Our quest for a diagnosis when we are in constant pain can be overwhelmingly difficult, unless you already have an idea that Fibromyalgia is what your are dealing with, and even then you may need to know the right questions to ask your doctor.

Fibromyalgia or FM was finally recognised as an illness by the AMA (American Medical Association) in 1990. Yet today many Doctors still hold onto the belief that it is a Psychiatric Disorder and not a true illness.

Combine this with the fact that there are no blood tests or medical scans that can detect it's presence, and you can begin see how difficult it can be to finally know without a doubt that FM is that is really wrong with you, and it is not just a figment of your imagination, or you are just a baby and need to learn to deal with the pain.

Finally FM has been recognised by the AMA (American Medical Association) there is finally hope for Fibromyalgia sufferers. Not only is there finally a set criteria for the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia but there have been drugs or medications that have been approved specifically for the management of it's debilitating symptoms.

The symptoms of this potentially debilitating disorder are not the same for everyone, some people have debilitating symptoms requiring permanent long term disability and others experience much milder symptoms, and can continue in the work force. Only you know where it is that you fit, between these lines.

Please print out this page to take to your doctor if you feel that you have Fibromyalgia after taking this test.

The pain patients feel, is REAL, Learn about the disease and be supportive to those you know who suffer from it, oftentimes in silence

What are some of the things that you should be aware of with regards to Fibromyalgia in order to know if you should even take this test?

Fibromyalgia is described as an ongoing syndrome of general pain and fatigue. The pain of experienced by sufferers can be in the muscles, tendons, ligaments or even the skin.

Anyone can develop the disease but it is found most commonly seen in Women. One study suggests that 9 out of every 10 patients diagnosed with it are Women.

It can strike at any age, even children have been diagnosed with it.

Finally it was given a name and has been officially recognised by the AMA, as a syndrome of general widespread pain that affects more than one quadrant (Imagine your body split up into 4 sections, with each section containing an arm or leg) which lasts for 3 months or more.

If after reviewing this article you feel that you may be a sufferer, print this out to take to your doctor

Check the boxes that apply to your symptoms and use it as a guide to discuss your condition with your doctor.

( ) Widespread Musculoskeletal pain. (pain in the muscles and tendons)
( ) fatigue
( ) Muscle and joint stiffness
( ) Pain in the recognised tender points of Fibromyalgia (11 out of 18 constitutes a difinative diagnosis of Fibromyalgia)
( ) Sleep Problems
( ) Waking up frequently during the night
( ) Unrefreshing/nonrestorative sleep
( ) Difficulty falling asleep

These are considered as the secondary symptoms that are consistant with the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia.
Check all that apply to your particular symptoms.

( ) Depression
( ) Anxiety
( ) Foggy thinking
( ) Irritable Bladder
( ) Irritable Bowel
( ) Feeling of stomach bloating
( ) abdominal pain
( ) alternating bouts of Constipation and Diarrhea
( ) Metabolic Disorders (unexplained weight loss or gain)
( ) unexplained Bruising
( ) Numbness and tingling in fingers
( ) TMJ or jaw pain/popping
( ) Inflammatory Arthritis
( ) Chronic Tension or Migraine Headaches

Be sure to discuss these or any other symptoms you may currently be experiencing with your doctor.

If after going through this worksheet, you feel that you or a loved one has Fibromyalgia, Make an appointment for them to talk to their doctor about it.

Bring this worksheet with you to your doctors appointment

If your doctor is one of those, who still feel that Fibromyalgia is a Psychiatric Disorder or, that the pain is all in your head.... See another Doctor!

Typically, after a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia your Doctor may give you a referral to see a Rheumatologist or Neurologist or sometimes even both in order to better manage your symptoms

You may often feel like somebody beat you up in your sleep, in other words, you may hurt as much if not more when you first get up than you did when you went to bed.

Arthritis symptoms may worsen during a flair, if this occurs discuss it and possible management with your Rheumatologist or doctor.