Having CFS and Fibromyalgia can be very difficult for many reasons. One reason is that when we get sick or are not feeling well, we tend to blame the problem on our CFS, Fibromyalgia, or both for some of us. I am guilty of this. We attribute all symptoms that we feel to one illness or the other when in reality, the new symptom may not have anything to do with CFS or FM.
Not only are we guilty of doing this to ourselves, the medical community is guilty also. How many of you can recall going to the doctor for something and without them even checking you out very well they will just say, “It’s just because you have CFIDS/FM”.
Charles Lapp, M.D., who is an internist in North Carolina says, “My main concern is that the symptoms of FMS/CFS may mask a more serious problem.”
Here are some suggestions on steps to take in order to determine if your problem is CFIDS/FM related or not:
- See your physician yearly to have routine bloodwork and a physical. Many conditions or problems can be found via bloodwork. Of course, CFS/FM isn’t diagnosed through bloodwork but many other diseases are.
- CFS/FM symptoms wax and wane, but if you experience a deviation from your typical pattern of symptoms you should be concerned.
- FM patients will note painful joints/muscles, but if your glands and joints are persistently swollen, call your doctor. If you experience fever, significant weight loss, mouth sores, or chronic skin rashes you should be seeking medical attention.
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