The fatigue ranges from feeling tired, to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. It may come and go and people can suddenly feel drained of all energy – as if someone “pulled the plug”.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (fibromyalgia for short) is a common illness.  In fact, it is as common as rheumatoid arthritis and can even be more painful.  People with mild to moderate cases of fibromyalgia are usually able to live a normal life, given the appropriate treatment.  If symptoms are severe, however, people may not be able to hold down a paying job or enjoy much of a social life.  The name fibromyalgia is made up from “fibro” for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; “my” indicating muscles and “algia” meaning pain.Beside pain and fatigue fibromyalgia symptoms often include:-

• Unrefreshing sleep – waking up tired and stiff
• Headaches – ranging from ordinary types to migraine
• Depression
• IBS (bladder as well as bowels)
• Cognitive disturbances (including lack of concentration)
• Clumsiness and dizziness
• Sensitivity to changes in the weather, noise,bright lights, smoke and other environmental factors
• Allergies

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE SEE THE
Official Fibromyalgia Association UK Web Site
www.fmauk.org