Fibromyalgia

What Fibromyalgia Is (and Isn't)

Fibromyalgia defies simple explanations. It's not an inflammatory or autoimmune disease, though immune system involvement may play a role. Instead, theories point to central nervous system sensitization, where nerves amplify pain signals—real pain that's not "in your head," but a misreading of normal sensations. Other ideas include genetic mutations affecting neurotransmitters or poor communication between the immune system and nervous system.

Core Symptoms

Fibromyalgia manifests differently for everyone, but common hallmarks include:

• Widespread pain: Tender points trigger intense discomfort from light touch. Pain types vary—burning (like oxygen-starved muscles after hours of running), throbbing aches (flu-like), or sharp stings. One colleague described skin patches burning uncontrollably, impossible to cool.
• Chronic fatigue: Simple tasks exhaust you. Walking from living room to kitchen leaves you breathless; driving my daughter to school one morning drained me completely within 30 minutes.
• Fibro fog (brain fog): Memory lapses, word-finding struggles, and concentration issues mimic post-COVID complaints. Notes, lists, and minimizing interruptions help—work errors, like missing tipped payroll entries, happened rarely if I stayed focused.
• Sleep disturbances: Early bedtimes (like 7 PM) often end with 2 AM wake-ups. Magnesium glycinate aids rest better than melatonin, which triggered nightmares.
• Other issues: Migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, frequent urination, temperature sensitivity, light/sound intolerance—over 200 symptoms total, per fibromyalgia resources.

Historical Context and Personal Impact

Fibromyalgia echoes through history—there is reason to suggest Job from the Old Testament suffered and it is recorded to have been studied for centuries.  Recently though more information has been found out about it, and more and more studies are being done.  I was told when I was diagnosed to not fight my body, when it says I have had enough it means I have had enough. This is the opposite of how I have been living so far.  I was told with my migraines to push through them, and not let my migraines control my life.  However, I am hoping to find strategies to keep from going past my limits.  

Navigating the Fog

Understanding fibromyalgia helps patients and supporters combat dismissal as laziness or hypochondria. Simple accommodation maybe available that eases flares and the impact those flares have on my day to day life.  Please,  feel free to share your experiences, and your stresses, and maybe together we can "Navigate the Fog."

Thanks for reading,

Kerry C.