The Fibromyalgia Recovery Program

Fibromyalgia - An Overview

		Fibromyalgia affects approximately 10,000,000 people in the United States and Canada. There are some estimates that would place that number even higher.
		The incidence of fibromyalgia is greater the farther North you go.
		The average age at onset is between 35 and 55 years old, but fibromyalgia can affect any age.
		Approximately 90% of those affected are female.
		The average time between the onset of symptoms and the establishment of a diagnosis is 5 years.
		The average person with fibromyalgia has seen multiple health care professionals in seeking an explanation for their symptoms.
		The average person with fibromyalgia has had multiple diagnostic evaluations which include blood tests, x-rays, CAT scans, MRI's , EEG's, EMG's, urinalyses, etc. Many will say "You name it, I've had it done."
		The average person with fibromyalgia has been told multiple times that all of their test results were normal.
		Most people with fibromyalgia have at one time or another been on some or all of the following medications: pain pills (narcotic and non-narcotic); muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, antidepressants including tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, steroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. "You name it, I've taken it." Other drugs may have been prescribed, but these are the most common.
		Many individuals have also had such procedures as nerve blocks, been placed under the the care of a massage therapist or physical therapist, and have been referred for psychological or even psychiatric evaluation and counselling or treatment.
		Fibromyalgia places great strain on relationships including those within a marriage and within the family, in the work place, and in interaction with friends - "The doctor said all your tests were normal...".
		The average person with fibromyalgia has heard themselves described as lazy, selfish, without ambition, a hypochondriac, worthless, crazy, etc.
		Many with fibromyalgia have lost all hope.
		Everyone with fibromyalgia asks "WHY?"