{ HEALTHY WOMAN }
FIBROMYALGIA: THE MANY FACES OF THE F WORD BY CHERYL L. KATES BENMAN
Fibromyalgia, is a condition which presents differently in each patient, but is generally associated with chronic pain, fatigue, sleep issues, mood and memory problems (1). Patients report the onset of this condition usually following a traumatic injury, or significant psychological stress (surgery, infection etc.) (1). Despite, there being no cure, some treatment options are available including medications, exercise, and mostly things centered in stress reduction (yoga, reiki, and massage etc.) (1). The three main symptoms of Fibromyalgia include excruciating wide-spread pain, extreme fatigue and cognitive disorders including “fibro fog”, a symptom where the person experiences issues paying attention, concentrating and focusing (1). It is theorized Fibromyalgia is not caused by one single issue, but a combination; such as genetics, infections and physical or emotional trauma, which causes repeated nerve stimulation and affects how the individual’s brain signals pain (1). There is an abnormal increase in neurotransmitters (1). The pain receptors develop a memory of the pain and become oversensitive (1). This condition presents with a long history of non-recognition and frustration among practitioners which often exacerbates the condition, as the patient becomes desperate for some answers or treatment options which both seem to be limited (1). Many patients tried everything to gain some form of relief (1). After not finding any solution, the individual becomes depressed, and feels a sense of loss in the ability to live a normal life, as their life is plagued with pain, frustration and anger with close family and friends, and with the lack of understanding regarding the condition (1). Women experience this condition more likely than men, so in the beginning patients were told “It’s all in your head”. As many as 10 million American people, with a ratio 202
ROCHESTER WOMAN ONLINE :: MAY/JUNE 2018
of 8-to-2 (women to men), suffer from this ailment (2). The condition was traditionally diagnosed by checking tender points (18 spots) (1). The newer module is classified if a person experiences pain for over three months, with no causation indicated they have Fibromyalgia(1). Blood work is often ordered to rule out other conditions by using the process of elimination (1). Most of all, this condition is life-altering (2). Interestingly, the condition is found most often around
the age of 45 (3). The most difficult part of management is no case of Fibromyalgia is the same (3) Individualized care must be part of the treatment plan (3). A universal approach will fail (3). May kicks off “Fibromyalgia Awareness” Month and on May 12, 2018, (12:00 PM/Genesee Valley Park) there will be a local walk in Rochester, NY. This is a family-friendly event, with goals to educate the public regarding this epidemic and to raise money for future research for a cure.
CHERYL L. KATES: MY STORY
As a 24-year-old nurse, I suffered a debilitating back injury which ended my nursing career. After years of rehabilitation and endless attempts at receiving treatment, ranging from physical therapy, alternative treatments, pain medications, and stress relief, I was left with a permanent disability and a life-time of chronic pain which came to be diagnosed as Fibromyalgia. Every day I live with pain that cannot be managed by traditional measures. Every day it is a challenge to get out of bed. Every day no one understands. I think this is the most frustrating of it all. People close to you accuse you of faking symptoms and that your just seeking attention. Or you are told to stop complaining or whining about your pain. People in general don’t understand what Fibromyalgia is. It’s hard to explain. It’s not like Diabetes, where you can say “I got sugar”. I think this is the most complicated nature of suffering from this ailment. It changes daily. One day I am in pain. The next day, I, am falling down. Yet another day, I am dizzy, and my eyesight is blurry. Fibro fog is very upsetting. I experienced this part of my condition, on some of the most important days of my life. The most troubling day was at a press conference. There were cameras everywhere. The lights made it swelter in the small church in Brooklyn, NY. I was representing a Black Panther revolutionary (I am an attorney). We were taking on the NYS Board of Parole. Flash, flash, bright lights twinkling, as the media went into a frenzy. Next thing I know, right before I approach the podium to give my freedom fighter speech, the fibro fog kicks in. I am never at a loss for words. I am an eloquent speaker. Not after fibro kicks in. Speaking in public becomes horrific. My brain starts to experience a delay in processing information. \