Tampa Medical Group, P.A.

From the Authors of the top selling book "The Fibromyalgia Handbook"

National Pain Foundation Review

The 3rd edition of the Fibromyalgia Handbook is in the bookstores now with the latest breakthrough medications and treatment. Also available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com on line.

Revised 3rd Edition
 
The Fibromyalgia Handbook

Fibromyalgia Links of Interest:

• Constipation and Dietary Fiber: The Natural Solution
• Fibro Hope
• End Sleepless Nights
• Learn more about Fibromyalgia (Spanish)
• Sleep Disorders Guide
• Pain and Diet -- Web Sites and Organizations
• American Fibromyalgia 
• Coping with Fibromyalgia
• Fibromialgia y el Ejercicio
• Fibromyalgia-MEDLINEplus
• Fibromyalgia Network
• Immune Support
• MARRTC-Fibromyalgia
• National Fibromyalgia Assoc.
• National Fibromyalgia Partnership
• PANDORA
• Pediatric Network
• Rest Ministries

Fibromyalgia Update:

1. I keep hearing that this is a woman's disease, yet I am a 6'2" male who was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Could there be a hormonal problem that is causing this to happen to my body? If so, what treatment would be effective?**

2. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia after having great pain stemming from a hysterectomy. I had pain when I awoke, then more pain throughout the day. Then it seemed as if my bladder completely shut down. I was rushed to the emergency room for a catheterization and was told it was part of fibromyalgia. Have you ever heard of this happening?**

3. My family practitioner is treating me for fibromyalgia, but I feel that I need a specialist. What type of doctor would you recommend for this disease? Are there certain tests I will need?**

4. After a lengthy bout with the flu, my seventeen-year-old daughter was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Is this common?**

5. Does taking estrogen have anything to do with fibromyalgia? After a complete hysterectomy at age thirty-five, my doctor put me on estrogen replacement. Within one year, I developed horrible muscle pain and fatigue that would not end, even with bed rest. Was it the estrogen? If so, what should I do?**

Submit a Question

1. Is fibromyalgia related to sex hormones?

While it is true that the vast majority of cases of fibromyalgia happen in women, it is also true that men suffer from this disease as well. The specific causes are not known. In our clinic, we do see fibromyalgia in men at times and some of them have had a severe injury to the back, such as a ruptured disc in the lumbar spine, months or even years before. There is no evidence that hormones play a role in fibromyalgia in men. The treatment is the same for both men and women. The Fibromyalgia Handbook has a 7-Step Treatment Program if carefully followed, you should obtain relief.

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2. Is my bladder pain related to fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia can begin after a very stressful situation, an injury, or a serious illness. Some women have found that it began after a hysterectomy. Remember, the causes are just not known. Many problems other than pain and stiffness can result, such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Urinary frequency, the urge to urinate, and pain on urination can come with fibromyalgia. There is no special treatment other than that treatment of the disease itself and certain medicines that can help the bladder control. Talk to your doctor to be sure you have the best combination of medicines to control the symptoms of this disease.

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3. What kind of specialist would you recommend for fibromyalgia?

See your family doctor first, but if your fibromyalgia is not improved after a reasonable amount of time (say a few months), then yes, it is a good idea to ask for an opinion from a rheumatologist. Rheumatologists deal with arthritis and related diseases. They treat many patients with fibromyalgia. This specialist will review your diagnosis and coordinate the plan for treatment.

The diagnosis of fibromyalgia is still made from an examination and talking with the patient. A few blood tests and X rays will help to eliminate other types of arthritis. This is important to be sure that no other specific treatments will be needed. If the rheumatologist agrees with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, a plan for treatment can be made. 

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4. Is fibromyalgia in teenagers common?

Fibromyalgia does happen in teenagers. While uncommon, it causes the same pain, stiffness, and fatigue that adults experience. It usually improves slowly over time. The course of treatment may be helped by a regular program of moist heat, exercises, and medication. Just as in adults, fibromyalgia in teenagers seems to follow a severe injury or illness, but the exact reason why is not known.

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5. Does taking estrogen have anything to do with fibromyalgia?

There is no good evidence that the hysterectomy or the estrogen treatment are the cause of fibromyalgia, although fibromyalgia does occur in some women after a hysterectomy. The surgery as well as the estrogen treatment are common events in many women. Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you can continue your estrogen treatment without fear of aggravating your fibromyalgia. However, in some patients with fibromyalgia, there does seem to be a major illness, injury, or emotional stress just before the start of their symptoms. It is not known how these events seem to trigger fibromyalgia. Perhaps future research will bring this answer to light.

Additional Resources: Revised 3rd Edition
The Fibromyalgia Handbook, McIlwain, Bruce, Holt, NY, 2003.

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These questions were taken from The Fibromyalgia Handbook