Fibromyalgia: How to Manage Chronic Pain

An estimated 4 million Americans are affected by fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition that can be difficult to diagnose and describe.

To raise awareness about this condition, The Doctors welcome Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, Pfizer’s Senior Medical Advisor, and Vicky who has had chronic pain for over 20 years and when her rheumatologist diagnosed her with fibromyalgia, she says it was "life-changing."

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[raleighamelia]

I am 19 and I feel like a crippled old woman with this condition. I’m still struggling to deal with the pain and it has prevented me from doing what I love. I have had this pain since I was 13 and my doctors would tell me it was growing pains, but it didn’t feel right. I only just got diagnosed last year after i went to the hospital multiple times and went to many different doctors to figure it out.

[senschic]

I was diagnosed in June of 2020. Still trying to figure out what works for me. Hugs to everyone that is struggling with this terrible chronic illness.

[tishchaney]

I was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia a year after being diagnosed with Hashimotos disease. I’m glad you touched on this. I just wish there was more that could be done to help those of us living with chimichanga pain...after a while it really wears on you mentally and emotionally.

[ashleyellis]

I have fibromyalgia and unfortunately when im in pain my family thinks it's not serious because im only 31. Im in pain day to day i cry i have trouble sleeping. I really want to direct my family to this video so they can see im not the only one in pain and going through this!

[sfservice]

I've had fibromyalgia since 2005. I always liken it to having a pain switch. I suddenly get pain flare-ups that can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and all of a sudden it's like someone flipped the switch and the pain is gone. Regular exercise has greatly decreased my fibromyalgia pain flare-ups.

[freddiefred]

having have it for 34 years she only touched on all the symptoms, barely touched on them, it can be much worse than she thinks or mentions. The person that actually suffers from something is the true expert.

[Sherraysmiles]

I have fibromyalgia and it has completely stopped my life. I feel like I'm a very old crippled woman, I'm only 46. I'm in pain daily and the stiffness makes it difficult for me to do things outside the house. Working is extremely difficult but I I have to work. I pray that one day there's a pill or injection to cure this pain completely.

[thing]

Who else looked a the comments before watching the video.

[mellowminty]

i was diagnosed with fibro when i was 17, i'll be 23 soon. the severity of pain and the loss of ability to focus are incredibly adept at putting your life on pause. i don't really have much of a life at this point.

and the tenderness ... people can't even give me a damn hug without hurting me. people barely touch me and its like they started stoning me.

[Goby_man]

Every damn time I hear it cant be cured... it brings tears to my eyes...

[elizabethZ]

I'm glad they discussed this topic, particularly the connection between gut bacteria. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and lupus. My symptoms have improved by 90% ever since I switched to a plant-based diet.

[ilyssalieberman]

I’m 17 years old and I suffer from chronic pain. We don’t know what caused it but I’m in constant pain all the time. Any advice to lessen it?

[RBat]

And a problem was as my medical test were negative my doctors started ignoring me about my concerns. It took me 10 years to get a diagnosis and to start getting treatment but I’m still miserable at this point

[shelia]

I’m only 29 and fibromyalgia symptoms have definitely crippled and depressed me. I can’t even get good pain meds because all the doctors in my town think most everyone abuses drugs which isnt true. I got some sort of virus and it triggered the fibro pain, my whole body’s feels like it’s on fire. Idk what else to do

[bsarlie]

I've had fibromyalgia for 27 years. Since I was 13 years old. I was undiagnosed for 23 years. I was partly to blame for this because when explaining my symptoms I didn't do a great job. My body was always sensitive and achy but because it was extremely intense in my hands I didn't consider the rest of my body to be in pain. I was chronically tense. My facial muscles, shoulders and even toes were always clenched . My worst years were between 13 and 19. I went for every test possible. Nothing was physically wrong with me. Eventually I learned to ignore the pain unless I had an extreme flair up. I also have digestive problems and fatigue. In 2017 I was also diagnosed with Bipolar II disorder. I was given Lamigtrone which not only helped with my Bipolar but improved my digestion and relaxed my tension. It also improved the pain I felt. Most of the flairups I experience now are when I'm experiencing intense stress and emotional problems. My hands are no longer as bad but My lower back is the problem.

[Wowls]

getting a fibro diagnosis when i was 22/23 honestly explained alot of odd health issues i had when i was younger, Though a majority of it started when i was 19

[pattilondon]

I have had fibromyalgia for 35 years, and I raised 2 children and worked a few hours at their school. It causes anxiety due t the pain I experience everyday. Hoping for a cure, but since I turn 71 this year I who knows. Also have IBS, fatigue, back problems, arthritis, and severe insomnia. I pray for people with chronic pain because they suffer every day.

[JupiterRising]

I was diagnosed it took over 30 years to get there and it is hell. No-one believes me even after a diagnosis. Ive lost freindships. Will there ever be a cure.

[jettsoma]

I just got through a 2 month flare up. The fatigue is more devastating than the pain, for me, anyway. As I get older (66) I often wonder if it’s something other than fibromyalgia, but so far, it isn’t. It’s frustrating and depressing.

[grannyevon]

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia last year in 2019.And I stay in Pain 24/24 😢😭everyday and I keep myself busy cause if I stop I will start to think about the pain 😢😭.And I don't keep myself away from my family or the people's that I know.I FEEL FOR EVERYONE'S THAT HAVE THIS 😢😭.I WISH I COULD TELL MY STORY ABOUT HOW I GOT LIKE THIS.I WISH THE BEST FOR ALL OF US THAT IS GOING THUR THIS BECAUSE IT IS NO! PICNIC.GOD BLESS