Shelly, Hope this helps Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is a chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms) characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. It is not contagious, and recent studies suggest that people with fibromyalgia may be genetically predisposed[1]. It affects more females than males, with a ratio of 9:1 by ACR (American College of Rheumatology) criteria[2]. Fibromyalgia is seen in 3% to 6% of the general population, and is most commonly diagnosed in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50. Because the nature of fibromyalgia is not well understood, some physicians believe that it may be psychosomatic or psychogenic[3]. Symptoms The defining symptoms of fibromyalgia are chronic, widespread pain and tenderness to light touch. Those affected may also experience heightened sensitivity of the skin (also called allodynia), tingling of the skin (often needle-like), achiness in the muscle tissues, prolonged muscle spasms, weakness in the limbs, and nerve pain. Chronic sleep disturbances are also characteristic of fibromyalgia, and some studies suggest that these sleep disturbances are the result of a sleep disorder called alpha-delta sleep , a condition in which deep sleep (associated with delta EEG waves) is frequently interrupted by bursts of brain activity similar to wakefulness (i.e. alpha waves). Deeper stages of sleep (stages 3 &4) are often dramatically reduced. In addition, many patients experience cognitive dysfunction (known as "brain fog" or "fibrofog"), which may be characterized by impaired concentration and short-term memory consolidation, impaired speed of performance, inability to multi-task, and cognitive overload [6]. Many experts suspect that "brain fog" is directly related to the sleep disturbances experienced by sufferers of fibromyalgia. However, the relationship has not been strictly established. Other symptoms often attributed to fibromyalgia (possibly due to another comorbid disorder) may include Myofascial pain syndrome, chronic paresthesia, physical fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, genitourinary symptoms (such as those associated with the chronic bladder condition interstitial cystitis), dermatological disorders, headaches, myoclonic twitches, and symptomatic hypoglycemia. Although it is common in people with fibromyalgia for pain to be widespread, it may also be localized in areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, hips, or other areas. Many sufferers also experience varying degrees of temporomandibular joint disorder. Not all patients have all symptoms Kathleen

Good for you April....isn't it great to lose. Have a great weekend.... Love, Joan

Well, with as slow as things are this week...I hope to lose 5lbs by then...would love 8-10 but don't think that will happen. Keep up the good work everyone here!!! Anniversary Month fast approaching!!! Love in Him, Joan M

I would like to be 170 by April 1. That is 10 pounds. Seemed so much easier to do months ago. We could do that in a week or two. Now it takes us a month and a half! Oh well, keep on trucking!

What is Fibromyalgia? What are the symptoms. I have been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Shelly