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Why
the three names FMS, CFS and ME?
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia (FM, FMS also called Fibro) is one of those
mysterious modern ailments that is labeled a "syndrome"
because it is characterized by a number of symptoms and
lacks a definable cause. Pain is the most prominent symptom
of FMS, but fatigue, sleep disturbances, digestive disorders,
headaches, memory problems and depression are also typical.
The U.S. National Institute of Health estimates that 3.4
% of women and 0.5% of men over the age of 18 suffer from
Fibromyalgia.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for FMS. That
doesn't mean it can't be effectively managed. Many individuals
have found relief for specific FMS symptoms, and by improving
their overall health have been able to make their FMS go
into remission.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, CFIDS, M.E) is a disorder
characterized by extreme exhaustion, muscle pain, cognitive
problems and a number of other physical symptoms, similar
to FMS. The cause of CFS is still not known and treatment
is intended primarily to relieve specific symptoms.
Neither FMS nor CFS is understood well enough to be curable
yet. Pathological research has however shown progress in
the last few years, including viral and bacterial studies,
which may be useful in finding a cure. But right now the
best we can realistically hope for is help in reducing its
most bothersome symptoms. Relief from symptoms like fatigue
and pain is priceless. Join us in the discussion of dealing
with this disease.
Why the three names FMS, CFS and ME?
Researches are unclear wether these three illnesses are
in fact the same disease. But doctors recognize the symptoms
to be overlapping.
Among patient organizations, especially in England, the
term ME is used often. ME is short for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
(or more recently Myalgic Encephalopathy). Some people use
the two terms "CFS" and "ME" interchangeably,
but often "ME" is regarded as more 'correct' by
patients organizations. We use both terms.
Chronic Pain
Pain seemingly needs little explanation. It is safe to
say that everyone has experienced some kind of physical
pain in lifetime. For most people, it is a normal, if unpleasant,
sensation triggered by the nervous system to alert them
to an injury or the need to seek medical treatment. With
medical care and the body's amazing power to heal it self,
such pain normally stops, tapers off, or disappears, leaving
little more than a vivid memory. Doctors call this acute
pain.
Chronic pain is something quite different. It persists sometimes
for weeks, months, or years after the injury or infection
that initially caused it has healed. Sometimes it is caused
by an illness like FMS, CFS, ME or by back problems. Pain
may have no apparent cause or reason, no discernable physical
insult or injury to which it can be attributed.
It is easy to see how chronic pain can overwhelm even the
sturdiest, most resolute people. Without relief, and eventually
without even the hope of relief, we can lose the ability
and desire to eat, sleep, work, or function in any way normally.
Pain may become the defining factor in our lives, leading
to an endless cycle of sleeplessness, irritability, and
depression. We want to help others and ourselves in the
struggle to live and cope with chronic pain. Join our support
group and meet informed people who understand and cares.
Mosken
Friends
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