Frequently Asked Questions
1. Question – What is Fibromyalgia?
‘Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain and spinal cord process painful and non-painful signals.’ Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780
So what does that all mean? Basically, for people with Fibromyalgia, their pain responses can become abnormally heightened to things that are typically painful (like burning your hand) or even not typically painful (like clothes against your skin, or a cool breeze), compared to people without Fibro.
2. Question – What does the term ‘Flare’ mean?
The term flare is used widely when referring to Fibromyalgia. Quite simply, it refers to a flare-up of a person’s symptoms and can last for hours, through to weeks and even months.
Here is an example on how to use it in a sentence…
Betty: Hi Jen, how are you today?
Jen: I’ve been flaring a lot lately. It feels like this flare has been going on forever. Thanks for asking, Betty.
3. Question – What does the term ‘Fibro Fog’ mean?
The way that people with Fibro experience Fibro Fog will vary from each individual. However, Fibro Fog refers to a feeling of cloudiness in the head, that can create moments of memory loss, confusion and difficulty with comprehension.
Earlier in my Fibro journey, I was distraught when my Fibro Fog would hit, worried I had developed earlier onset dementia-I had difficulty with word finding, would have trouble focusing visually (this symptom occurs occasionally even today) and trouble paying attention. I usually know when an episode of Fibro Fog is coming as it is accompanied with a heavy dragging feeling below my eyes.