by Michele Hriciso

Created on: February 27, 2009

When attempting to determine if fibromyalgia causes permanent damage, it is first necessary to ascertain what type of damage you're talking about.

If you're talking about the physical realm, the damage can be lasting but is not permanent and usually fluctuates. As of this writing in 2009, there are now FDA-approved medications (Cymbalta and Lyrica) which offer hope for a lot of people who have previously suffered from fibromyalgia pain, as well as Lidocaine patches that ease pain in particular trouble spots. There are non-drug therapies such as a TENS unit, yoga and even light strength training that help. Even those diagnosed who are in relatively good condition will still have some fibromyalgia pain from time to time.

In the financial realm, my experience with fibromyalgia has damaged my bank account. Therapies that work cost money. I am on four medications that help ease my fibromyalgia symptoms directly or indirectly. I have a TENS unit which requires electrodes that sometimes need replacing, and I also see a chiropractor at least once a month. Even with excellent insurance coverage, I shell out a good portion of my "disposable" income on items that are essential to the management of my fibromyalgia. Fortunately, I am still able to work; some people with fibromyalgia can't, and this can be financially devastating if a suitable job or disability assistance cannot be obtained.

Damage to the fibromyalgia patient's self-esteem can be permanent if steps are not taken to accommodate one's level of disability at any given time.

I find it hard to tell people I can't participate in some activity, so I do it anyway and pay for it with three or four days of higher-than-normal pain (or a week's worth in the case of a recent conference I wanted to attend).

I want to be the mom who can get down on the floor and play with my baby, but I know I can't, so I sit on the couch and let him bring his toys to me.

It gets difficult to be the person always saying "I can't do that" when someone in my family wants to go out and have fun. I wonder how hard it will be when my son gets older and wants me to go to his activities; will I be able to go, and if I can't, will he understand how much Mommy wants to be there?

To keep the doubts from damaging me, I do my very best to go to work every day, to go to the events I know I can handle and to plan ahead with extra rest in advance of the ones I'm not sure about.

I plan everything that it's possible to plan in advance, and take supplies along to minimize the pain along the way. I am the only woman I know who carries an emergency Lidocaine patch and a portable TENS unit in her purse. I never go anywhere without muscle relaxers. I am a pain in the butt to travel with, but if I can have my pain under control I'm a bit more fun to be around.

The best way to keep your pain from causing pain for others is to communicate with them, and it's best to do that when feelings have not just been hurt. Talk to your loved ones in advance so that they can try to understand that you don't mean to hurt them if you have to cancel at the last minute.

Fibromyalgia can hurt more than your body if it is not properly managed with those around you. Take the time to protect your relationships as well as your body, and the damage will be minimized.

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