|
A. TITLE OF PRESENTATION: “Fibromyalgia: You Can’t See what I Feel!” B. ABSTRACT: Approximately 2% to 5% of the population is struggling with a condition known as “Fibromyalgia”. Presently there is no known cure nor is there one identifiable cause. Suffers “look” healthy but complain of various symptoms: the primary one being “pain”. Understanding the physical and psychological components of Fibromyalgia can help healthcare professionals better treat their patients and dispel the notion that “It is just all in their heads”. C. LEARNER OBJECTIVES - What is Fibromyalgia and who gets it? - Possible causes of Fibromyalgia - Fibromyalgia verses Chronic Fatigue - Mainsteam medical treatment model - Some alternative treatment models - What people with Fibromyalgia are saying D. DESCRIPTION “Fibromyalgia” is a word that comes from the Latin word “fibro” meaning fibrous tissue, “my” meaning muscles and “algia” meaning pain. There seems to be a growing epidemic of suffers worldwide. Women are diagnosed more frequently than men. Even though pain is the primary symptom, other secondary symptoms may include but are not exclusive to problems sleeping, difficulties concentrating, and struggles with extreme fatigue. Currently there is no one known cause. Some researchers speculate possible causes ranging from genetics, trauma, and infections as well as autoimmune, biochemical and neurobiological mechanisms. Even with these findings there are still medical professionals who dismiss it purely as a “psychological disorder” because there is not a concrete “test” to verify its existence. Sadly the impact of this reality weighs heavily on persons with the condition. They often suffer with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and feelings of worthlessness because of lack of affirmation and understanding. This presentation hopes to shed some light on what fibromyalgia really is and current traditional and non-traditional approaches to treating it. The presenter also will include information provided by members of an online fibromyalgia support group. Such members vary in age, sex, and number of associated symptoms. The presenter and the forum members hope to see this as an opportunity to educate others: especially healthcare professionals who might encounter clients with fibromyalgia in their practice. Others might benefit who have friends or family members with this syndrome. The presenter herself has fibromyalgia. E. BIBLIOGRAPHY Ok all this is as far as I've gotten. Any feedback????? |
