Mindful Monday#61: Do you know Fibro?

Happy Monday y'all!

As we all know Fibromyalgia is a widespread chronic illness (extreme pain) that affects your whole body. There are many symptoms that vary from patient to patient. According to The Mayo Clinic, “Fibromyalgia pain is not the same in everyone with this disorder. Some people may have extreme skin sensitivity to gentle pressure. Some may have tender finger joints without redness or swelling. Others may have significant tenderness of the muscles of the upper back and neck.”

Have you ever wondered what is the latest news between Fibromyalgia and the autoimmune system? When I was in school, I was taught to question a dot com site. Upon reflection, these health sites do seem legit.

• Why does fibromyalgia weaken the immune system?
• New Research Shows Fibromyalgia Is Likely the Result of Autoimmune Problems

Two of the most frustrating things about this illness, is making sense of all the medical jargon. The other being conflicting medical articles. Therefore, I was so relieved to know about Health Literacy Month.

What is Health Literacy Month? “Studies consistently show that a significant number of people have problems reading, understanding, and acting on health information. This impacts personal health and healthcare resources. Personal health literacy is when individuals have the ability to find and understand and use information and services for health-related decisions for themselves and others.” During the entire month of October, this organization will work together to “shift from health literacy awareness to health literacy action by building a world where all individuals have access to quality health outcomes” (Health Literacy Month). While there may be websites who are not always going to agree with a theory. It is reassuring to know there’s an organization who is working to spread literature we all can understand.

Are you newly diagnosed to Fibromyalgia?
Here’s a tip that I’ve learned from over the years of dealing with
this chronic illness. The best advice I can give anyone who has been been freshly diagnosed is to try your best to find the best doctors to help you. It makes all the difference in the world.
Don’t settle for anything less than the best! I’ve been on the other side and I’ve suffered the consequences. Believe me, I’ve definitely learned my lessons. I hope this advice helps out.

What were you most interested to find out in the blog? I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments below. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you’re enjoying my blogs, why not subscribe to my website? My blogs will go straight to your email. It’s free to sign up! Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends!

Till next time!
Rachel

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References:

• “Fibromyalgia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 11 Aug. 2017, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fibromyalgia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354780.
• Torborg, Liza. “Mayo Clinic Q and A: How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 June 2019, https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-how-is-fibromyalgia-diagnosed/.
• Health Literacy Month
• https://southernpainclinic.com/blog/why-does-fibromyalgia-weaken-the-immune-system/
• https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-shows-fibromyalgia-is-likely-the-result-of-autoimmune-problems/​

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