and mostly older women, there is a section of the population that is experiencing the same symptoms, they just happen to be under twenty years old, and many of them just children. Some have labeled this Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia, which can show up in the teen years, sometimes with an increased rate at age fourteen.
A child can experience some of the same symptoms as an adult, but the points of tenderness usually tested on a child consist of the chest, neck, thighs, hips and buttocks. Other things to look for are sleep patterns that might show lack of sleep or fatigue after sleeping, chronic aches and pains, digestive system issues, skin sensitivity, and headaches.
Most of the time children are treated with medication to help their sleep pattern regulate, exercise and sometimes physical therapy. Sometimes pain medication is helpful, but strong medication is usually not given to children as it can be addictive. A healthy diet and a lot of encouragement are needed for a child with Fibromyalgia.
Many believe that the condition actually can stem from difficult experiences in life, particularly childhood. Things like excessive stress in the child’s environment can also seem to have an effect. Since many children do live in very stress-filled, hostile environments, it would make sense then that they, too, could be disposed to something like Fibromyalgia.
It is also interesting to note that many times parents who have children with Fibromyalgia often experience some type of chronic pain themselves. The reverse is also true that many children who have mothers, in particular, with the condition, often develop the same symptoms. It is not certain if the relationship is genetic or environmental. Either way, the symptoms can affect both young and old, male or female.
Brandi McAtee is Beating Fibromyalgia
I came across a great story I had to share with you. Brandi McAtee has systematic Fibromyalgia. She has also struggled with osteoarthritis and a degenerative disc disease.
Two to three years ago, after back surgery and almost being in a wheelchair, to being crowned Figure B champion at the 2011 Washington Ironman Competition in Bellevue, Wash. It’s an incredible story.
I have included part of the story below, and then you can read the rest of it by clicking on the link below the article. It is an amazing story of triumph and overcoming – one that we don’t hear enough about in the world of fibromyalgia. If she can look that good and do what she has done, maybe I can get off the couch and do a little more than I have been doing.
Here’s the story:
“Brandi McAtee’s health provider calls her the poster child for living with chronic pain from systemic fibromyalgia as well as osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease.
On Sept. 24, McAtee, of Kalispell, was crowned the 2011 Figure B champion at the Washington Ironman Competition in Bellevue, Wash.
“I was thrilled. I’m still thrilled,” she said, her eyes filling with tears. “I get a big rush when I think of how far I’ve come in the last two and a half years.”
Her husband, Jeff, couldn’t be prouder of his wife, who works as bookkeeper and bartender at the Scoreboard. He has witnessed his wife’s struggles firsthand.
“She went from almost in a wheelchair to being in amazing, amazing shape,” he said.
Through diet and rigorous exercise, McAtee reduced her pain and created a competition-grade physique. Her experience has fueled her new passion to inspire other chronic pain sufferers not to give up.
McAtee said she was diagnosed with a hereditary form of early-onset osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease. Now 33, she had back surgery four years ago but did not find relief from her pain.
“I just started going downhill after the surgery with horrible pain,” she said. “I couldn’t believe that was what my life was supposed to be.”
Her continuing pain was diagnosed as systemic fibromyalgia. The National Fibromyalgia Association defines it as a complex chronic pain syndrome with physical, mental and social impacts.
McAtee remembers well the debilitating fatigue and pain before her lifestyle changes. Just to keep mobile, she took a large array of medications including narcotic pain relievers Percocet and morphine.
“When I say I hit rock bottom, I mean rock bottom,” she said.
Her turnaround began when she received a scholarship from The Summit in Kalispell to attend an aquatic class designed for people suffering from arthritis and fibromyalgia. McAtee said the class included stretching and strengthening in the heated therapy pool using thumb weights.
She found herself in the company of much older people who were more flexible and endured longer than she could.
“The 90-year-olds were kicking my butt,” McAtee said. “I was so frustrated and in so much pain that I was leaving everyday in tears.”
At first, she could only endure 20 minutes. But she persisted and in about two weeks, she worked up to a full hour.”
Read the rest of the story by clicking on the link below:
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_a2eef70e-ed70-11e0-8427-001cc4c03286.html
Smoking and Fibromyalgia Pain
A study was recently published in the Journal of Pain where more than 6,000 women smokers were researched. These were women over 18 years old and smoked at different degrees or another. What they were wanting to research was the coorelation between women smokers and chronic pain.
6,000 women is a pretty large number to study and survey. Much better than some of those lame studies where only 38 women were researched, and that 38 women are supposed to represent the U.S. women population. So, this was a more thorough study.
Here is what they found out:
In the survey, women reported chronic pain in the form of fibromyalgia, sciatica, chronic neck pain, chronic back pain, joint pain, chronic head pain, nerve problems, and pain all over the body. Huh? Maybe there is a coorelation?
Here’s more interesting stuff from the survey. The more you smoke, the worse it gets. Former smokers showed a 20 percent increase, occasional smokers showed a 68 percent increase, and in daily smokers the odds more than doubled (104 percent).
Here is one more HUGE factor when you consider women smokers (HUGE!!). Daily smoking was associated more strongly with chronic pain than older age, lower educational attainment, or obesity.
Can you believe that? Smoking is worse for you than getting old, your education level (kinda wierd), or being over weight. Imagine if you are over weight, 50+, and a smoker! That’s a combination that spells more pain right there.
This survey and study was done by the University of Kentucky. Those who did the study came to the conclusion: “The study shows a strong relationship between heavy smoking and chronic pain in women.”
What is missing from this study is the scientific evidence that says “Why???”
I’m not a rocket scientist, and I’m not a smoker, but common sense seems to tell me that smoking causes some kind of break down in the immune system and neuroligical system of the body. Smokers are in complete denial to say that it doesn’t effect their health.
Needless to say, if you have fibromyalgia symptoms and you are a smoker, you might want to give up smoking or learn to love the extra pain.
