Pain can move
The pain may not always be in exactly the same place. Describe where it started, where it moves and what makes it worse.
Fibromyalgia · recognise
Pain that is everywhere, and yet nowhere to be found
Fibromyalgia is not recognised by one place that hurts, but by a combination of widespread pain, exhaustion and a body that no longer responds predictably.
Important in advance: this page will help you start the conversation prepare with your doctor. It's not a diagnosis. Widespread pain can also have other causes, which should first be ruled out by a doctor.
The characteristics
What often occurs together
Not every characteristic has to be correct, but together they form a recognizable picture.
💀 Widespread pain
Above and below the waist, on both sides of the body, lasting at least 3 months. Often aching, burning, stabbing or throbbing in nature.
🎵 Morning stiffness
Muscles and joints that feel extremely stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting still for a long time.
😴 Persistent, exhausting fatigue
For many people, even harder to live with than the pain itself, partly due to poorer sleep due to the pain.
🧠 'Fibro fog'
Concentration and memory problems that make work and daily functioning even more difficult.
✋ Hypersensitivity to touch
Even light touch or pressure can be experienced as painful, a sign of hypersensitivity of the nervous system.
😈 Often together with other symptoms
IBS-like intestinal symptoms, headaches and mood symptoms regularly occur together with fibromyalgia.
🏎 Need immediate help?
In case of immediate danger to yourself or someone else: call 112. Are you in distress or are you thinking about suicide? You can call or chat with 113 Suicide Prevention day and night via 0800-0113. Zorgfuik is not a crisis service and cannot solve acute requests for help, but we think it is important that you know where you can go.
Recognising
Look especially at the combination and the course
Fibromyalgia is not recognised through one simple measurement. It is often the combination of pain, poor recovery, sleep problems, concentration problems and the way symptoms keep returning that matters.
Sleep may not restore
Someone can sleep and still wake up exhausted. That pattern is important to mention.
Thinking can cost more effort
Concentration, memory and overstimulation can be part of the burden, even when they are less visible.
Other complaints count too
Gut problems, headaches or sensitivity to stimuli can influence daily life and should not be brushed aside.
When to discuss these symptoms with your GP
Make an appointment if pain, fatigue or sleep problems keep limiting daily life, or if you feel you are only being sent from test to test. A GP can look at possible explanations and discuss referral when needed.
What you can write down beforehand
- Where pain occurs and how long it has been present.
- What changed in sleep, energy, work or family life.
- Which tests, treatments or explanations you already had.
- What question you want answered in the next appointment.
Reliable explanation and help
Zorgfuik does not diagnose fibromyalgia. Use professional sources and discuss your own symptoms with a healthcare professional.
Sources
Reliable explanation and help
- Thuisarts: fibromyalgie - explanation about symptoms, examination and living with fibromyalgia.
- FES, patiëntenvereniging fibromyalgie - information, advocacy and support for people with fibromyalgia.
Map your situation
Is recognition or diagnosis taking a long time?
Answer a few questions. You do not get a diagnosis or advice, but you do get points and questions you can take into a next conversation.