It causes pain, chronic fatigue and even headaches, but many doctors are still unsure how to help patients.
WSVN — Michele Bellisari is a busy realtor. She’s always on the go, but two years ago something changed.
Michele Bellisari: “I had chronic fatigue and I had pain. It was from about the waist down and it was constant.”
The pain was so bad she couldn’t get a good night’s sleep.
Michele Bellisari: “It was like I had a ton of bricks on me from the moment I got up in the morning.”
A doctor told her she had Fibromyalgia, but offered little relief.
Michele Bellisari: “It was frustrating not to get any answers on how to get rid of it.”
Dr. Jeffrey Loomer, a Board Certified Rheumatologist based in Arizona, has been studying and treating patients with Fibromyalgia for over 20 years.
Dr. Jeffrey Loomer: “Fibromyalgia is basically a syndrome, and a syndrome is a constellation of multiple different types of symptoms.”
Dr. Loomer says most patients complain of chronic fatigue, muscle pain, poor memory and concentration, and that’s not all.
Dr. Jeffrey Loomer: “Headaches, irritable bowel, bladder irritability and sometimes tingling and numbness in the extremities.”
The one thing all Fibromyalgia patients have in common…
Dr. Jeffrey Loomer: “They don’t get a good restful sleep.”
Dr. Loomer says because the syndrome can be difficult to treat, many patients like Michele can’t find the help they need.
Dr. Jeffrey Loomer: “So you have this orphan condition which has nowhere to go.”
That’s why he wrote a book called “Fibromyalgia And Other Chronic Painful Conditions Second Edition: The Patient’s Guide And Survival Manual For Obtaining Proper And Effective Medical Care” to help those dealing with Fibromyalgia.
Dr. Jeffrey Loomer: “I have found that the first thing that needs to be done is to stabilize the sleep process.”
Dr. Loomer recommends an over the counter sleep aid to get back on a proper schedule. He says it’s about breaking the cycle of fatigue and pain.
Dr. Jeffrey Loomer: “If you look at the Fibromyalgia patient, they’re kind of on a merry go round that doesn’t stop. It’s the same thing over and over.”
Michele started taking supplements to reduce inflammation. She also cut back on gluten and sugar in her diet. She added relaxation techniques like meditation and acupuncture. Now she takes acetaminophen before bed for pain.
Michele Bellisari: “I felt a noticeable difference within a week or so, which was a big deal.”
Now she sleeps better and has more energy. She wants others to know there is hope out there. You just have to find what works for you.
Michele Bellisari: “If you don’t like the answer you’re getting, move along until you find somebody who gets it.”
Dr. Loomer says regular exercise can also help. But most patients will have to be on some type of medication regimen.
For More Information:
National Fibromyalgia Association:
www.fmaware.org
Fibromyalgia & Other Chronic Painful Conditions
Dr. Jeffrey B. Loomer
www.amazon.com
https://www.facebook.com/FLFMCPN