I did a poll of sorts on Yahoo answers asking people if they thought Fibromyalgia was real or fake and I didn't tell them I have Fibro. Here are the results.

1.real

2.I havehad it for 16 years, diagnosed by a rheumatologist.
I aalso have the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that often goes along with it. There is a LOT of information on line about it. No need for me to go into detail, when you can read it there.

I will only tell you it is extremely painful, 24/7; it feels like your muscles are tearing away from all your bones

3.I was wondering recently if I had that. Quite often I have symptoms that seem to resemble it - which is not good. I really don't want to go to the doctor though. Hopefully it's a less severe case.

I think if fibromyalgia has been defined as a disease, and they have medicine for it, then it is most likely "real". We can't really judge what other people are going thru - just because we don't feel pain doesn't mean other people don't feel pain. It would be very insensitive to imply otherwise

4.Fibromyalgia has not been prooven to exists medically, however, I believe that this condition may result from an initial chronic pain, usually lower back pain, and follow with symptoms of depression and reduced serotonin levels, causing either further depression. I believe that the initial chronic pain trigger causes the perception of increased pain, phantom pain, or over exaggerated pain throughout the body. There is no doubt that this condition is REAL, but I think there is also a Strong mental component to this is well. Interestingly, there has never been a study performed, that I'm aware of, to see if a placebo (sugar pill) would help those who suffer from chronic pain. The placebo effect is very real and very strong. Just as a sugar pill can make a headache go away, a person can convince themselves that they are hurting all the time, especially if they had a chronic injury beforehand and fall deeper into depression thinking "when will I ever feel better."

5.Very real, Real pain. hurts to lay down, to walk, to sit. My sister has it. she is only 33 years old, Many times she has to have a bucket at the side of her bed. Before she was dx'ed, many doctors thought she was "Med seeking"

To the young lady who thinks she may have it, you cannot be dx'ed unless you have you pain documented over a period of time. The longer you put if off, the longer you have to be dx'ed. Express your feelings to your doctor, and make them pay attention.

6.I think it is real but I believe your mental health can play a role in it. Lack of sleep, and depression are known to make it much worse. I think some people hide behind an illness for attention or an excuse but, we are not the judge. I am sure it is real but I think with healthy eating, vitimans, and a good sleeping pattern, it could be greatly improved. Also, I belive modivation plays a factor. Just being honest.

7.Absolutely real

8.It is very real-I have lived with it at least since I was 5-
I loved sports, but could never keep up

A study was just reported in the current FMAWARE magazine that found a small loss of brain matter in FMS-that helps prove it is real

9.Very real.

I don't know how anyone can possibly doubt it. Being in so much pain and being so fatigued isn't something anyone could pretend or make up.

10.Yes, I think it is real. Many people do not doubt that the people who are diagnosed with fibromyalgia hurt. The thing alot of people think is it's just a doctor's way of saying "I can't find anything else wrong with you." Since there is no proven answer to this question there is no definite answer. But, I do think that it's real. It hurts to get out of bed, it hurts to walk long distances, it hurts when people play too rough. It hurts all the time. Yes, my opinion is bias because I have it. My doctor has explained to his opinion on it and I think he is right. He told me it's almost as if the nerves in your body do not process pain correctly. I think that's a good explanation. Yes, things like exercise and good diets help out alot. But I don't think that has caused the disease.

11.Its an artifact brought upon by well meant doctors.,
The bad combination of chronic depression, plus chronic articular pain, is the ideal artifact. (unfortunate group of signs and symptoms), however, NOT a disease per se.
The pain, and discomfort in the muscular attachments (not the muscles themselves), are typical, and nobody doubts the intensity nor the amounts on points that are the source of such pain...
Its far more common in females, and especially those with a family history of arthritis and depression.
An example on a non existing disease as such (a doctor)

12.it's real

13.real my aunt has it

14.Very real !

15.Real

16.Real, I know someone who has it.

17.Very real. There are certain markers which determine it's presence.

18.Real, I have it, and it's painfull, you hurt all the time.

19.real
bizarre, but real

20.How do you prove depression-at one time there was no proof on MS-are those fake-no-

FMS Is not fake-

there are observable signs and symptoms-and theories of concrete tests are being explored.

An article was written in the FMAWARE magazine that said it has been shown that there is a small loss of brain matter in FMS-

if that is not real, I don't know what is

21.Not trying to be mean, and I've enjoyed answering your questions. But screw all of you people who think it's fake! We, meaning sufferers of Fibromyalgia, hurt everyday. No medical proof? There is a big difference between proof and just not knowing why it happens. THAT is the problem. The problem is doctors do not understand why it happens. Fibromyalgia is very real. Why else would we hurt constantly? How about you waking up everyday with a headache, or a backache, or your knees hurting, and THEN try and tell me it isn't real!!!

22.fake
no medical proof of disease

23.Fake because I dont see any proof to back it up.

24.Mommy says it is real, but I'm not sure. I think it's in peoples' heads most of the time, like it starts with an attention thing and then it just like keeps going. But I don't know that much about it and my mom went to nursing school so she would know these things!