Fibromyalgia:A Roadmap Kit for the Caretaker

A Geriatric Fibromyalgia Journey & Alternatives in Coping with Pain

Fibromyalgia is silent, invisible and yet painful. Fibromyalgia is a derivative term from the Latin root, fibro, define as threadlike flesh, and myo is adopted from the Greek root, denoting sinew, and Greek algos, ache (Clauw, 2014). Thereby Fibromyalgia semantically means large fibers or muscles in agony. (Clauw, 2014).

The purpose of this study is on ‘Lived Experiences of Patients with Fibromyalgia.’ How a patient uses resiliency disease model to manage symptoms and flare-ups as verbalized by the patient will be used as part of the data. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and others have demonstrated that two to eight percent of the population in the United States meet the diagnostic criteria for Fibromyalgia Hawkins (2013), with a female to male incidence ratio that is somewhere between 7:1 and 9:1 (Bartels et al., 2009). Fibromyalgia is a chronic widespread painful musculoskeletal disorder causing anhedonia; insomnia; irritableness; sensitivity to noise, lights, and scents; painful muscle spasms; migraine headaches; cognitive deficits known as fibro fog; and sleep impairment to the point of developing chronic fatigue and depression (Cymet, 2003).

Neurology found Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome (PFS) as known by neurologists, the brain itself is faulty. What causes the faulty brain? The part of the brain that is responsible for regulating pain is dysfunctional and now the central nervous system is transmitting pain inaccurately (Conde, 2015). Neurologists are working on various brain based treatment (e.g. yoga, easy going aerobic exercise, malic acid, melatonin, and magnesium) in treating the faulty brain (Conde, 2015).

The CNS is transmitting pain inaccurately.

Neurology

Substance ‘P’

Social Cognitive Theory

• The core concept of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) self-efficacy will be subject to the analytical determination of the individual’s ability to carry out decision to obtain a desirable outcome.

Resilience, Tenacity & Self-Efficacy

• The individual will develop a sense of resiliency, tenacity, & self-efficacy through mastery of experiences (Bandura, 2002). Bandura (2002) stated that a person can perform specific behaviors or execute decisions that will support a belief to reduce chronic pain and manage daily symptoms. Patients may experience failures before successes. Individuals are motivated by observing successes from others, which is one o the SCT concepts called “Observational Learning (McAlister et. al., 2008, p. 171).”

Criteria of College of Rheumatology 18 Possible Tender Point Pressure Test

Future DirectionsFuture directions are to focus on alternative treatments such as exercise, changing to a vegan diet, getting proper rest, stress management, and monthly deep fascia massages. Also learning how to be proactive versus reactive to Fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can be managed by your medical treatment team & using alternative treatments.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to…..Craig D. Perry, Husband, Supporter, Best FriendDr. Leann Stadtlander, Dissertation ChairDr. Bernardo de la Guardia, Cardiologist & SurgeonDr. Michael Newmark, NeurologistDr. Regenia Hicks, Moral SupportDr. Marianne Moore, Moral SupportMr. Steven Moore, NCC, LPC-S, Moral /Humor Support

Face of Fibromyalgia

I have Fibromyalgia & Multiple Sclerosis… This is my Journey….