| Musculoskeletal pain and fatigue
experienced by fibromyalgia syndrome patients is a chronic problem which
tends to have a waxing and waning intensity. There is currently no generally
accepted cure for this condition. According to recent research, most patients
can expect to have this problem lifelong. However, worthwhile improvement
may be obtained with appropriate treatment, as will be discussed later
in this brochure. There is often concern on the part of patients, and
sometimes physicians, that FMS is the early phase of some more severe
disease, such as multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.
Long term follow up of fibromyalgia patients has shown that it is very
unusual for them to develop another rheumatic disease or neurological
condition. However, it is quite common for patients with "well established"
rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus and Sjogren's
syndrome to also have fibromyalgia. It is important for their doctor to
realize they have such a combination of problems, as specific therapy
for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, etc. does not have any effect on FMS
symptoms. Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome do not become crippled with
the condition, nor is there any evidence it effects the duration of their
expected life span. Nevertheless, due to varying levels of pain and fatigue,
there is an inevitable contraction of social, vocational and avocational
activities which leads to a reduced quality of life. As with many chronic
diseases, the extent to which patients succumb to the various effects
of pain and fatigue are dependent upon numerous factors, in particular
their psycho-social support, financial status, childhood experiences,
sense of humor and determination to push on.
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