It is NOT considered *progressive,* which means that it gets worse to the point that it eventually causes death, but it does get worse in most fibro patient's opinions.

This is one thing I have never understood because no it does not cause death but it does cause many other organs to act up. In addition, it can disable many of us. So in my opinion it does progress over time and in some never gets better just worse. Sometimes the disabling is worse than death because it robs us of our lives.

There are times when it can get better, i was to the point where i could not work but after about three years, some acupunture treatments and lots of stress reduction i was able to re-enter the job force. In my opinion and only my opinion a lot of fibromyalgia is triggered by a cataclysmic event in our lives which leads to an adrenal burnout that helps to screw us up. Depression was a big part for me and a lot of stress. Everyone is different. What works for one might not work for another. There is always hope of recuperating. It's not back to 100% by any means, but Iam somewhat better. Some days good. I can't say that it gets worse with time but this has been my experience.Blessings.

This is a very individual question coz of how fibro affects people so differently. That is why there is no set treatment for us all, meds are a nightmare as again we are all affected differently. About a 18 mnths ago I was much worse physically than I am now, several years ago I was a lot worse mentally than I am now coz of the severe depression I was going thru. Now everything seems to, sort of, have balanced out. I still get depression coz of my physical health and the never ending trips to the docs, the taking of meds, never knowing how I'm gonna be day to day and all that jazz that you all go thru. I also know that next week I could be worse as flares come and go and last any length of time, so although it is said that fibro is not life threatening, I think the unpredictable and disabling nature of fibro and how it can affect the other systems in our bodies makes it progressive. Take care my friends, hugs Owlxx ps I hope that all made sense, I fear another foggy time approaching, I'm trying to ignore it!!LOL hoot hoot!!

I have read by alot of awesome members here that fibro does not progress, but in my case, and according to my rheumo fibro does progress. I am in much worse shape than i was 3 years ago, even 6 months ago my pain is worse.

I am now having pain that i have never experienced before, it is hard for me to explain this pain and what it feels like but if its part of fibro im not likin it. It is alot worse than the fibro pain ive been dealing with the last few years. Something else that makes me believe fibro gets worse is that I used to be able to go shopping, go out with friends, etc. I simply cannot do that anymore. I cannot handle the pain the next day. I go to work, come home. Once i am home, this is where i stay. I also am working at home, but even grocery shopping is something i put off and off, things like that never bothered me before. I never went up to my room on a really bad day and just lay in bed all day, never. In the last 8 months it happens way more than id like to admit. Simply because the pain is so bad I just want to sleep.
Since fibro is being more recognized i hope they find more great info for us that is helpful.

I got Fibro 16 years ago. For
several years I just had pain in my back & neck. I was tired but not extremely so. I could still walk, take care of the house & kids, drive
fairly long distances. Now I am housebound most days and bedbound some days. I can still walk but nowhere near as far, driving hurts too much, the pain is all over now & the fatigue is often overwhelming. It sure is progressive!

This is an individual thing I think. I personally can't quite decide if my pain is worse, or if I am not dealing with it as well as i could be. Maybe because i am more tired and run down becuase of the pain, I am not in a mentally good place to be handling it. And maybe I am becoming used to certain meds and it is time to change again. I sure hope it doesn't get worse.

I don't think it really peaks -- it is by nature an illness that goes through phases. Sometimes you can feel fairly well -- able to function and deal with the pain without too much difficulty. Other times you may experience flares which can be absolutely miserable. You ache horribly and you are so exhausted that you feel non-functional. You may be going through a flare period that is making you feel worse and worse. Mine can last for only a day or two, or if I have been ill, or I am going through something very difficult and stressful in my life it can last much longer. Also, if you have been newly diagnosed, it may take time to find some meds and other treatments that help you. I will say that my doctor has said that some meds may work for a while and then stop working as effectively, so you might need to consider that if things don't improve and you have already been on a medication treatment. Otherwise, you may just be going through a rough phase and it will settle down eventually. In the meantime listen to your body because it may need extra rest. Good luck. It is a challenge to live with this disease. I hope you will feel better shortly and that the reprieve will last a long time for you!

I would like to add that in my previous comment I said that if something stressful is going on in my life my symptoms can get worse. Please understand that I am not saying that those would be the only times when a flare can manifest and last. I only used that as an example, but you can be doing all the same things as usual and go into a flare period that lasts too. Just wanted to clarify that because I certainly didn't want to imply that those would be the only times the disease can worsen.

I agree that we have flares that make things worse that can get better, but after having this for 14 years or more, I know I am worse than at first. When I first started having problems, the only areas that hurt really badly were my neck and shoulders with frequent headaches. I never had hand, arm, leg, or foot pain. I only had low back pain and hip pain occassionally. Now every area of my body hurts at one time or another. If that isn't progressive or worse, then how would you characterize it?