Fibromyalgia Case Study

Fibromyalgia (FM) affects approximately 2-6 percent of the population. FM can affect anyone of any age, but it is more common in women over 50 years old. It’s a very complex disease and the cause is unknown. People who suffer from FM report symptoms which include pain, fatigue, and trouble sleeping and morning stiffness. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s daily life and can ultimately lead to physical disability which could possibly result in depression. The management of FM does not cure the disease and some may not be suitable for all patients so many patients decide to self-manage.
Some FM patients use pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic methods to help reduce symptoms, but the most used strategies out of 31 were resting, distraction,

heat, nutritional supplements and medication. Non-pharmacological methods may ease the symptoms in chronic FM which may result in control over the disease. Medications are also prescribed for symptoms such as pain, sleep and depression. Studies have shown that adults over the age of 50 that suffer from FM, on average took 5-7 medications with almost half taking analgesic, antidepressant or antianxiety medication. However, the number of medications has fallen in the past year. Hallberg and Carlsson categorized symptom management strategies during a study of Swedish women with FM. The five themes are: self-initiated activities, professional treatments, escape behaviors, resignation and passivity. Self-initiated strategy included exercising, prayer, planning and distraction. Professional treatment included a psychotherapy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy and ultrasound therapy. Escape behaviors were things such as alcohol, pain medications and avoiding interactions. Reflecting hopelessness and lack of control was resignation and passivity simply included self-care strategies.
Studies were conducted to determine if a person with and without FM showed differences in their abilities.

Participants had to meet certain criteria. They set up an interview day with the first hour being the section of the workshop that contained personal results such as scores on lower body strength and problem solving. Next they attended three 30-minute sessions that gave them information on topics such as nutrition and stress management. There were a group of participants that participated in the actual interview. They were taken to a private room where they sat at a table. Questions were asked and the person being interviewed would respond with an answer. The interview started with questions such as how life was living with FM and then questions became more detailed such as how to maintain

symptoms.
All together eight women participated in the study, one Hispanic and the rest Caucasian. The mean of the ages was 61 and all attended some type of school. All participants had been diagnosed with FM for six+ years. Two women claimed to have a fair/poor health status, which the rest reported good/very good health status.
The women talked of their FM and symptoms, but strategies to manage life were also discussed. They claimed that over a period of time, they have developed things that help them live a “normal” life. The strategies included pacing/planning, focusing on the mind-body-spirit/distraction, avoiding pain attributable to extreme sensitivity, social support, pushing themselves/putting on the mask, and medications as background. Pacing/Planning included planning ahead, balancing activities and allowing others to help them with tasks. Changes in their environment had to be made and the way they do things. Avoid cold water and cold weather, using a shower chair, frequent use of a heating pad. Most women claimed that taking a warm bath or hot shower helped them along with continuously moving. Focusing on the mind-body-spirit/distraction included things such as meditation and listening to music. One woman claimed that breathing techniques helps her manage FM. Doing things to keep the mind occupied provides temporary relief. Avoiding pain attributable to extreme sensitivity to touch pretty much means that it hurts for someone to touch you. Avoiding peoples’ touch will help decrease the pain. Of course social support is a big deal. The women claimed that getting together with others that suffer from FM is extremely helpful because they are the only ones that truly understand. Women also reported that a person that suffers from FM has to push their self to accomplish daily things. And medications were also reported as a strategy to maintain symptoms. One woman said that she didn’t think she would be able to survive without her medication. The studies did show that strategies for coping with FM can be developed.
I feel like this article is very informative.

Fibromyalgia runs in my family and growing up my little cousin would always cry and would not play with me and I never really understood why. I picked this disease because it runs in the family and I don’t know when I’ll run into it again. I learned ways that could possibly help with the symptoms which I will share with my family. The studies they conducted on the woman were a wonderful thing. It taught me a lot and now I understand a little better the things that have went on with my

cousin.