Pfizer
Fibromyalgia: How to Manage Chronic Pain
An estimated 4 million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that can be difficult to diagnose and describe.
To raise awareness about this condition, The Doctors welcome Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, Pfizer’s Senior Medical Advisor, and Vicky who has had chronic pain for over 20 years and when her rheumatologist diagnosed her with fibromyalgia, she says it was “life-changing.”
For resources and information about fibromyalgia, visit https://www.gethealthystayhealthy.com/, and while you are there, sign up for their monthly newsletter.
(upbeat music)
(applause) – An estimated four million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia. It's a chronic pain condition that can be difficult to
diagnose and describe. Vicky shares her story with us. – My name is Vicky, and I have been living with chronic pain for over 20 years. I first started experiencing
fatigue and pain all over my body while at work. Then, it started to also affect my sleep, which was difficult since I'm a nurse and I have to be on my feet all day. At the time, I was also
raising two small children, and some days the pain was so bad that I would have to stay in bed all day. It took me almost a year to find out what was causing my pain. When my rheumatologist told
me that I had fibromyalgia, that information was life changing for me. – To help raise awareness
about this condition, Vicky is here along with our good friend and colleague Dr. Freda
Lewis-Hall of Pfizer. And, thank you both for being here. Vicky I want to ask you first and foremost, how are you feeling today? – Um, I still have pain, but
I've, learned to manage it. – And, Dr. Freda, can you
explain what fibromyalgia is? – Yeah, so fibromyalgia is
a specific type of pain. It's chronic, it's widespread, and it's often accompanied by tenderness. Now, we don't exactly know
the cause of fibromyalgia, however, it's believed to be
related to overactive nerves. So what happens is,
these overactive nerves amplify the pain sensation
that we, you know, might feel from day to day. Now, in some cases, the symptoms gradually accumulate over time. But in some cases there's a trigger. It can be physical trauma,
surgery, infection, um, even significant psychological
stresses can do this. And, some research
indicates that, you know, genetics might be
playing a role here also. – And if you have lupus,
rheumatoid arthritis, or irritable bowel syndrome, you could be more likely to have fibromyalgia. A recent study has also
indicated that there may be a link between gut bacteria
and fibromyalgia pain. Researchers are trying to understand why there are differences in GI bacteria in people with fibromyalgia
and whether changes in the gut bacteria play a
role in causing fibromyalgia, or whether it just indicates
that you have fibromyalgia. Freda, now let's talk about
what those symptoms may be. – People who have fibromyalgia may experience deep
muscle pain and soreness. They may also have morning stiffness, and radiating pain and
sensitivity to the touch. As Vicky described, you
can have profound fatigue, sleep disturbances, in some cases people have digestive issues,
and difficulty concentrating, which actually has a term,
it's called fibro fog. – Fibromyalgia can be
difficult to diagnose because there isn't a
specific test for it. Symptoms can mimic other
conditions, doctors often have to rule out other causes
before making a diagnosis. This can take some time to
do, because symptoms fluctuate and are sometimes unpredictable, this can cause emotional
and mental distress. And adults with fibromyalgia,
over three times more likely to have depression and anxiety because living with chronic pain can cause a lower quality of life. Now Dr. Freda, tell us
who is most at risk. – This is most prevalent in
women who are middle-aged, however, it can affect men,
it can even affect children. Now, it's most often diagnosed between the ages of 20
and 50 years of age. Unfortunately, there is
no cure for fibromyalgia. However, it can be effectively
managed with a variety of treatments, or with a
combination of treatments. That may include various
changes in lifestyle, medications, and a range
of different therapies. – Physical activity may
help manage fibromyalgia, but listen to your body and pace yourself, talk to your doctor to find
the best strategy for you. Establishing good habits and routines to improve the quality of sleep, that can also be helpful, and Vicky, you have found a way to manage your pain, and what advice do you have for anyone out there living with fibromyalgia? – Well I had an amazing doctor, I did everything that
she ever asked me to do, I never refused to try something. And I was able to go back to work. I also then became a pain advocate. I started to speak for people with pain, and it's very important
for people to understand that when you have pain,
don't isolate yourself, don't stay away from the world. You've got to get out there, you still have to be a part of the world, so you can survive, but
there is hope, you can do it. (applause)
– Thanks for that message. – And thank you, Vicky,
because there is hope, there is help, people do
not have to do this alone. And for more information, you can go to GetHealthyStayHealthy.com,
there is information there on resources for fibromyalgia, and of course while you're there, you can sign up for
our monthly newsletter. – Thanks Dr. Freda, and Vicky,
(applause) thanks for sharing your
story, really appreciate it.
#Fibromyalgia #Manage #Chronic #Pain
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