Introduction Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues. One of the most frustrating and misunderstood symptoms of fibromyalgia is post-exertional malaise (PEM)—a worsening of symptoms after even minor physical or mental exertion. Unlike the normal muscle soreness or fatigue that people experience after exercise, PEM in fibromyalgia leads to extreme exhaustion, pain flare-ups, and…
What You Need to Know About Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Challenges, and Daily Life Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. First described in 1815 by William Balfour, a surgeon at the University of Edinburgh, it has also been called chronic rheumatism, myalgia, or fibrosis. Unlike many diseases, fibromyalgia is a syndrome, meaning it has no single known…
I’ve read countless articles, many on The Mighty, about the struggle of having an invisible illness and the way other people judge the “validity” of people’s conditions. I’ve also read about people who aren’t taken seriously when they express their most intimate, dark thoughts to family, professionals, and friends. I’m a psychologist. Not too long ago I was reunited with many other mental…
While living with BPD presents a unique set of challenges, it’s essential to recognize that people with this disorder can possess hidden strengths and capabilities that can contribute to personal growth, especially once the decision has been made to undergo treatment. In this article, we explore six of the lesser-known positive aspects of having Borderline Personality Disorder. 1. Heightened Empathy and Sensitivity People with…
In my experience as a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD), my condition can sometimes feel like a special power. Like when I engage with someone I can immediately sense how they’re feeling. iI is much more noticeable when they’re upset or trying to hide their feelings. This generally means that people trust and like to talk to me, because…
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and sensory sensitivity. While the exact cause remains elusive, researchers have identified numerous risk markers that may contribute to its development. Among these is hypermobility of joints, a trait often overlooked in routine evaluations but increasingly recognized as a predisposing factor for fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes. This article…
I can’t remember the last time I went on a date. My Hinge profile is set to “paused,” which means it’s undiscoverable to potential new matches. I have my reasons for taking a break from dating. For example: I’m focusing on myself. I want to be the most confident version of myself before I put myself out there. A pandemic.…
Fibromyalgia Symptoms, One of the more unique areas in Fibromyalgia is the presence of tender areas around the fibro body. This represents itself in the soft tissue, and some areas are just more vulnerable to this, including the neck, head, upper trapezius area, arms, lower back, and knees. If you ever watch my interactive videos, this is one topic I…
Understanding Fibromyalgia Flare-Ups Fibromyalgia doesn’t follow a predictable path. Some days feel manageable, others like a storm rolling in without warning. Flare-ups are periods where symptoms worsen dramatically, sometimes without a clear trigger. These episodes can last for hours, days, or even weeks, disrupting every aspect of your life. Stress, weather changes, poor sleep, infections, or even overexertion can ignite a flare. Knowing what…
Editor’s note: Any medical information included is based on a personal experience. For questions or concerns regarding health, please consult a doctor or medical professional. Fibromyalgia is a chronic illness most commonly known for causing widespread pain, fatigue and brain fog. However, the disease is complex – it can cause a multitude of symptoms and is often accompanied by comorbid conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or chronic fatigue syndrome. Since…