A Few FMS Myths

1. Fibromyalgia is a "wastebasket" diagnosis, not a real disorder.

Truth: Fibromyalgia patients exhibit different symptoms that are part of a constellation of related syndromes. There are, however, specific diagnostic criteria for Fibromyalgia, and patients exhibit some of the same symptoms.

2. Fibromyalgia patients are just drama queens and complainers; there's nothing really wrong with them, but they expect special treatment.

Truth: Most of us try very hard to function as close to normally as possible. Our bodies simply won't do all the things we want them to.

3. Fibromyalgia patients are simply focusing on what everyone deals with. If they'd stop doing that, they'd be fine.

Truth: There is nothing normal about waking up in pain every day, or having to try to ignore unrelenting pain every minute of the day. If you have constant pain that OTC medications don't help, then you probably should focus on it, and so should your doctor.

4. Fibromyalgia only affects people who are out of shape, eat junk food, or otherwise don't take care of themselves.

Truth: There are patients who were everything from hockey players to avid power-walkers to dancers before this disorder entered their lives aPublish Postnd made any movement painful. Many of us work hard at keeping low-impact workouts, walking, and stretching exercises part of our lives even when it's a struggle to move. Junk food isn't good for anyone, and may exacerbate some symptoms for some patients, but most Fibromyalgia patients aren't living on it any more than the people who accuse them of it are.