FIBRO... There is no treatment, cure or even an accurate diagnosis ... :(

Fibromyalgia has changed my life... Although it is not all bad; given a choice it is not something I would have chosen for myself or have wish on anyone else.  It has however; given me a good reason to take care of myself, a gratitude for what I do have and an appreciation for what I still can do. (this acceptance has been a long process). 

As National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (May 12th) approaches... I wanted to clue you in on a few key points:

There still are NO diagnostic tests available... (how frustrating?)
"Currently there are no laboratory tests available for diagnosing Fibromyalgia. Doctors must rely on patient histories, self-reported symptoms, a physical examination and an accurate manual tender point examination."

Diagnosis is delayed and expensive... 

"It is estimated that it takes an average of five years for an FM patient to get an accurate diagnosis. Many doctors are still not adequately informed or educated about FM. Laboratory tests often prove negative and many FM symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, thus leading to extensive investigative costs and frustration for both the doctor and patient. "

Other issues may complicate diagnosis...

"Another essential point that must be considered is that the presence of other diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, does not rule out an FM diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is not a diagnosis of exclusion and must be diagnosed by its own characteristic features."

Currently we are limited to only two criteria...

"To receive a diagnosis of FM, the patient must meet the following diagnostic criteria:

1- Widespread pain in all four quadrants of the body for a minimum duration of three months.

2- Tenderness or pain in at least 11 of the 18 specified tender points when pressure is applied

My particular petpeve; the medical community is so quick to prescribe drugs and recommend invasive treatments ... even without a diagnosis...

We still have so much work to do. Fibromyalgia is a debilitating, life changing illness effecting millions of people; and many that may not even know it's name.  For those suffering ... "a name" can make all the difference.

Your thoughts...experiences???

Please mark your calendar: May 12th