Fibromyalgia Support Group

You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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chronic fatigue

4everyoung1
4everyoung1

Another quick question - every since my diagnosis of fibro many years ago, I always ask my dr. is chronic fatigue part of it or it's own thing. Any of your responses would be appreciated.  :)


Thank you !!  oxox  Penni 

Fantod
Fantod
Fatigue is associated with Fibromyalgia. It can be pretty debilitating. Between dealing with chronic pain and sleep disruptions most of us are exhausted pretty much all of the time. Chronic fatigue patients are flat out unable to function so I would say no.

If you have not had a sleep study done, that is something that you should consider. Managing the sleep issues that accompany Fibromyalgia is critical.
beclinkay
beclinkay
I agree with Fantod on all of the above. Yes, I’m tired from lack of sleep, but not able get out of bed or function is more CFS.
ItsJustMe2012
ItsJustMe2012
Fibro affects your ability to get into REM sleep.

Do you take medication before bedtime to help with sleep ? Elavil (Amitriptyline) before bedtime is one of the drugs commonly prescribed to help with sleep and pain. Unfortunately, patients build up a tolerance and the dosage has to be increased the longer you take it. You probably need to talk to your doctor about a medication to help you sleep
Community LeaderLeo
Leo
Same as all of the above. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibro are often lumped together under an umbrella diagnosis by a few doctors, but can be distinct from one another, and are noted as such in the diagnostic manuals.

The best treatment is nutrition and rest, in my personal experience of it. Get those levels checked. A little Iron with B vitamins can do a lot even if you eat very healthy ----- sometimes, our bodies don't absorb as swell when we're "down", as I was.

The main distinction seems to be this: Is fatigue the main symptom or pain? If fatigue, then they'll go for CFS. If pain, then fibro. Yeah, I know, not exactly a brilliant distinction to use, but it's what they use.

This pamphlet from Cleveland Clinic offers a (somewhat trite) but useful overview. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-you-always-tired-and-achy/
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